Good Morning guys n gals. I'm new on here, been viewing for a while but thought I'd sign up and say hello.
I'm going through a bit of a crisis at the moment because I've lost the love for my current ride. We've been together since 2003 and sadly i think our love affair is over, I'm just not enjoying her company anymore.
We moved to London over 5 years a go and the change of location and work commitments have just altered the dynamics of our relationship. She is a 2003 Specialized Epic Comp (Brain Model) and I think our location, Wimbledon, is not enough to satisfy her front and rear end boingy bits.
We have agreed to go our separate ways and when she eventually packs up and leaves (Once she's been sold) I will be looking to fill the void with a hard tail.
I'm 6ft 1 and weigh roughly 16st (which drops to about 15st when I exercise regularly) and quite fancy a steel framed sweetie. I like the style of the usual suspects, Cotic Souls, Ragleys, Coves etc but I need the expert opinions from ya'll to point me in the right direction.
I need to know what size frame to get. Which bike will make for a good all rounder, I don't intend on staying in London forever and I don't want to limit my fun. Also is steel the right route to go or would I be better getting an off the peg ally framed bike?
Many thanks for reading my nonsense and for any help you can give me.
Hi, welcome. I'd recommend a 19" Cotic Soul or if you want something more compliant a Cove Handjob.
I had a 2007 P7 which I found heavy and unresponsive, very compliant though. I also demo'd the Cove Handjob which was somewhere between the two as regards feel.
Having owned aluminium hardtails including a Rock Lobster, Pace RC303 and a Stumpjumper I wouldn't recommend them as they have a very harsh ride compared to a 'good' steel frame.
Thanks for the reply. I have had ally hardtails, pre 2003 GTs, a Giant and a Marin but found these too stiff, hence my Epic Comp purchase. Lovely bike and after 8yrs of owning one bike, I have realised I am totally out of touch with modern bikes 🙂
I have an 'old' model Epic and to be fair it still rides really well.
It doesn't feel old at all though the suspension travel is a little shorter than more modern XC type fullys.
I have the S-Works frame & it is still very competitive weight wise for an alloy frame & all the bushings were recently replaced.
I wouldnt necessarily write the old thing off just for the sake of age..
Best hardtail I've had was the cove handjob, nice ride feel and good fun.
Are you just riding around Wimbledon? I don't know the area but I suspect its pretty limited. If you want to fall back in love with riding maybe you need to do a bit more riding in some more interesting places rather than buy a duller bike. Make some effort to do a few weekends away or day rides. There some decent riding just outside West London that will be ideal for the Epic.