Looking for a mate, I suggested he try and get a "new" 2010 hardtail trail bike with decent kit at a knockdown price. Budget is probably gonna be about £1000. Rockshox or Fox [u]air[/u] forks, 120mm travel, SLX or XT drivetrain, proven geometry and handling, and no tatty kit (e.g. el cheapo hubs, wheels, brakes etc) to spoil the party.
I'm sure they are out there, but my Google searches aren't hitting the target. Can you recommend any shops/sites and models.
He's upgrading from a Carrera Kraken.
Cheers,
Tony
For a grand you say? Sod Hardtails. Look at the spec on this for the money
if he doesn't like it, swap the frame
Only 120mm bikes I can find at that price have RS recons:
Kona Buffer or Rocky Mountain UK Special Project
But i'd probably go down 20mm and go for this:
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2054
On-One website? or is that classed as tatty kit?
Ivantate - Not tatty. I'll have a look.
Are Rockshox Recon coil or air or both?
The Kraken geometry is pretty good isn't it? For his budget he'll likely end up with a very similar frame (as in hydroformed Aluminium from a big factory). (On-One excepted, but not sure if they hit all of your required specs).
How about sticking a groupset + brakes deal from Merlin (£420 for SLX 10 Speed) and a new Fork (Reba 120mm £320) and some Hope Hoops (£260ish?).
Then he's got an awesome base to build from when he can afford a really nice frame and spangly finishing bits.
How about sticking a groupset + brakes deal from Merlin (£420 for SLX 10 Speed) and a new Fork (Reba 120mm £320) and some Hope Hoops (£260ish?).Then he's got an awesome base to build from when he can afford a really nice frame and spangly finishing bits.
Thanks for the suggestion, but his Kraken got nicked (off a 2nd Storey Balcony FFS) - hence the search, and the opportunity to upgrade.
The hope is there is some LBS somewhere having a clearance sale on 2010 bikes that have good kit, but just won't sell when sat next to their 2011 models (or vendor is worried he can't sell his 2011 until 2010 is cleared off the shop floor).