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I've been browsing alot while trying to decide which type of 1st bike i'd like to buy.
Been deciding on Full or Front suspension and seems like Front suspension will be more suitable for the type of riding i'll be doing.
I'll be riding light trails, riding around country roads, singletrack and road use. 40-50+ miles. Am not looking to compete in races though
I've narrowed down some bikes but some are XC geometry and some are (trail) upright. Also 100mm travel and 120mm travel.
Specialized Stumpjumper (XC)
Specialized Rockhopper (Trail)
Scott Scale (XC)
Cube Ltd (XC)
Cube Attention (Trail)
Canyon Grand Canyon AL (Trail)
Giant XTC (XC)
Whyte 801 (Trail)
Boardman HT (Trail)
I want a bike under 12 - 12.5kg
My budget is £500 or cheaper. Am looking at used bikes as i can get more for my money. Nothing older then 2 years.
I dont need people telling me to go try these bikes out and see which i like as i'll be doing that anyway. Also am not interested in Carrera or GT bikes.
I just need your thoughts on XC vs Trail geometry and any recommendation/advice.
The Boardman seems to be the obvious choice but will 120mm be too much or should i go for something racey.
I think you answered your own question with this. You don't want to race so buy something thats going to have the most comfort over sheer arse in air arms down on bars type of ride. Personally I would go with a decent spec Rockhopper as they make a great all round bike and the gemotery is spot on for all round riding.
Don't fall too much into the marketing spiel trap. Trail Vs XC? All a bit much of the same no?
But as I do understand where you're coming from, personally unless you're planning on spending most of your time either racing short course XC, or on road, I'd buy a bike with slightly more relaxed geometry than old school steep angles, and probably with a 120mm fork rather than 100 just so it's a touch more versatile. Nothing's going to stop you racing it should you want to anyway!
Anyway, of the bikes you mention, my preference would be for the Whyte by some margin. Also check out the Genesis Core and Altitude bikes too.
I bought a Rockhopper back in 2004......7 years later its still going strong with some upgrades to brakes, fork, tyres, saddle, grips etc. Point being, buy best frame you can afford and just upgrade when things wear out or you can afford to.