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Agreed that a hardtail is probably a more sensible choice for a first 'proper' mountain bike - mostly because it will make you a better rider in the long run.
Whatever you get just make sure you save enough of your budget for pedals, shoes, helmet, shorts, longs, jersey, jacket, gloves, lights, pump, tools, etc etc. You could be looking at well over £500 there...
Highly recommend Ed at Great Rock bike skills in Yorkshire so not too far from you.
Ok thanks Xiphin, I will look into that. By the way, this isn't my first bike. I've owned quite a few, just not a full suspension mountain bike. I can see that people might be a bit nonplussed, as I've not really given much information, but I'll try to give more as I learn more. I have learned that a bike with about 120mm travel should be perfect for my needs. And that I need something that will be comfortable all day, rather than super fast for races. If I make a mistake, it's my mistake. I won't 'lose' out on anything I buy, because I'll be riding the bike and having fun. and that's worth every penny I think.
How did you come to the conclusion 120mm was suitable for your needs? (Serious question...)
Best thread in ages....
OP, good luck in your new bike hunt. I don't want to get drawn into this '£2k' argument, but so you've got another bit of info, I bought a boardman FS pro a year ago and it has suited me perfectly on a variety of UK terrain. I've ridden it (often literally) into the ground and now feel suitably tooled up to go and buy something a bit beef-ier to suit the riding I like (DH style all-mountain with some big jumps and drops thown in). I'm not saying that's the right way, it's just the way I did it.
Whatever you get, enjoy it and post a picture 😀
p.s quotes like the below mean I'm not [i]certain[/i] you're a real person
stopped her just in time and have persuaded her that buying quality vintage furniture is a far better option
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And for that riding I'd stand by my Bandit recommendation, there are some deals on 2012 stock if you look hard, Plush Hill had a medium in reduced when I was there last.
Skills course = being taught properly how to ride a bike.
Yeah, yeah, i know. I [i]thought[/i] i knew how to ride a bike too, well, it turns out i didn't! Spend even a couple of hrs with a decent MTB coach (i.e. UKBikeSkills / Great Rock and plenty more. google will point you in their direction) and you'll be saying "Why didn't anyone tell me / show me that 20 years ago.........." 😉
thx1138 120-140 is the sweet spot for an all round bike, i personally ride a 160mm travel canyon strive for everything and have no problems, a lot of this forum is very partial to just regurgitating the crap that magazines pump out.
the only reason i would ever buy a hardtail is if i didn't have the funds to get a decent full suss.
there are far better places to ask advice about mountain bikes than here this is more a lifestyle forum for born again cyclists to discuss the next silly niche bike that has been deemed cool.
if i was buying from evans alone i'd go for one out of these few.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/trailfox-tf01-2011-mountain-bike-ec024705
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/sight-2-se-2012-mountain-bike-ec036901
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lapierre/zesty-214-2013-mountain-bike-ec043662
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lapierre/x-flow-412-2013-mountain-bike-ec043655
the BMC in particular is very, very good value.
Why do some people think 'a hardtail will be a more sensible choice'? I've already stated that I want a full suspension bike. I'm not looking to become an expert rider (like some of the people on here must be obviously), just to enjoy riding a bike off road. It will only really be ridden at weekends, and I won't be out on it all the time so I'd rather just have something that I feel comfortable riding.
Xiphon; looking at information on the internet suggests that a 120mm travel bike is a good all-rounder, so likely to be suited to my needs the best. I'd prefer to get a bike like this as I won't know what the trails are like everywhere I go.
eightyeight; she wanted to buy some afwful Heals chromed leg chairs; I persuaded her that looking around at vintage/reconditioned furniture would be a better option. And far cheaper too!
If I were you I would seriously consider this bike: http://m.evanscycles.com/products/norco/sight-2-se-2012-mountain-bike-ec036901
140mm travel will cover pretty much every type of riding you want to try, even a bit of DH when your skill level improves.
I got to try one lately and it was great. Unless your XC/DH racing this is a great "one" bike for any situation. And no I don't own one, couldn't justify it having a 160mm bike already.
b45her; those look great, thanks! The BMC does look extremely good value, but of course I'll have to have a little test to see what bike felt the best, regardless of what a bargain it might seem. Of course the more bikes i look at, the more confusing it gets! That's why I just want to go to a shop, get something that feels good, and keep things simple, or I could be looking for ever!
looking at information on the internet suggests that a 120mm travel bike is a good all-rounder, so likely to be suited to my needs the best. I'd prefer to get a bike like this as I won't know what the trails are like everywhere I go.
Given you won't know what the trails will be like everywhere, may I be so bold to suggest you might be better of with [i]more[/i] travel? You can always lock out for more XC stuff, while maintaining the ability to ride those Spanish hills your so keen on
^^^^ wise words in my opinion.
The reason that people reccommend hard tails is that the 1st 300mm of rear suspension is free and you learn you use it more effectively which means you can then manage on less travel on the frame. As a sweeping generalisation friends that have learnt on FS bikes tend to prefer longer travel bikes as they tend to have more rigid legs. Longer travel bikes are heavier and on the whole less efficient pedalling and IMO make for a less engaging ride on the majority of trails I ride.
see what i mean about regurgitating what mags say.
C'mon chaps, let's keep it civil....
FFS some people talk a load of BS on here,
After getting back into MTb 15 years ago (rode a rigid in my teens) I went straight to full sus and have had them ever since and only built a hardtail up a couple years ago for winter duties.
All this "hardtails will improve your skills" is a load of tosh. Full sus will give you the confidence push harder and the skills will follow.
Some good advice above but I would go for 140 as it covers most type's of riding in the uk and abroad.
My vote would be a specialized Stumpy as its a top handling bike and the big S customer service and warranty is second to non.
The Giant would come a close second.
well the guy specifically asked for advice on a £2000 ish full suspension bike and in typical STW fashion gets the usual buy a hardtail cos it gives you skillz bullplop.
why can't people on here answer a simple question?
All this "hardtails will improve your skills" is a load of tosh.
a hardtail cos it gives you skillz bullplop
I guess it varies from person to person, but in general they do. Much like riding with flat pedals will improve your skills over clips. You chaps might not agree with this (and that's ok) but that's the way it is.
Anyway, to the OP. You seem to have a rough idea of the kind of bike you're after. Take that knowledge to a friendly bike shop or two and see what tickles you.
Buy this
[url= http://www.justmountainbikes.co.uk/Item/Ghost13_AMRplus_7500 ]Ghost AMR Plus 7500[/url]
XT throughout,lightweight and versatile with 2position fox Talas fork and dropper post.
Msg me I might be able to do something with the price 😉
i must be awesome then because i regularly fly past these highly skilled hardtail riders as their wobbling down trails, do i get extra bonus hero points for doing it all while using my less skillful SPD peddles too?
Right b45her.. We get the message. You don't like hardtails, this is what a forum is all about. You ask a question, you get answers and opinions, some you like and some you don't.
The OP asked for advice and has had a number of different suggestions, some I agree with, some I don't. In my experience hardtails allow you to understand better how a bike handles and feels off road... Thus teaching you bike handling skills, and how to deal with different situations that occur whilst mountain biking. A FS can sometimes dull down the sensation of going to fast over a certain terrain that a riders skill may not be able to cope with.. Or give a rider a false senses of security and awesomeness.
FS bikes are quicker on the rough stuff for sure but it isn't all about how quickly you can "hang on" going downhill, it's about being in control of the bike, knowing what the bike is doing and how it is likely to react in any given situation and knowing what to do if you run out of skill on a tricky section... And that is better learned on a hardtail in alot of people's opinion (mine included). Then when the rider has a higher level of skill and bike handling ability they can rip the arse of a FS, smoke all of his/her riding buddies safe in the knowledge that they can handle a bike and ride it properly.
I ride a hardtail on SPD's.. So therefore I am significantly more awesomer than most.. ; )
As for the OP.. I personally think you should take the time to shop around and visit a few shops, research the market, speak to people, listen to what the experienced riders are saying.. After all you did ask for advice on a forum.. But your not really listening to it.
Bikes are a very personal choice, what one persons like, the other dislikes. Buy what is right for you.. If that happens to be a £2k FS then great but don't go buy one because your mate says that's what you need or must spend. The shops are equally full of over hyped and under specced guff as they are in bargaintastic under the radar gems.
Whatever you buy enjoy it and welcome to the world of constant upgrading and wanting!
Happy pedalling.
What kind of off-road vehicle has only one of two axles suspended?
A lame one.
Therefore full suspension is the way to go.
As it's been officially concluded, and everyone on STW also agrees, 29ers are the superior bike. This Cube ticks all the boxes and is still under £2k: http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/cube-ams0-pro-29-full-suspension-mountain-bike-id73727.html
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If you don't like the look, and looks are important too, just get this, the best non-29er full sus bike as voted for by most STW members:
http://www.breninbikes.co.uk/inc/sdetail/386/1052
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b45her - Member
i must be awesome then because i regularly fly past these highly skilled hardtail riders as their wobbling down trails, do i get extra bonus hero points for doing it all while using my less skillful SPD peddles too?
You are indeed awesome b45her, but you lose a couple of stars for not knowing the difference between speed and skill.
Only on STW could the words "and if you don't like the look of that bike, try this one" be followed by a pic of a five !!
Does the fact that I have a full rigid MTB in my collection make me even more skillful and rad then the HT boys? It's even got flats for extra man points. I'd like to add that it's got Thumbies which must make me even sickerer. I find that front suss flattens the trails and dulls the experiance 😉
Seriously though, I think the OP's getting somewhere near the answer he asked for. If it were me buying I'd be looking towards 140mm for an all-rounder (like my 5- Burn him!!) but 120mm will do the job. I'd also be looking further afield then Evans but the bikes from there that I and others have posted up will do a good job.
I actually do have a fully ridged MTB btw 😀
To update; went to a bike shop on Saturday, tried out more bikes than I could count, and ended up still insure of what to buy! They all felt ok, none were particularly bad. I got bored and in the end went for a Rocky Mountain Element:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rocky-mountain/element-50-2012-mountain-bike-ec033387
Some will be pleased to note that I haven't spent £2k, and I think it's an absolute bargain! I will be honest and say that the principle deciding factor was the colour scheme; a lot less garish than some of the other bikes. Shallow, I know, but it was one of the best in terms of 'feel'. Very comfortable and easy handling. Plus acceleration seemed quicker than some other designs; I don't know how much of this is down to design, but apparently this should translate to better climbing ability. My friend from Spain thinks I've made an excellent choice, and we're already discussing my next trip over there!
I also 'accidentally' bought a Specialized Sirrus carbon road bike too, simply because it is so nice and light. I took one for a test spin 'just to see how it felt', and it was amazing; I fell in love with it there and then!
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-limited-2013-hybrid-bike-ec042539
Having two bikes left me with a bit of a problem of how to get them home; thank heavens for London taxis! My wife laughed when I came in looking sheepish, and she's now demanded we spend a weekend soon furniture shopping. I have no idea when I'll actually be able to ride my new bikes though, as the weather's terrible and i'll be stuck down here in London for a few weeks doing various things, so I might book a long weekend somewhere a bit warmer.
Thanks for all the advice and help from folk here, it's been really useful and I'm sure I've been able to make a more informed choice as a result!
Does no one else suspect a king of all trolls?!
I'm not saying You are but you certainly have a whiff of it!
If you are, kudos to you!
If you are not, enjoy riding! I've got a sirrus for commuting, beautiful bike to ride!
Also you really should name your bikes, will help build a relationship.
Mystified why you would think me a 'troll'?
I loved the Sirrus (perhaps more than the Rocky Mountain even!). It just felt so effortless to ride, so smooth and well-balanced. A totally unnecessary purchase I'll admit, but one I'm very pleased with!
Classic trolling way of writing
the principle deciding factor was the colour scheme
Need I say more?!
My friend from Spain
I hope his name is Manuel?
I also 'accidentally' bought a Specialized Sirrus carbon road bike too
As one does, Your loaded, fine flaunting it is a tad antagonising for those not in your fortunate position 😉
as the weather's terrible
You've spent £1500 on a mountain bike, mountain biking is a sport enjoyed in all weathers! Don't be a fair weather rider!
I might book a long weekend somewhere a bit warmer.
Again, flaunting it ain't all cool.
All that said, you could be as genuine as they come, I'd hope you don't take to much offence from my suspicion's!
If your stuck in London, get on the sirrus and get as fit as possible, ready for the trails!
Also, go tubeless (google it!) and don't be afraid to adjust your bike, although you might feel fine on how it's currently set I guarantee small tweaks here and there can help you out ten fold!
Troll or not a troll.... still entertaining
Troll or not a troll.... still entertaining
😉 😀
Not sure my wife would laugh if i came home with 2 new bikes - mind you, I do have 3 already!!
I call troll..
If not then this statement makes you come across as a bit show off-ish..
" I got bored and in the end went for a Rocky Mountain Element"
I wish I could get bored spending £3100 in 1 visit to a bike shop. Then buying a Sirrus purely because it is nice and light... Then the furniture shopping comments, followed by the holiday comments.
A fool and his money.... As they say!
Enjoy riding the bikes under your bridge..
If not then this statement makes you come across as a bit show off-ish..
Why? I did also consider the bike as a whole, and the components seemed a little better than some of the other models, but yes, the colour was an important part of the decision making process. If I'm spending that much money, then why not get a bike which appeals aesthetically as well?
Seems that some people have made judgements about me based on scant information. I suspect some of it may be motivated by petty jealousy. I was asked what my budget was, I explained, then I'm accused of 'flaunting it'. Strange. Please don't judge me, because you don't know me or my situation at all.
All that said, you could be as genuine as they come, I'd hope you don't take to much offence from my suspicion's!
Not really, I'm just a bit bemused by your comments is all.
Petty jealousy it ain't mate..
But you go to a bike shop looking to spend £2k ish on a bike, then get bored looking.. I would have been like a kid in a sweet shop and I definitely would have visited more than 1 shop.
As is mentioned in alot of the replies it just seems you took "advice" (shoddy at best IMHO) from a mate in Spain after riding his bike off road, you couldn't remember what it was called so it can't have been that great. However if if was that great why not just buy that same bike? Or one from the same range that fits you budget?
I'm all up for bikes looking good, but going for the Rocky Mountain because you got bored is a cop out!
You may have considered the bike as a whole and I think it it a great looking bike and well specced.. But the statement is still a bit show off-ish.
And people may have made judgements about you based on scant information.. But that's because all you have was scant information.
We're different people, we have different views,
Petty jealousy? Not really, just been brought up in circumstances that make me appreciate the value of money and that not everyone wants to know about your finances, hence my flaunting it comment particularly when many people are struggling to make ends meat.
God damn your a good troll be intentionally or not!
thx1138 why not silence all the doubters by posting up a photo of you and your 2 new magnificent 'steeds' 😉
I think some people need to get over judging others they don't know.
Petty jealousy? Not really, just been brought up in circumstances that make me appreciate the value of money
And what makes you think I wasn't? So, because I spent quite a lot of money on two bikes, I'm 'flaunting it'? Have you not seen any of the other threads on this forum, about bikes, cars, hi-fi etc? There are loads of people spending loads more money than I have. Get over yourself and stop worrying about what others do with their money. I think this is more about 'you're just a newb therefore you haven't earned the right to have an expensive bike yet' really; if I was an 'experienced' mountain biker looking for advice on spending £3k+, I doubt I'd be subject to such judgemental behaviour.
As is mentioned in alot of the replies it just seems you took "advice" (shoddy at best IMHO) from a mate in Spain
I'll show him that comment. I imagine he'll be quite amused that his advice is seen as 'shoddy' by someone who's never met him.
And people may have made judgements about you based on scant information.. But that's because all you have was scant information.
If you make judgements based on scant information, then those judgments may well be ignorant and wrong.
thx1138 why not silence all the doubters by posting up a photo of you and your 2 new magnificent 'steeds'
Because I have no need to 'prove' anything to anyone else.
Thats right, you don't have to 'prove' anything but if it was me, and I was genuine, I'd sure as sh*t want to say 'na na n na na' to everyone doubting my integrity
Anyway, most people with shiny new kit can't wait to post up pics. As opposed to just adding links to the place where they 'bought' the bikes 😀
FFS enough of this 'Troll' rubbish. The guy bought a couple of bikes and didn't take some of the crap advice he was given. Get over it. Nice way to treat a newcomer. Good luck with the bikes, now get them dirty!!
Thanks nigelb001.
I vote troll
Good result. You got a bike you are happy. Simples.
FWIW I got back into biking a few years ago. I bought a cheap hard tail for £500 as so many recommended here. Rode it for 18 months and loved it. Saved up and got a FS in the end of model year sales - in my case a Lapierre Zesty so not unlike the Rocky Mountain you just bought.
I love that too. If I had bought that first without having had the hardtail I would still love it.
+1 to going on a skills day. It will help you get the most out of everything that follows. I'm going on one in the spring!
Have a blast. Try not to crash. And don't hate the haters.