That Sonder looks good, and isn't alot more than this
What do you guys think?
I own a Gen5 (i've had 3) and a Gen6. I can safely say the Gen5 is an awesome bike, funnily enough though i've got mine advertised at the same price (roughly) as that one. It's light at 13.5kg, it's fast with the right rubber. No real fault/issues. Only things people don't like are the knock-block headset and the Press-fit bottom bracket.
They do run a shock that's specific to them, but i've found a float X is incredible as a replacement, but their shock is perfectly fine if a little less plush.
If i were looking for a bike as an all rounder with that budget, you can't go wrong.
Don't suppose you're in Lancashire are you?
A bike shop near me have just got back to me with two options, what do you guys think,
Hi Patrick
We have a couple of options that keep you around your £2,000 price mark.
Firstly, we have the Giant Stance 29 1 in stock and you can see bike - RRP £2,399 now £1,799 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/stance-29-1-2022
Second, there is the Mondraker Raze which should be RRP £3,000 but is not £2,000. Whilst we don't have the alloy bike in stock, we do have the carbon version which you can see.
For information, both of the brands above are next level up to the ones you have seen and should they be of interest, you are welcome to call into the shop, have a look at the bikes and chat with the guys.
Many thanks
Get the Fuel EX8. You're now getting to the 'massively overthinking things' stage. Just pick a bike and buy it, it'll be ace. The Fuel is an excellent bike
Local bike shop just came up with these as an option
Hi Patrick
We have a couple of options that keep you around your £2,000 price mark.
Firstly, we have the Giant Stance 29 1 in stock and you can see bike - RRP £2,399 now £1,799 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/stance-29-1-2022
Second, there is the Mondraker Raze which should be RRP £3,000 but is not £2,000. Whilst we don't have the alloy bike in stock, we do have the carbon version which you can see.
For information, both of the brands above are next level up to the ones you have seen and should they be of interest, you are welcome to call into the shop, have a look at the bikes and chat with the guys.
Many thanks
Penny
Honestly, the Norco you spotted at LL would be so much better than those.
Or that GT Sensor if you wanna spend a bit less.
Giant as a brand from the 'next level up'? Nah, they're yanking your chain there. I wouldn't buy one - they're not the worst but no way would I say they're better than other brands mentioned so far here. Plus there's the whole Giant warranty shitfest (worth being aware of) that makes them a no-go brand for me. Also, I'd certainly not buy a 2022 model that they just so happen to have in stock, in your size, when it's only discounted by 25%.
I'd do you this for similar money as that Giant. Some might see it as a 'next level' brand but I won't claim that. Others might see it as proper fugly (a bit like me...).
both of the brands above are next level up to the ones you have seen
What a ridiculous statement.
Does seem a bit like BS, and just to add that Mondrakers are waaay overpriced to start with so discounted ones are not usually gonna be a bargain.
Second, there is the Mondraker Raze which should be RRP £3,000 but is not £2,000. Whilst we don't have the alloy bike in stock, we do have the carbon version which you can see.
I’ve got the carbon Raze and it’s just a fantastic bike. Check out Mike Ferrentino’s review on nsmb he sums up it’s versatility really well. I was looking at the alu ones before getting carried away and blowing the budget on the carbon one.
https://nsmb.com/articles/asesino-de-cajar/
I would not buy that Giant Stance - the geometry is a bit odd - massively long seat tubes that will limit droppers potentially.
Of all the bikes you’ve listed the Norco Fluid and a Trek Fuel Ex are both very decent mid travel trail bikes. I know someone with a Fluid and someone with a Fuel Ex and they’re both very happy with them. They pedal ok, aren’t too heavy but have decent modern trail geometry.
Ig you can get a good deal on either of those I’d do that.
The Orange you listed is crap components for the money. Whilst drivetrain isn’t everything, SRAM SX needs to get in the bin. The lowest SRAM I’d use is GX Eagle and the lowest Shimano would be Deore in 11 or 12 speed.
Probably too much bike for the OP but I would consider this at £1,000 delivered with the current coupon discount thing.
Might need to add some bits from current bike to finish it off though.
I’d not get the giant stance, the warranty thread here was awful and it has the flex stays at the rear that I’m sceptical about
but agree, don’t over think it, they’ll all be different shades of good, but what you fancy and ride. The trek would be the safest choice with probably one of the best resale values
Thank you all for your help, I have been and collected the trek fuel ex 8 and am a happy bunny as long as it doesn't fall apart!
Thank you again for all the analysis and kicking of my butt to actually do something!!
Cheers
Thank you all for your help, I have been and collected the trek fuel ex 8 and am a happy bunny as long as it doesn't fall apart!
Thank you again for all the analysis and kicking of my butt to actually do something!!
Cheers
Now, about that Float X shock I have here 😝😝
For a brand new first full suss on a budget I can't see further than this TBH https://calibrebicycles.com/bike/bossnut-3/ If you go 2nd hand then the world is your oyster but I haven't heard anything but good stuff on this bike.
*Edit* remember to read to the end John. Happy New Bike Padraigpost, I am sure you will love it. Now, tell me, why can't I delete my post? Imagine if I had said something really stupid and regretted it
I had looked at that loads but not been in stock, can't imagine why 😂