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Does anyone have one? This bike fits my budget and I am considering one for a big trip in Maritime Alps ergo lots of climbing and lots of v long v technical descent. Would it be upto the job? Have limited budget so any suggestions of other potential bikes not to go over £1500 range at v most. Any light weight easy to carry full sus suggestions gratefully received too though appreciate £1500 budget here too.
Hey.
I'd definitely recommend a full-suss for that kind of riding - and it'd be worth looking at the second-hand market as you could end up with a cracker of a bike for that money. Though the Giant like Woody has recommended would do the job very nicely.
Up until a couple of months ago I was a die-hard Hardtail fan and even when my husband and I wnet to Spain on a riding holiday and everyone (including the guides) said to hire a full-suss I took my little ti HT. I rode everything (much to the surprise of the guides!) and had fun, but when I got home tried a full-suss (Orange Five) and absolutely loved it!
Big grin fun downhill (and super-confidence inspiring) and fast on the flat technical stuff too, which previously would be a bit harsh feeling and difficult to pedal over on a HT. And what surprised me most was that it climbed great too - sure I'm slower than on my HT but I can get up pretty much anything, which is a lot more satisfying. It's also more comfortable especially for day after day riding.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share that as I've been totally converted and know without a shadow of a doubt that I'd have had more fun in Spain on the Five than on my HT. I still ride a HT, but it's horses for courses and I reckon on a trip like that you'd be loving the full-suss - especially one with a slack-ish head angle and 120+ travel fork, it really is confidence inspiring.
At the very least, try and get a demo on a couple of full-suss bikes - that's whay I did (Trek EX8 and Orange Five and Diva).
Anyway, I'll have a quick look online and see what deals there are and post a few links.
Cheers!
BTW, how tall are you?
5' 5"
I love steel hardtails, but for that kind of riding I'd take my full-sus.
That Giant is superb value - and should be a very good bike if it's at all like my Trance or Reign.
Cool, that's an inch more than me. I test rode the Trek EX8 in a 15.5 which would probably be spot on for you. It's a shame that they've gone up in price this year, but I reckon you might be able to pick up a 2009 one within your budget or an even cheaper ex-demo (worth asking on here). [url= http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek_fuel_ex_8_wsd_.html ]Pedalon[/url] have got one in a 17.5 for only £1375 but probably a bit big...
I'd have thought the Trek would be perfect for your sort of riding though as it's very light for the price (and upgradable to be even lighter in the future) has a very good value spec and climbs very well indeed. A good all-rounder.
Lots of poeple on here have them and rate them highly, so if you're interested why not start a new thread? If you do get tempted, the WSD one is exactly the same as the men's just with different saddle, grips and paint - so bear that in mind while looking for one in a sale.
But yeah, as the others say, for that money the Giant looks ace as well!
Oh and just noticed it has the 15QR - If it were me, I'd actually go for that!
Genesis Altitude is an excellent bike, can wholeheartedly recommend them as I have one and love it.
However, for riding in the Alps, even uphill involved, I'd take a full suspension bike every time as others have already said above.
Like Woody Suggests, I'd look at something like a Giant Trance or equivalent. A lightish full sus bike with around 5" of travel both ends would fit the bill nicely.
I'm assuming from your name you are of the fairer sex? If so, then take a look at this...
[url] http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s24p2384&z=2769 [/url]
I've had one for 6 months and love it. However seatpost and clamp are rubbish. Had to send the seatpost back and am still waiting on a replacement. Other than that it's been a great bike though.