Hi All,
I'm after a HT 29er, preferably less than 1k for general cross country riding, hill climbing and bikepacking. I've narrowed it down to the following, in order of cost (inc del):
[url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kona-big-kahuna-29er-2013/ ]Kona Big Kahuna 29er 2013 - £1,044.45[/url]
[url= http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3208 ]Canyon Grand AL 6.9 - £901.99[/url]
[url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-zaskar-9r-comp-29er-2014/ ]GT Zaskar 9R Comp 29er 2014 - £839.99[/url]
[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ghost-se-8000-hardtail-bike-2014/rp-prod111480 ]Ghost SE 8000 2014 - £749.99[/url]
Would much appreciate any comments on the above, or suggestions on others. I was leaning towards the Canyon, but am a bit nervous after reading about poor support/QC. Also, are the avid brakes really as bad as the haters say?
Thanks very much!
My preferences are for good forks (Reba) and 2x10 drivetrains. So I'd get the Kona (if the one remaining is in your size!)
Avid brakes work OK, but are fiddly and need near-perfect bleeding and adjustment.
I've got the SLX version of the Canyon and it's a very good bike. Service isn't as good as going to a shop but it's not bad. Good enough for me to but another Canyon recently.
Yes the Avid brakes are awful to own although they usually work OK for a few rides. They won't cost much to change though - see the thread about cheap SLX / Deore brakes
Trek Stache 7? £1040 from Evans
I have a 2013 one and really like it. Nicely thought out frame including reverb stealth routing. Kona looks good too though.
Not a direct comparison, but I have the Kona King Kahuna 29er (carbon framed version of above) and it is the best hardtail I have ever ridden. Size and geometry suits me perfectly. Now ride it in preference to my FS.
I have avid brakes on the Kona and they work perfectly, and have been 100% reliable (not even a squeak) over a year. Guess I've been lucky.
Get a Cannondale like [url= http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p4266/CANNONDALE-FLASH-29%5CER-ALLOY-2-2012 ]this[/url] or [url= http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p5203/CANNONDALE-F29-2-(FLASH-ALLOY)-2013 ]this[/url].
HTH
Thanks very much for all the replies 🙂
I like the Stache, but not keen on the colour (which is mostly irrelevant I know). Also like the 2013 Dale F29 2, but not sure about a lefty. Looking like the Big Kahuna is the tastiest burger, just wish the brakes were better. I'll decide tonight.
Thanks again.
My kona came with elixir 5 and have been faultless, so dont let that alone put you off.
Kona ordered. Thanks!