Anyone got an opinion of these?
I need to recommend a 'cheap' starter bike for a larger lad, and these look a pretty good bet.
One thing that slightly concerns me is that 70degree seems the normal XC headstock angle, yet these are supposedly 73degree's. Don't really want to recommend a bike that has a super steep front end.
I have an '08 Normal - although for a larger lad I would imagine the XCR forks will be somewhat on the soft side tbh.
Merlin have the v brake version up for £250. at the mo.
btw the head angle is 69.5 and the seat angle 73.
SSSSSSSSSSShhhhh for god sake, I was trying to keep it quiet! 😯
😆
ohh so it's actually slacker than normal XC bike, that might be better
You could also try Real Cycles - price match policy and free delivery! 😉
I advised my Dad got the normal 08model (non disc) in the Merlin new year sale. Had a quick blast up the road and seemed really great for the price - think he paid just under £200!
Only thing of note was that the forks were pretty soft/springy, just thinking about the larger lad comment. My dad is no lightweight though and seems to get on fine with it. Frame and kit is superb for the price. Not really considered the head angle. Certainly didnt seem overly steep to me. I ride an inbred with mxcomps for comparison. I'd be very happy if i'd spent £200 on the normal.
Obviously this is not the 09 currently on Merlin but dont think they changed much.
Hope that helps a little. I know i took a punt as nobody had any advice on the normal when i was looking.
Yes that is what I got. I wanted a 'way' back into riding (see my post in the mtb history thread for more info).
They are pretty light for the money too.
I think Commencal have tweaked the sizing slightly, so the 09 models are a couple of cm smaller per frame size if that helps.
Normal Man - Member
You could also try Real Cycles - price match policy and free delivery!
You lot really are trying to spoil my heads up on this... cheers for the comments, the forks are a slight issue but I think this will always be the case with cheaper (starter) bikes.
We aim to please!
I take it you don't want my tip on best price for Giro Hex and Xen helmets then? 😉