We’re choosing Ms AD’s insurance replacement. She has some back problems, so usually rides a FS bike other than on the work commute on road.
But, for the odd 2 or 3 hour ride after work (Bristol), some night rides and gentle stuff, we’re going to replace the stolen Rockhopper with something similar.
Bikes in this range seem to have a lot of XC30 and XC32 forks which look suspiciously cheap. I’m a bit behind the times, last time I looked at “budget” hardtails you could get a decent frame with 100mm Bombers for £500.
We might go for something off the shelf and upgrade the forks, depends on what options are out there. Idea?
As a side question, I wonder how much difference a steel frame and some 2.3 or bigger tyres woudl make to the sore back issue? Any thoughts?