I have a Spesh FSR Comp at the moment but have been thinking over the last week or 2 about buyingh a hardtail as well. The main reason for this is that I have been told Hardtails improve your riding and would like to get one for just using on local trails, and using my FS for longer trips. Would also probably use it for road riding. Would really want to get – Ali frame, Hydraulic breaks, good group set and a gook set of Air forks.

Am I going to be wasting money doing this or is it worth it?

I just got a Cube LTD Race through the Cycle to work scheme (£900 ish though I think they’ve gone up since the start of April.

I’ve really enjoying going back to riding a hardtail as I’ve been fully sussed since not long after starting biking properly. I thought I’d feel like I was being rattled all over the place, but it seems I must have developed some technique by accident 🙂

Boardman

MO, looks nice and OK spec for price.

Had looked at the Boardman FS before I got me Spesh but the fact that its ia a Halfrauds own make puts me off.

If you can confidently set up a bike yourself, and know if something needs be fettled, a Boardman is great value. They use the same components as everyone else after all, its just the set up that might be off.

Genesis Altitude – I am loving mine..
Goes uphill (like my previous hardtails).
Goes downhill without giving you a headache and sore arms (unlike my previous hardtails).

Merida Trail 700-D

MO, looks nice and OK spec for price.

For that price that spec is fantastic I would say.

I just bought a merida matts 900d £999.99 XT, Reba sl froks and spd pedjals. I like it a lot.

“OK spec for price”

Easton tubed frame
’09 RS Reba Race (upgrade in the drop down box)
SLX drivetrain/brakes
Mavic Crossride wheelset
Raceface finishing gear

For £990? (online)

So what more are you after?

EDIT: Ok, so the merida above has XT .. SLX is mostly very similar anyway

I have just bought a Cube and it’s awesome! Definately worth investing in a HT however it’s weird getting onto one having been riding a FS for the last 3 years, you find yourself hitting those big roots and knarly rocky bits and then realising that your bike won’t just glide over it but that you actually have to pedal and try and control it a bit more.
You will realise though you can rip it up (if you’re a confident/quick DH on the FS). Went to Afan last weekend on brand new Cube and was flying felt awesome though!!!!!

Its good to have both if you can afford it. I had a hardtail (Orange Crush) first, then 6 months later bought my full suss. Use my hardtail for local trail/road/pub stuff and the full suss for ‘proper’ off roading. Not sure that a hardtail will make you a better rider though??? Full suss makes me faster down the hills!!!