Newton – thanks for the lengthy response. I will not be racing and fell for the bike because of its weight and rear handlebar lockout (which is a must on whatever I purchase) You have certainly given me second thoughts. I do not have any preffered riding terrain, because living near the Peaks it is a varied ride every time.

I want a light, reliable, good allrounder with a fantastic frame and rear lockout (and I am not very good so yes very forgiving thrown in)

Willsimmons – Thanks for the suggestions. I will take a look at them, but doubt I will purchase a bike again without handlebar lockout – I hate fiddling and fumbling under my seat all the time.

willsimmons – Sorry to hear that. Do you know if this is this a problem other riders have encountered?

Certainly interested to hear from any other owners

What other bikes are better IYO?

bumley – mmmmmm that sounds the way i would explain the purchase to the mrs!
Can't get away from it though – 09 sale price (best i can find £1900) 2010 list price £2699 which is £800 more!!!

However as we all know, dealers will discount and if I purchase the 2010 I would pay more like £2300 to £2400 (do u mind saying how much you paid?)

bumley – The twinlock lever is a big draw for me, but not sure if it draws me £500!!!

Duckers – Thanks for the info – I had seen they have the 09 for about £1900 which is where i will get it if I decide on this bike and year.

nicks – the 09 has rear lockout the 2010 has front and rear, so yes £500 for the extra front lockout does seem a lot, but i'm still tempted.

Still hoping to hear a bit more feedback from owners as to wether this is a good choice of bike for my normal terrain.

Ebay charge an insertion fee – which I consider is the same as paying for advertizing – which seems ok to me.

The commision charged on completion is 10%(so with VAT taken off EBay make just over 8%) which considering the coverage and amount of likely viewings, I don't think is bad either. PAYPAL is crap and expensive.

There are loads of things wrong with ebay that make me rarely use it, but it's not the charges.

I would agree there seems to be too many BIN traders now that are often expensive. Also loads of scammers/dishonest people and counterfeit goods. EBAY do not seem interested in tackling these problems

I am going to list a bike today – there is no other place I would consider selling it. I bet it sells for more than I could hope to get for it anywhere else (fingers crossed anyway!)

How about 09 Scott spark 30?

That concrete section is a real eye sore – typical of Sheffield council. They let the old stone cobbles become dislodged because of zero maintenance and then do a bodge job with concrete. The rest of that bridleway and many other paths around Sheffield are getting ruined by the Council levelling them out with crushed brick/concrete hardcore.

As far as altering the entrance at the bottom of the concrete – can’t see the need, but they obviously want to waste a bit more money and their council workers will enjoy another few weeks in beautiful surroundings doing a few hours work.

From a biking perspective – can’t see it makes much difference. There is a gate at the other end of the straight run (which granted is often left open) which you need to dismount for also.

Gooner – Mant thanks for the offer, but no thanks – i can’t think of anything worse! – i will keep up my hunt.

compositepro – I don’t know what area of the country you live in and I am new to this sport, but yes – in Sheffield it seems there is certainly skope to set up a business competing with the few shops already in the market – just look how few mechanic recomends this thread has had.

If you are Sheffield let me know – i may be your first regular customer.

I know some people love tinkering and setting up their bikes as much as riding them, but a lot don’t – me being one!

grumm – i am sure you r correct and if it is something simple then i would of course attend to it.

No – they dispose of their bike after each & every ride to save any messing about with maintenace issues 😀

Thanks timbercombe will keep his contact details.

Swisstony – not really lazy, just not got the time nor inclination to learn – I play racket sports, but never string my racket – I have a passion for cars , but don’t lift the bonnet. Some people enjoy and are good at the maintenance – I would rather pay them and free up my time for things i chose to do.

I have only just taken up this sport and can’t stand the maintenance. That much so, that like running my car, will pay for all my maintenance (apart from chain.) I know this will be costly, but i don’t have the time/skill/inclination to start and learn how to do it.

Can anyone in Sheffield recommend someone or somewhere (I’m happy to pay private or via a bike shop so long as it’s not J E James)

TandemJeremy – if you have nothing to do and you’re near me feel free to come and give me a hand – no point in feeling ‘spare’ 🙂