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Just looking at replacing a very old cotic soul 26mtb where all the components are worn out. The new bike would be used for days out in the dales, trail centres and rides from the house. I'm not the most skilful rider, so something that helps me with anything technical and downhill. Something easy to maintain and look after does not way a ton and a budget of around £1500 if possible. I am not in jumps or anything too technical. So red rather than black trails.
Would the Scandal / Vandal be ok? What other options are there? Any help would be much appreciated. The old bike was bought back in 2008, so I know all the geometry has changed and I am not up to date with it.
Any of the massively reduced Ragleys or Vituses from CRC will feel phenomenal compared to what you're used to.
Any of the massively reduced Ragleys or Vituses from CRC will feel phenomenal compared to what you’re used to.
If you can live with the potential lack of warranty this is a no brainer. There are some great deals and going for less than a worse bike would be second hand sometimes.
Or the Nukeproof Scout. Base model is £700! That's Halfords BSO money for proper mountain bike that can do the Mega
Any particular Ragley / Vitus models to look at? Looking for something not too heavy and I guess not too aggressive.
Ragley Marley 2.0. I bought a frame only and built it up, but there's full bikes for £599 I think currently.
Great bike.
I'd go 29 unless you are particularly short. Ragley Marley is the trail friendly geometry, but they do the more aggressive Mmmbop if you want something a bit slacker. The Nukeproof Scout is a great buy also. There's a few good youTube video channels like Hardtail Party that might help sway your decision. You might also be limited by what is in stock in your size. Honestly, coming from 2008 26" cotic any of these will be great
If you can live with the potential lack of warranty this is a no brainer
They're so cheap warranty isn't really a question/issue IMO.
They’re so cheap warranty isn’t really a question/issue IMO
I totally agree. I've picked up two frames and they were cheaper than I could find anything second hand, but I know warranty is more important to some people.
2nd hand Soul275 from eBay.
Came to suggest a second hand Cotic SolarisMax
Sale at Bird so you might be able to build up one of their hardtails for £1500.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/ragley-blue-pig-hardtail-bike-blueish-grey
Ragley Blue Pig £999
+1 for Nukeproof or Ragley from CRC - why buy secondhand when you can get new this cheap?
Orange Clockwork Evo would fit the bill and a bargain atm. 650b version available for the same price too.
https://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=11487&category_id=21
Don't dither, buy any of these.
I have a nicely specced Big Al. Don't worry about these being too aggressive, even though they are awesome pointed downhill (for a HT) they bimble about just as well.
Ragley ... . I should be a rep for them after all the pointing in their direction I do. Im on my second big al and it leaves my Tallboy and Megatower in the bike room .. ideal winter or any day bike , climbs well descends well and build just as well as some other £500+ hardtail frames
I really like my Big Wig, sorted spec with 12 speed Deore group set, modern geometry, decent fork and nice steel frame. £1000 for a bike that needs no changes out of the box.
Currently building up a decent spec Ragley Big Al. With all the (mostly) discounted stuff, for £1500-1600 I'll end up with a bike that could have easily commanded £2.5-3k off the shelf at one point
I bought one of the cheap Scouts. Geo looks not quite as aggressive as the Ragleys, probably not much in it.
Only had a relatively short ride so far but it rides nicely, I'm happy with it
I built up a Ragley Big Al cheaply at £500 (the frame was £100 more than now) from PSA's plus brakes, crankset, wheels and tyres from my spares box. Running a 130mm fork it a bit low but works well. A shorter set of cranks than the old x9 175mm ones will be going on once I find some at a reasonable price.
Orange Clockwork Evo would fit the bill and a bargain atm. 650b version available for the same price too.
The spec on that Orange is just about acceptable at the price though. At £1700 full rrp it's pretty low rent tbf
Big Al 1.0 at £900 is stunning value even for my old fashioned ideas of value, let alone post-covid
Another Ragley fan here, I've got a Marley 290 at the moment and a bigwig before that. Brilliant bikes and at current prices an absolute bargain.
I'd suggest you don't give up your day job personally... It's probably a bit more secure!
I just picked up an immaculate 2nd hand 2021 Orange P7 29er for £850 (you should easily get one for the same price or a bit less it's a great time to buy 2nd hand). What a bike! Had a same year Orange Clockwork Evo 29er and the P7 is a way better bike (steel), plus it's beautiful.
I just picked up an immaculate 2nd hand 2021 Orange P7 29er for £850 (you should easily get one for the same price or a bit less it’s a great time to buy 2nd hand). What a bike! Had a same year Orange Clockwork Evo 29er and the P7 is a way better bike (steel), plus it’s beautiful.
Love the look of the current model - it was on my list before I went with a Ragley build
What has your local shop got in/could get in?
I'm as guilty as any one for buying online bargains. But 2023 is showing me that's just not sustainable.
I would also say that we got a great discount on one of the bikes as well - one which wasn't in stock but the distributor had one 'hidden' at the back of the warehouse.
The spec on that Orange is just about acceptable at the price though. At £1700 full rrp it’s pretty low rent tbf
It's very similar spec to the similar price Ragley's that everyone is raving about. What spec would you expect for just over £700?
I imagine the resale value of the Orange will be significantly higher too, as well as having a warranty, if that matters to the buyer?
It’s very similar spec to the similar price Ragley’s that everyone is raving about. What spec would you expect for just over £700?
The 30mm Judy Silver forks would be the first thing that jumps out. On a £750 Ragley you are getting Bomber Z2's
@theartistformerly...
If I could work out how to post images I'd post my P7 up lol
The 30mm Judy Silver forks would be the first thing that jumps out. On a £750 Ragley you are getting Bomber Z2’s
They are a weak point for sure but whether it's them or any other lower end RS that's usually fitted to bikes up to £2.5k people either won't car or will plan to upgrade from the start. Still seems like a cracking deal to me.