Or should I spend all of my money on this
Yes it's a bargain.
No don't buy the Mondraker
Orange fanboi here
Nothing with Sram SX is a bargain, no matter how cheap.
Nothing with Sram SX is a bargain, no matter how cheap.
Is the correct answer. I'd buy the cheaper one they have and spend the £500 saved on nice upgrades.
I didn't see the replies before I posted it, the cheaper one isn't available in XL argh
Would it be an upgrade on a ragley mmmbop?
The Orange looks exactly like a Ragley Mmmbop and it's got crap components. Don't bother.
I'd buy the Mondraker with the Ohlins suspension.
How tall are you though? Because it looks massive.
I think it's more that the original price for the Orange - 2400 for an alloy frame, SX everywhere, Guide Ts and heavy wheels - feels a bit outrageous for the spec. 1500 still feels steep.
I'm 6'2 and the XL mmmbop has 480 reach and is too small for me
You mean the second one I put a link to?
I've reread the specs and you meant the first one my bad
this is better than the orange fir the money
https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/kona-honzo-dl-2022-bike#187=4581
I don’t think that orange is a bargain. I think the discount makes it look like a bargain but I think there are better hardtails out there for the money.
What are you looking for as you’ve linked quite a random selection of bikes! I’m sure we can point you to something suitable
Something that'll be a bit of an upgrade on the ragley mmmbop I have
I'm not sure whether there's a hard tail with better specs than the equivalently priced full sus
Here's my komoot profile where you can see where I ride and the stuff I do
https://www.komoot.com/user/1020264121153?ref=amk
I just think you need to decide if you want a hardtail or full suspension
Yeah I probably should, I've never had a full suspension bike before, the mmmbop is only the second MTB I've bought, only got into it really last year but already done 2000kms on it. What's the best way to decide? Any advice gladly received
What’s the spec of the mmm bop? Swap the frame perhaps.
If I go full suspension are these worth the extra money compared to like the boardman mtr 8.9
* Norco Fluid FS A2 (£1999)
* Whyte G180 S (£2199)
* Trek Fuel EX 8 XT (£2299)
* Cube Stereo One77 Race (£2499)
https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/mountain-bike/bikes/full-suspension-mountain-bikes?sizeterm=617
Has there been any HT bargains since CRC old stock clearances and On Ones hayday!?! When I've looked around they all seem so expensive and low spec, for what is basic mountain biking, one level above rigid.
Yet there's loads of reasonbly priced FS bikes!
Is this worth the risk of buying second hand?
Or should I get a boardman mtr 9.0?
What's the best way to decide? Any advice gladly received
I would try and demo a full-squish bike before buying one if you're used to HT. Depending on your trails it may not suit you. My climbing is very slow on an FS and i'm probably better off riding an aggressive HT for most of my local stuff. If all the gear on your Ragley is still in good shape you could do worse than getting a really nice frame and building it up with the parts.
The Norco Fluid at LL looks a good bet in terms of price/spec and being an all-rounder if you're not really sure what kind of bike you want.
Or if you want something a bit longer travel and more capable, these are great bikes:
If you're after a hardtail Stif have the Squatch Pro on sale, the one below it looks comparable spec with the Orange but the Pro looks a step up for a few hundred extra, I only stopped riding mine as my back was playing up but absolutely loved it and wasn't much slower than my full sus most places.
https://www.stifmtb.com/collections/stif-squatch/products/stif-squatch-v1-1-pro-kit
Also got a Ripmo and would happily grab one of those in the sales too, Sunset cycles had some last time I looked too.
You've posted quite a variety of bike types.
If you decide its a general all-rounder trail FSer you want, and you're happy secondhand, then (ahem): https://singletrackmag.com/advert/nicolai-saturn-14-2021-bike-140-130mm-29er-xl/
With you mentioning being 6'2 and your XL Mmmmbop reach being too short at 480, the above has 519 reach. I'm 187cm (6'1.5ish) and was very comfy on it.
I had looked at stif a month or so ago, quite interesting, seems to be as good a spec as the boardman just £600 cheaper to not have the rear suspension
Need to find somewhere nearby (Ramsbottom) that demos bikes
You're unlikely to get demo rides on heavily discounted bikes TBH, especially in XL.
If you're riding round Rammy and places like Hebden, Rivi etc, then a mid-travel full-sus would be an easy choice over a hardtail IMO.
130-150mm rear travel is the sweet spot for an all-rounder.
Based on your komoot and having ridden round Rammy quite a bit i'd say you can get away with a hardtail but a lightweight / shorter travel (i.e. not full moustache enduro) full sus would be preferable.
You can demo the Squatch at Stif in Summerbridge if you book in advance.
If I go full suspension are these worth the extra money compared to like the boardman mtr 8.9
* Norco Fluid FS A2 (£1999)
* Whyte G180 S (£2199)
* Trek Fuel EX 8 XT (£2299)
Cube Stereo One77 Race (£2499
the cube & the whyte are long travel enduro vikes
the norco or the trek are much better all round trail bikes
the spec on trek is better, but its 300 quid more
personally id go Norco, brilliant bike and a ton of fun (and yes better than the boardman for not much more)
That GT is a very good candidate too.
If it had to be a crush, I'd lob 500 quid less at this (from the same shop):
https://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=11494&category_id=296
so I could have more or less the same bike with Deore 1x11 and maybe put some of the difference towards a fork upgrade? or not and just pocket it... (obviously assumes a size 'M or 'XL' fits)
Mondraker link no worky for me
Should I just buy the boardman 9.0? Seems to have better shocks drivetrain and brakes than the others?
Do you think the boardman 9.0 would be too much for round here then?
Looking at the Boardman (which isn't pretty with the humpback) the geometry numbers look several years out of date (66 HA / 75.5 SA). Personally I'd look at the geo / fit first, then suspension, then drivechain. If the geo is rubbish there's nowt much you can do to replace it, if the rear mech busts you can just slap a new (better) one on.
The Trek Fuel is a bit cheaper at Balfe's Bikes (in XL)
Looking at the Boardman (which isn't pretty with the humpback) the geometry numbers look several years out of date (66 HA / 75.5 SA).
I think the OP is looking at a newer model, but your point about the geo still largely stands (65.5deg HA).
The Norco, GT or Ibis would all be better options IMO. For spec and geometry.
Looking at the Boardman (which isn't pretty with the humpback) the geometry numbers look several years out of date (66 HA / 75.5 SA).
I think the OP is looking at a newer model, but your point about the geo still largely stands (65.5deg HA).
The Norco, GT or Ibis would all be better options IMO. For spec and geometry.
I was just reading from the post above that referenced the 9.0 but I see the 8.9 mentioned too, whichever way we're on the same page.
There's so much offered in the sales at the moment, that for £2K I'd much rather be going with a year 22/23/24 bike with a well sorted frame and decent spec from an established MTB brand with 40-50% off, than paying list price for the Boardman. If I couldn't test ride I'd be scanning decent reviews online for options I was considering.
I'd aim for whatever the best deals are around 2k or just over. Those Ibis AF Ripmo and Ripley deals around seem pretty sound to me. Or the Cubes with 50% off at Paul's Cycles perhaps?
Yeah I'd rather have good geo I wasn't sold on the boardman at all it was just the parts seemed really good.
If there's a proper reason like the geometry then I can feel like less of a snob for discounting it 😂
For half that money on the Crush did be looking at the Ragley Blue pig thats on Faceache in xl for £825 private sale but boy if someone else doesnt buy it im in trouble
https://alpkit.com/products/demo-cortex-x-large-battleship-slx?variant=40675280945257
Sonder have some excellent deals on their ready to ride bikes.
That Sonder looks good, and isn't alot more than this
What do you guys think?
I own a Gen5 (i've had 3) and a Gen6. I can safely say the Gen5 is an awesome bike, funnily enough though i've got mine advertised at the same price (roughly) as that one. It's light at 13.5kg, it's fast with the right rubber. No real fault/issues. Only things people don't like are the knock-block headset and the Press-fit bottom bracket.
They do run a shock that's specific to them, but i've found a float X is incredible as a replacement, but their shock is perfectly fine if a little less plush.
If i were looking for a bike as an all rounder with that budget, you can't go wrong.
Don't suppose you're in Lancashire are you?
A bike shop near me have just got back to me with two options, what do you guys think,
Hi Patrick
We have a couple of options that keep you around your £2,000 price mark.
Firstly, we have the Giant Stance 29 1 in stock and you can see bike - RRP £2,399 now £1,799 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/stance-29-1-2022
Second, there is the Mondraker Raze which should be RRP £3,000 but is not £2,000. Whilst we don't have the alloy bike in stock, we do have the carbon version which you can see.
For information, both of the brands above are next level up to the ones you have seen and should they be of interest, you are welcome to call into the shop, have a look at the bikes and chat with the guys.
Many thanks
Get the Fuel EX8. You're now getting to the 'massively overthinking things' stage. Just pick a bike and buy it, it'll be ace. The Fuel is an excellent bike
Local bike shop just came up with these as an option
Hi Patrick
We have a couple of options that keep you around your £2,000 price mark.
Firstly, we have the Giant Stance 29 1 in stock and you can see bike - RRP £2,399 now £1,799 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/stance-29-1-2022
Second, there is the Mondraker Raze which should be RRP £3,000 but is not £2,000. Whilst we don't have the alloy bike in stock, we do have the carbon version which you can see.
For information, both of the brands above are next level up to the ones you have seen and should they be of interest, you are welcome to call into the shop, have a look at the bikes and chat with the guys.
Many thanks
Penny
Honestly, the Norco you spotted at LL would be so much better than those.
Or that GT Sensor if you wanna spend a bit less.
Giant as a brand from the 'next level up'? Nah, they're yanking your chain there. I wouldn't buy one - they're not the worst but no way would I say they're better than other brands mentioned so far here. Plus there's the whole Giant warranty shitfest (worth being aware of) that makes them a no-go brand for me. Also, I'd certainly not buy a 2022 model that they just so happen to have in stock, in your size, when it's only discounted by 25%.
I'd do you this for similar money as that Giant. Some might see it as a 'next level' brand but I won't claim that. Others might see it as proper fugly (a bit like me...).
both of the brands above are next level up to the ones you have seen
What a ridiculous statement.
Does seem a bit like BS, and just to add that Mondrakers are waaay overpriced to start with so discounted ones are not usually gonna be a bargain.
Second, there is the Mondraker Raze which should be RRP £3,000 but is not £2,000. Whilst we don't have the alloy bike in stock, we do have the carbon version which you can see.
I’ve got the carbon Raze and it’s just a fantastic bike. Check out Mike Ferrentino’s review on nsmb he sums up it’s versatility really well. I was looking at the alu ones before getting carried away and blowing the budget on the carbon one.
https://nsmb.com/articles/asesino-de-cajar/
I would not buy that Giant Stance - the geometry is a bit odd - massively long seat tubes that will limit droppers potentially.
Of all the bikes you’ve listed the Norco Fluid and a Trek Fuel Ex are both very decent mid travel trail bikes. I know someone with a Fluid and someone with a Fuel Ex and they’re both very happy with them. They pedal ok, aren’t too heavy but have decent modern trail geometry.
Ig you can get a good deal on either of those I’d do that.
The Orange you listed is crap components for the money. Whilst drivetrain isn’t everything, SRAM SX needs to get in the bin. The lowest SRAM I’d use is GX Eagle and the lowest Shimano would be Deore in 11 or 12 speed.
Probably too much bike for the OP but I would consider this at £1,000 delivered with the current coupon discount thing.
Might need to add some bits from current bike to finish it off though.
I’d not get the giant stance, the warranty thread here was awful and it has the flex stays at the rear that I’m sceptical about
but agree, don’t over think it, they’ll all be different shades of good, but what you fancy and ride. The trek would be the safest choice with probably one of the best resale values
Thank you all for your help, I have been and collected the trek fuel ex 8 and am a happy bunny as long as it doesn't fall apart!
Thank you again for all the analysis and kicking of my butt to actually do something!!
Cheers
Thank you all for your help, I have been and collected the trek fuel ex 8 and am a happy bunny as long as it doesn't fall apart!
Thank you again for all the analysis and kicking of my butt to actually do something!!
Cheers
Now, about that Float X shock I have here 😝😝
For a brand new first full suss on a budget I can't see further than this TBH https://calibrebicycles.com/bike/bossnut-3/ If you go 2nd hand then the world is your oyster but I haven't heard anything but good stuff on this bike.
*Edit* remember to read to the end John. Happy New Bike Padraigpost, I am sure you will love it. Now, tell me, why can't I delete my post? Imagine if I had said something really stupid and regretted it
I had looked at that loads but not been in stock, can't imagine why 😂
