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I haven't been riding off road for the last few years, but with the youngest turning three early in the new year I'm starting to think I might be able to get back to it.
Last bike I had was a Cannondale Prophet, which I sold for a pittance on the assumption that if I ever got back into it, 26 would be very much dead. Should have kept it really, it was an enjoyable bike.
I don't have a huge budget (compared to what some bikes cost these days), but don't want to buy something which I'll immediately want to begin upgrading. I reckon between £1,500 and £1,800 ought to do it. I like the look of loads of the modern trail bikes, so am open to suggestions.
Two in particular which have caught my eye are the Whyte t130 SR and the new Norco Fluid FS. The Whyte is clearly pretty well rated and proven, the Norco looks to have the better spec but there's no reviews of it yet.
Which way would you go, or what other options are there?
Get a red one
T130. Greatest bikes known in the universe
What sort of riding? Hardtail or full suspension?
JP
In the great tradition of recommending what you have, the Giant Trance 2 is a very good bike and you should get a decent spec for that money on a 2018 model. The Maestro suspension is basically Giant's version of the DW-Link as used by Turner, Pivot and Ibis (to name a few). In brief Dave Weagle was engaged by Giant to design a version for them, was subsequently dismissed, and lo and behold some months later they launched their own version. He sued and they settled out of court..
The rear suspension performance is incredibly plush and sensitive, whilst at the same time being able to take big hits. As good as either of the two Turners I've previously owned. Good geometry, good components, good bike!
here's a review
https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/27-5-full-suspension-bikes/giant-trance-27-5-2-2015-review
Pauls cycles have got them for £2k - https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b4s183p9189/GIANT-TRANCE-2-2018/RS_GB/37004?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImdGa6pf63gIV6LztCh3gpgcGEAQYASABEgIQ1_D_BwE
Lesuire lakes bury have a shop marked t130 at about 800 under list price....
Right bargain
Pretty sure I'm neither cool nor skilled enough for a red bike.
I'd definitely consider a Trance, if the budget creeps up so I could go for the 2...
Not that sure what type of riding really, bit of everything? Trail centres and local bridleways, maybe a bit of longer distance stuff at some point. Full sus I think.
@duncancallum any idea what size? Bury's the wrong end of the country for me, but might give them a ring.
Large i think it's on FB
Cotic Soul.
Calibre Triple B? Lot of bike for the money -
Whyte 905, the Goldilocks bike without spending a fortune.
Plenty of second hand stuff on Pinkbike also, though if the T130 is in reach and right size I would go for it. I have a T129RS and its awesome!
Considering selling my 300 odd miles old Scott Spark RC 900 Team (XL) if it's any interest?
Even fitted a dropper the other week. For reference, I'm 6'2" with 33" inseam and it was spot on. If you're allowing for a bit of budget creep 🙂
@johnw1984 XL would be too big, I'm on the cusp of M and L in most manufacturers recommendations. Also trying not to let the budget creep set in...
@craig24 those Calibres do look good, though reckon going for something non-boost now might be a mistake.
Have now spotted the Transition Scout at top end of budget too. The longer I look the more complicated it gets.
It’s £1999.99 so marginally over budget - shame the BC 10% discount doesn’t exist anymore or it would be in budget!
NX Eagle 12 speed / revelation charger rc fork / guide brakes / dropper / boost / metric shock / decent Maxxis tyres.
I’ve bought the Norco for a similar purpose - returning to biking. I love it, there’s not much I’d need to change spec wise, so can gradually upgrade as things wear. It rides well, feels like more than 120mm out back (sorry, but it does) and for a wagon wheeler (my first one) it handles well. Stable in a straight line too, so confidence inspiring.
I was considering the T130, a Cotic flare max and some others, but in the end the Norco was waaaay cheaper and I’m happy with my decision. It’ll be a good platform to upgrade over time.
£2k and you can have my Yeti sb6c.
Barely seen 400 miles. It's 2016 medium. Invisitaped from new and just had new frame bearings too (the originals are notorious for not lasting 5 mins).
Prob cost you £5k to build something similair.