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Looking for something a bit more robust than a Titus Rockstar. Budget around £ 2200 which rules out any boutique frame only builds. Current options are a Horsethief 2 or Canyon spectral 8 both of which come in on budget. Any better ideas or experience of either bikes. The Spectral has better specs but the Horsethief is a Salsa....
What's no 'robust' enough about the Titus?
Radon Slide or Swoop ?
What kind of frame size?
I have a HT - very capable and great fun - running with 120mm Pikes.
After a large frame. I noticed the radon slide but there is very little info9 on them. I am 1.88 and 93kg so looking for a large frame. I have always felt the is too much flex in the rear of the Titus.
Tada
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s154p5211/CANNONDALE-TRIGGER-29ER-1-2013
Review here:
http://www.bikerumor.com/2013/10/17/review-cannondale-trigger-29er-a-fast-adjustable-travel-all-mountain-bruiser/
The only bits putting me off the horsethief are the SRAM drivetrain. The green frame looks lush, my daughter has the previous version in a basic build which she loves. The canyon looks great value but in some ways seems too sensible. I have a Maverick so have a slightly off key sense of taste. The trigger looks interesting but after the Maverick I am a little wary of non standard shocks and it appears a bit heavy.
Slightly over budget but lightweight and good kit
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-root-miller-3-29-2014/aid:650427/fromtopoffers:1 they have cheaper models too.
If you wanna steamroll every trail there's this http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/trailfox-tf03-slx-2014-mountain-bike-ec054230?country=GB¤cy=GBP&gclid=CN7b3di8v8ICFanItAodqQYACw&gclsrc=aw.ds
Have a look at this £1100.00 with a pike fork , leaves plenty for wheels and crankset .
http://www.blueflowbikes.com/pike-frame/rockshox-pike-rct3-frame-megadeal
Kona Process 111...last years can be had for close to your budget
My current bike is a Spectral 8ex, i've had it for roughly a month and so far im surprised by just how good of an all round bike it is!
Budget around £ 2200 which rules out any boutique frame only builds.
You could do a VERY nice build of a Hammerhead Thumper/Switchback Unveil for that budget.
130mm 29er intended for 140 or 150mm fork. Sturdy but not heavy. Good geometry. Makes a great UK all-round MTB from trail centres to big mountains.
Edit - see that link above - though you might get a cheaper Pike RC from Alltricks if money v tight.
Where have you seen a Horsethief 2 full build for £2200 (assuming it's a full build)?
Thanks for the suggestions. The Unveil/Thumper looks good but by the time I do a full build it will be a similar price to the HT/Spectral. Also after Maverick going belly up it would need to be a better deal given they are a new/small company. Anyone know what it weighs built up and how it rides? Similar query to nuke about the Spectral. The Kona is a single chainring and with the hills locally I am only now thinking of taking the step from 3 to 2 chainrings - one at the front is a step to far. Sandwicheater - drop me an email, I don't want them all sold before I decide!
I've sent you an email about the thumper/unveil.