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While looking for a new bike at around £1000, it occurred to me I was mainly looking at spec and not the frames. I used to buy bikes based on how good the frames were for potential upgrading. Now I seem to be looking at fork first.
So what bikes have good frames but not so good specs (maybe) around the grand price?
Sorry if it comes across like a stealth "what bike for a grand" post, it might be, but having not bought a new bike for a looooong time, my knowledge of specs and frame levels might be at an all time low
I dunno really. It's quite a vague question. What do you want it for?
If you look at the Sonder Transmitter range, the basic starts off at around a grand and then by time you hit 2500 you're getting the fancy parts. The frame is identical.
For a hardtail for a grand (1100), I'd be buying a Ribble HT right now... but you'll have to wait until end of summer for stock!
Yh right that ribble looks dribble worthy
historically Ive had quite a few Giants.
being one of the largest, and most capable manufacturers, i think they've always been way ahead in building aluminum frames. Lots of in-house functional hydroforming and tube rolling resulting in ridiculously light, but strong frames at a low cost.
you could get an aluminium XtC for 300 quid, all the way up to the racing snake spec one.
i dont think there was any difference in the frames. My OH had a "team issue" XtC she got cheap from ebay, it was crazy light but i think that was down the small size and being a few years younger than mine.
upgrade worthy? for £1k, maybe this?
Not seen that Ribble before, but it looks superb. Are they still the same to deal with as they used to be?
If you aren’t buying through a C2W scheme then I’d go used and look for something like a Cotic Soul or Stanton.
You’ll get far more for your £
Definitely the cheap Giants - they have a bit of a *Vauxhall* type image but there alloy frames, particularly the alloy Maestro suspension bikes, are very very good bikes, really beautifully engineered and manufactured.
Bottom of the range trance, anthem etc has always been a bargain.
I think stock will eclipse all other decisions this year
I think personally gemoetry matters. But Aluminium frames all seem pretty good now. I think buying a low spec' bike and upgrading is a very expensive way to get the bike you want
FYI Go Outdoors actually have some £900 hard tails
Enjoy your riding