What hardtail to bu...
 

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[Closed] What hardtail to buy for under £1200

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I have recently bought a bike from crc which turned out to be faulty and they don't have a replacement so now looking for a hardtail
Doesn't need to be from crc but have seen this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/vitus-bikes-sentier-vr-hardtail-bike-sram-nx-1x11-2018/rp-prod159770
Can I get better for this money?
Also who would you recommend buying from as I don't really know who provides good service


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 4:12 pm
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Yes, get the British cycling membership which gives you 10% off, and buy the VRS model, £1299 or £1170 after discount (plus £22 for the BC membership).

It's got a brand X xl dropper worth £140, a better Reba fork (the recon can't use the bottomless tokens) and you get the full SLX groupset, NX is srams bottom level stuff.

[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-sentier-vrs-hardtail-bike-slx-1x11-2018/rp-prod159772 ]Sentier VRS[/url]

That makes it £270 more, which is worth it for the upgrades you get.

Oh and Vitus are only through CRC or Wiggle - same company.


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 4:25 pm
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Ragley Marley and put the extra into some broader tyres?


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 4:30 pm
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Oh or a dropper if it isn't specc'd I can't remember


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 4:31 pm
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How would this compare pls
https://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=4658&category_id=21


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 4:46 pm
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How about the Bird Zero? A little over budget but heard lots of great reviews.
[url= https://www.bird.bike/product/zero-tr-nx/#configuration ]Link[/url]


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 5:06 pm
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Thank you for all your replies.....
Quite a bit over budget but really leaning towards this
https://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=6823&8424=40357&8502=40748&8503=40750&8678=41564
Love to have your thoughts.pls


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 8:04 pm
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I love this too, prefer this as I've got used to a 29er from my other bike

https://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=6820&8421=40345&8487=40689&9048=43386&8681=41576


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 8:54 pm
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Don’t forget to use the 10% code on them.


 
Posted : 18/01/2018 10:03 pm
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@somtam:

copied this over from the other thread...:

your size might be sold out so.

Merida Big Trail 800. Maybe available in winter sale? 1.3 k would be good.
Plus bike. Checked it out at an store nearby - was really impressed...
Not for racing. Slack and long, fat tyres.
Frame size up to 21 inch I believe.
2.8 inch tyres.

http://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/hardtail/merida-big-trail-review

Just an idea.
But sounds your made your decision already.

Have a great time!
Cheers!
😉


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 8:58 am
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I'm selling a 21 inch Niner at the moment. There may be some room to negotiate on the amount I'm looking for it. It's spotless and only been used three times.

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/niner-air-9-alloy-xl-2

Should you be looking for a brand new bike, then I have recently ridden both Scott and Specialized hardtails and the frames are excellent. Should you not have had a ride on a 650b plus, I should add, then that is totally worth doing. It's not dissimilar a ride to a 29er, I think, and there is bags of traction. I'm not too fussed about a basic drivetrain you get on these mid tier bikes, as I find even the entry level stuff to be excellent, but the more basic forks you get with these builds aren't wonderful


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 9:18 am
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You can get a Cotic SolarisMax for £1.5k.

Lovely steel frame and similar level kit to the other bikes you're looking at.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 9:26 am
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[url= https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-iroko-2-2017-mountain-bike-EV275644 ]Similar but different[/url]

Those are great fun. another £125 on top gets the next model up. or a dropper.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 10:34 am
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Last years crush a that you linked first with the Yari looks good to me. Most of the other bikes seem to have rebas and if I was looking for a hardcore hardtail (most have 140/150mm travel that you've linked and 65 degree ish head angles) the Yari is a better fork.

The new revelation would be ok though as it has been upgraded to the same 35mm chassis as the Pike.

Someone mentioned a Bird Zero above, but for the money the spec wouldn't be as good if you wanted the new boost version from what I can make out.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 12:24 pm
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joebristol - Member
Last years crush a that you linked first with the Yari looks good to me. Most of the other bikes seem to have rebas and if I was looking for a hardcore hardtail (most have 140/150mm travel that you've linked and 65 degree ish head angles) the Yari is a better fork.

The new revelation would be ok though as it has been upgraded to the same 35mm chassis as the Pike.

[b]Someone mentioned a Bird Zero above, but for the money the spec wouldn't be as good if you wanted the new boost version from what I can make out.[/b]

This is the issue I'm having, I'll be buying a plus hardtail for about £1200 in a month or 2, but I want boost so I can swap wheels etc with any future FS bikes I may buy, to get revelations and a dropper on the sonder transmitter/bird zero/etc you're looking at anywhere from £1450 to £1700, which pushes my budget more than I want. If I was spending £1600 or more I'd be looking at a full sus bike rather than a hardtail, and boost wouldn't be needed.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 12:43 pm
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The price appears to be going up lol
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/whyte-905-2018-hardtail-mountain-bike-blue_379552?origin=pla&kwd=&currency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIre3Qs4vk2AIV5r3tCh2cEQdlEAQYASABEgIXmfD_BwE
How is this whyte 905 as it seems to have won mtb reviews


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 1:06 pm
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@somtam:

according to the spec & looks & geo:

fantastic!
Not a bargain so.
But more importsnt than this: fun!

😉


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 1:14 pm
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if you are looking at that value, have a look on the Bird Zero TR Bike Builder. You'll get a very nice spec and a great bike


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 1:22 pm
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I highly recommend the Voodoo Bizango - similiar spec, good geo, dropper ready. Fantastic bikes - about £500 with the BC discount code!! Got one for both my brother and my ex. Nothing to be gained by going higher imho.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 1:32 pm
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On further look at the Bird website for £1401 youncould get the Zero an boost with 150mm Revelations / Sram NX 11 speed / DT Swiss m1900 wheels etc for £1401.

No dropper and I'm not sure what Sram level t brakes are like but the rest of the spec is solid. You could get a brand X ascend or RSP Plummet cheaply to go with it. Guide r brakes are a £64 upgrade should you want better.

https://www.bird.bike/product/zero-am-nx-2/#configuration

There don't seem to be many burly and cheap boost hardtails about yet. However, the Bird Zero can take pretty big tyres (as can some of the Whytes) so maybe you could run 2.6" tyres and not need a plus hardtail?


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 1:41 pm
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I'm getting so.lost in the choices out there but would prefer a 29er
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/vitus-bikes-sentier-29-hardtail-bike-deore-1x10-2018/rp-prod159766
I like this one too but not sure about the spec


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 1:48 pm
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@somtam:

I love the Deore stuff.
But not as 1x10....

This Vitus:
Front: 30T
Rear: 11-42T

30 / 42 = 0.71

For me: this is an mtb for "no mountains"/ no uphill.
0.71 is just pain.
At least for me.

idea: there is an other thread - think " 1 k " hardtail or so.
Have a look at the Commencal AM HT. According to one bloke there the "frame crack issue" is really history? (I can't check this)


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 1:57 pm
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Stif Morf is worth a look. Absolutely love mine!


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 2:09 pm
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the Android phone version of this thread read which handrail to buy for under £1 I was prepared to be amazed


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 2:13 pm
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joebristol - Member
On further look at the Bird website for £1401 youncould get the Zero an boost with 150mm Revelations / Sram NX 11 speed / DT Swiss m1900 wheels etc for £1401.

No dropper and I'm not sure what Sram level t brakes are like but the rest of the spec is solid. You could get a brand X ascend or RSP Plummet cheaply to go with it. Guide r brakes are a £64 upgrade should you want better.

https://www.bird.bike/product/zero-am-nx-2/#configuration

There don't seem to be many burly and cheap boost hardtails about yet. However, the Bird Zero can take pretty big tyres (as can some of the Whytes) so maybe you could run 2.6" tyres and not need a plus hardtail?

Just specced up a Bird AM boost and it's £1577 with the raceface dropper, and a 800mm bar added, that's with NX and revelations.

For £1665 so not even £100 more you can get a FS bike, with revelations, SLX, Brand X dropper - [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-escarpe-vr-suspension-bike-slx-1x11-2018/rp-prod159743 ]Vitus Escarpe VR[/url] which is the problem. If I had a budget of £1600 I would't be going for a hardtail... :mrgreen:

The wheels on the Bird are better and it's lighter (being a hardtail) but other than that the Escarpe is much better specced for the money.

I want rebas as a minimum not only for the black uppers 😳 but also for the ability to use bottomless tokens, the recon/sektors can't use them. Not too fussed about 3" tyres but deffo want at least 2.6" tyres on the hardtail.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 5:28 pm
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I think with the Vitus it's an own brand type situation vs most of the hardtails being more mainstream or boutique type brands.

If you want a cheap FS look at the Boardman Pro FS at the moment - £1350 with Pikes and GX 1 x 11 etc. For Alex you probably won't beat that. Only let down is narrow rims on the wheels really.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 5:52 pm
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Thank you everyone for all your replies....
The bird looks really nice and will definitely give it due consideration over the weekend but I have absolutely no idea what spec is good or not as I haven't been into cycling for over 20 years but loving getting back into it.
The vitus escape looks cool.
I havent really considered a full suspension but under the impression that they require more maintenence/cost.
Thanks


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 6:09 pm
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If you want a cheap FS look at the Boardman Pro FS at the moment - £1350 with Pikes and GX 1 x 11 etc.

12 more days...then winter sale is over...


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 6:10 pm
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Full suspension isn't that much more maintenance....maybe a change of pivot bearings every couple of years. Bike shop job probably £100 - £150 depending on the bike.

What kind of riding will you be doing? The hardtails mentioned above all have fairly laid back head angles for downhill fun etc. If you're going to do more cross country / general trails centres then I'd look nearer 120-130mm forks and something around a 68 degree head angle perhaps.

It all depends!


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 6:33 pm
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I will be riding gentle trails with my children to begin with but the intmention is to do harder trails when I can and as my children they get older we can all do the tougher trails.
The bikes I'm looking at I wish to last for this use


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 8:46 pm
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@somtam:
Low maintenance might be important then?
What you describe: most hardtails will last long. Difficult today to predict how long the 'standards' stay...
Just thinking ... bike with thru axle front and rear? 25 mm internal rim width? 1x11 Shimano SLX, BB Hollowtech II - stuff like this? Minimum 130 mm fork? (If you like to do tougher trails as well).
Or or or - the Boardman FS Pro indeed...?
Going in circles...
Sorry!


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 9:12 pm
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In that case Somtam I wouldn't go for anything too extreme, the Bird AM zero for instance may be a bit too slack for you.

Something fairly light with a good spec and moderately slack geo (66-68 ha) with a decent fork should see you right.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 9:51 pm
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Thank you for your replies
I'm sorry I don't understand as you're getting little too technical for my knowledge


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 10:00 pm
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alexcrash - Member
Ragley Marley and put the extra into some broader tyres?

Second this, I love my Marley! Great all round hardtail.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 10:01 pm
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Essentially the slacker/more laid back the head angle, the more stable the bike will be at high speed and good for steep technical trails. The flip side is on flatter more pedally trails it'll be harder work to get it to turn corners and you have to get your weight over the front to get the tyre to grip.

If you have something more conventional it'll probably be more fun on the kind of trails you'd be on with your kids. The steering will be more responsive and it'll be less work to ride.

Often slack bikes can also be harder work uphill with less efficient riding positions and steering that wanders / front wheels that lift up on steep uphills.

The really good slack bikes now adjust the seat tube angle to counter this, but not all bikes do.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 10:07 pm
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Something like the below might be worth a look - much less cash out at the start - just add a dropper post like a brand X ascend perhaps (around £125 ish) and you've got a very capable bike.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=165499&productId=1378487&storeId=10001


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 10:10 pm
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https://www.bird.bike/product/zero-tr-nx/#configuration

If you want to spend more, then going back to Bird the Zero TR might be more suitable than the AM. But boost isn't available.

For £1289 you get a Yari fork up front with DT Swiss wheels and NX 1x11. Just missing the dropper that you might want.


 
Posted : 19/01/2018 10:21 pm
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https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/144449/products/santa-cruz-chameleon-d-29er-mountain-bike-2018-green-purple.aspx

Sorry for so many bikes...I want to make the right choice.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 12:45 am
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I'd say a lot of those hardtails are quite aggressive in geometry and there's a wide variety of spec in them.

The Vitus probably has the least laid back geo but I've only had a quick look.

I think what you need to do is go and get a few test rides on bikes you can find locally and see what feels good. Try to narrow it down to either 650b wheels or a 29er initially.

On forks the 2018 revelation and the Yari both have 35mm stanchions so ei be the stiffer options. That said with the riding you mention a Reba or 2017 revelation would be more than up to the job. If it were me I'd rule out a bike with a recon though.

On gears you have a 2x10 Slx drivetrain, a 1x10 Deore drivetrain and various 1x11 one in the bikes you've picked. For me I found 1x11 works better with a large range rear cassette than 1x10 as the rear derailleur is designed for it. I found the 1x10 needed slightly more attention to keep it running as well.

If you're looking at Bird I'd lean towards the tr rather than the Am for your stated purpose.

You also need to decide if boost is important to you or not. You won't feel the performance improvement from it in all likelihood - it's just if you will need the compatibility for another bike.

Where are you in the country?


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 7:26 am
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Thank you Jo for such an extensive message. Ideally I would like a 29er but they appear to have gone out of fashion having been replaced by 27.5 wheels.
I have a vitus see 29 single speed bought a few years ago initially to get fit and absolutely love it, it's like a big bmx bit I've got used to the 29 inch wheels.
I now wish to make the next step up and do more trails and off road that I havent been able to do with the vitus.
I am based in northampton so will have a look around the local bike shops as you suggest bit I think that buying on line is probably my best option if I decide to go down the 29er route, however by looking at the local bikevsjops I may pe persuaded that a 27.5 bike is my better option in which case I have far greater choices.
My greater difficulty is knowing so little about bikes I dont understand good or bad components and also what I actually should be looking for.
Thank you so much


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 9:10 am
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big bike confusion...

My guess: if you buy a "modern" geometry hardtail like the Nukeproof Scout you will be more than happy.

You need an "entry" into the mtb biking - you will be surprised how much fun such a bikes like the Scout really are.
Don't start with the old school XC racing hardtails. You don't plan to go racing - right?

And: winter sale is over soon.
Neat, new bikes like the 2017 Merida Big Trail 800 are sold out already...

Have fun!
😉


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 9:20 am
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Thank you
I get what you say...Im really leaning towards the bird bikes, a nukeproof or a ragley piglet.
But having a look at local bike shops today


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 10:24 am
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That's not a very short shortlist, you probably need to work out a bit more about your needs and preferences TBH.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 10:30 am
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On the basis that I want a 29inch wheel which I prefer Ive got it down to two bikes, case of elimination really

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/nukeproof-scout-290-comp-bike-2018/rp-prod159427
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/ragley-big-wig-hardtail-bike-2017/rp-prod145975?utm_source=awin&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Skimlinks&awc=2698_1516445441_84b62c2bdd728dea8949840a65aa607a
What would your thoughts be on these two as Im not sure about the spec. I know that I can get a reduction in price as a British cycling member.
Many thanks...


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 10:54 am
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If you can get to Swinley Forest near Bracknell you could test ride both a Whyte and a Bird there I think.

Just don't be tempted to go for the biggest / longest / most laid back hardtail you can find just because that's the fashion at the moment. Try to test ride a few bikes and see what feels good to you.

I've got a long / low / slack full suss bike and its great in the big stuff. Actually marginally slower on some of the tamer stuff that my old Boardman Pro FS was good on.

I've just built up a 2004 Kona Caldera hardtail wih retro Bomber z1's forks and old Mavic DH wheels etc - but 1 x 10 gears that I had lying around. So much fun in he local pump track and going to try some tamer trail riding on it soon and expect it'll be fun there.

29er isn't out of fashion btw - they're being pushed very heavily in the top end of FS bikes - don't rule out either 27.5 or 29 until you've tried a few bikes. You'll soon decide which feels better to you.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 11:02 am
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I have been to my local bike shop and love the Specialized chisel
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/specialized-chisel-comp-2018-hardtail-mountain-bike-grey_379347

they have also recommended the Whyte 901 which I hope to look at an another store as they didn't have it in stock at the shop that I visited
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/whyte-901-2018-27-5-hardtail-mountain-bike-green_379551
How would these two compare to the other two bikes from cars as with discount from crc they would be the same price
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/ragley-big-wig-hardtail-bike-2017/rp-prod145975?utm_source=awin&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Skimlinks&awc=2698_1516445441_84b62c2bdd728dea8949840a65aa607a
I also looked at a trek full suspension which I love
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/trek-fuel-ex-5-plus-2018-full-suspension-mountain-bike-grey_380912
but was wondering how this would compare to the Vitus
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-escarpe-29-vr-suspension-bike-slx-1x11-2018/rp-prod159738


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 1:17 pm
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Just to throw another into the mix if your looking at spending a bit more than the £1200 [url= https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/mountain-bikes-c1/hardtail-c17/honzo-al-dl-mountain-bike-2017-p17078 ]This[/url] Kona looks really quite nice.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 1:50 pm
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Thank you federalski for your message but I'm really looking at a comparison between 4 hardtail and 2 full suspension bikes

With the 10% off at crc they all work out at about the same price (apart from the trek as there will.ne no discount from Rutland cycles).
Thank you


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 2:00 pm
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hahah - all this beautiful bike buying pain...so many good bikes!

Some of the prvious posts: yes - don't overkill in travel...
full suspension trail bike: 140/130 or 140/140 ... in this range
hardtail: minimum 130 mm fork -better a bit more...

"fashion": too many bought "Enduro" without having the difficult trails. Some move back now to more plush and playful trail bikes.

many bike brands put their development efforts into new full suspension bikes and concentrated onto those - but still have (I say) boring, old hardtails in their program.

Only few constantly improved the hardtails all the time.

Recently: quite some companies move - what they learned from full suspension bikes - over to hardtails now. Great!
(also: new, wide rims and good tyres...)

And yes - there are still many which love their XC hardtail racing bikes. Nothing wrong with that.

Companies like Production Privee were spearheading the "modern hardtail" design. Great so!

In my opinion, for fun trail biking: slack and long is not a fashion...- it's so much more fun...(for me)!

@somtam:
As soon as you say "I love this bike" : buy it! With some bikes you said this. Maybe good to go on with this bike then?

There will be no perfect bike....
😉

note: above doesn't apply to XC racing hardtail. These guys have fun as well. But they race...
😯


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 2:12 pm
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Having looked at the specialized

I really like the colour scheme but believe that I could still get better from crc With the 10% discount both the Ragley and the nukeproof wouldn't cost much more

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/nukeproof-scout-290-comp-bike-2018/rp-prod159427

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/ragley-big-wig-hardtail-bike-2017/rp-prod145975

Can anyone please tell me what is the difference in spec between these two as in appearance they look very similar.
Many thanks


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 3:04 pm
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They're very similar spec, apart from one major difference... the ragley is steel and the Nukeproof is aluminium. Steel will be a bit heavier and if you're confused as to what the differences are between basic hardtail models I'd suggest that the nuances of a steel framed hardtail may be lost on you :mrgreen: one has a yari and the other a revelation fork, the yari and revelation share the same damper but the yari is slightly stiffer (and heavier) as it's a cut down lyric Vs the Revelation which is a cut down pike.

Other that than you're looking at stuff like finishing kit, wheels etc.

Of them 2 I'd go for the Nukeproof, it'll be lighter and is not quite as extreme in geometry as the ragley.

The chisel is much more of an XC machine than these 2, and they're much much better specced than the chisel.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 3:24 pm
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All bikes you picked: very good bikes.
The Specialized more XC. Bit conservative.

The two other bikes, Ragley & Nukeproof:
both great geo, great drive train, good fork
The Nukeproof would allow for tyres up to 2.8 inch.

Biggest difference: the Ragley is a steel frame hardtail, the Nukeproof an aluminium sled.

If I would decide here - and if the price tag would be similar (and I would be willing to pay around 1.6 k...):

I would pick the Ragley steel frame hardtail bike!
Steel frames ride different from alumium bikes - and steel frame mtbs are - normally - much more expensive than comparable aluminium sleds...

Maybe: search this forum for opinions about the Ragley.
Or quickly open a post where you ask the owners of this bike.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 3:52 pm
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@ta11pau1:

haha. Didn't see your post in time...

The Nukeproof is a great bike (with potential for fatter tyres), the Ragley as well (bit unique with the steel frame).

@somtam: guess no chance of making a mistake here.

How is Nukeproof and how Ragley with service and warranty?
Don't know this.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 4:00 pm
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Personally I'd rule out the specialised - it doesn't look like it has much standover height with the frame and the spec is no where near as good as the others.

Out of the other 2 the spec is quite similar but I think he Ragley is probably more aggressive in its geometry and spec. The Yari fork is a little heavier than the revelation but stiffer as a result. The internal damping is much the same as the revelation - both have motion control dampers which are ok.

I imagine the scout is lighter and stiffer in the frame.

I'd be torn between those two as they're both decent - is there any chance you can get a test ride of either?


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 4:07 pm
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Now that you're budget has crept up a bit, I would go full sus.

At £1200 there aren't any I would trust, but now you're getting close to a decent allrounder with that vitus.

I don't know where you ride, but any visit to a trail centre or mountainous area will be enhanced by having suspension.

Hardtails make great second bikes 🙂

Just be aware that the ride qualities of some of the bikes you've posted will vary massively. As others have mentioned - test rides will tell you everything you need to know. Although I personally don't like test rides at trail centres - they can be deceiving.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 5:46 pm
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Hardtails make great second bikes

that's torture for somtam-bloke!
😯

But: 1.6 k is a lot of money...

10 more days, Halfords: Boardman FS Pro for 1.35 k ...

But, still, the Ragley and the Nukeproof are great, great bikes.
Thought about the 2.8 inch max tyres / Scout 290: they open maybe a path if somtam- bloke likes to go "more plush" without buying a full suss?
Don't remember the rim sizes so of the Nukeproof / no idea if the rims would match with 2.8 tyres...

But such a hardtail with 2.8 tyres: fun, fun ... if you find your perfect tyre pressure (not so easy with 2.8 inch tyres)


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 5:55 pm
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@AlexSimon-bloke:

https://www.yt-industries.com/uk/detail/index/sArticle/1929/sCategory/509

£2,099.00

29 inch tyres, fantastic trail full suspension bike
140/140 mm travel
XL in stock...

Now that you're budget has crept up a bit, I would go full sus.

2.1 k
Yes - this is already pretty close to the 1.6 k ... - and already much above original budget of 1.2 k ...

(Jeffsy: the 2018 price tag is a bit lower than 2017.)


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 6:48 pm
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The 29er full suss linked are nearly double the original budget!


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 7:23 pm
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The Jeffsy look great but 2k is out of my price range...you have to stop somewhere

Let's assume that I go for a full suspension which I might consider after trying one in the shop today but my budget would be £1750
Which one would you go for...would it be a vitus?
I like crc because of the discount with British cycling which can drop the price down a bit.
I'll put a post on the Bike forum for a full suspension for my price and see what comes up and I can then consider a full suspension.
Many thanks to everyone that has given me so much help


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 7:24 pm
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At that price I don't think you'll do better spec wise than either the Vitus VR in 29 or 27.5 variants, for £1665.

That is, other than the Boardman Pro FS which is currently £1350 (minus the halfords BC discount?) plus £150 or so for a dropper post.

I would look for either a 27.5 plus (2.6-3" tyre) or 29er hardtail for £1200 or so, or a FS for £1700 - and decide between the 2 based on whether you want a heavier, but more comfortable bike (FS) or a lighter, more responsive bike (HT). And whether you'll be doing smooth trail centre riding (HT) or more tricky trails or longer days in the saddle, i.e. 2-3 hours or more (FS).


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 7:39 pm
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Looking at both of these
1 hardtail and 1 full sus...
Both look amazing and with great discounts too

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Mondraker-Vantage-RR-27-5-Mountain-Bike-2017-Hardtail-MTB_98013.htm

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Stereo-140-HPA-SL-27-5-Mountain-Bike-2017-Trail-Full-Suspension-MTB_97755.htm


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 11:20 pm
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The Cube stereo would be my choice out of those two bikes.


 
Posted : 20/01/2018 11:40 pm
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I bought this for £1200 a few months back. The size is advertised on the site as 15" but its actually a 16.5"

Ive told them the site is wrong but they do not listen

Somebody please buy it before it reduces anymore 🙁

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/nukeproof-scout-290-comp-bike-2016/rp-prod135672

Btw its an awesome bike for the £1200 let alone 1000. Presumably you can get 10 percent off that with chain reaction discount also


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 7:08 am
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I wpuld like to say a big thank you to everyone that has helped me and all the advice that you have given me.
Decision time..quite a lot more than I wanted to spend but hey, I hardly ever treat myself always spending on my kids.
It's down to 3 bikes really

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Mondraker-Vantage-RR-27-5-Mountain-Bike-2017-Hardtail-MTB_98013.htm

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orange-Crush-Pro-27-5-Mountain-Bike-2018-Hardtail-MTB_112472.htm

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/giant-xtc-advanced-29-1-2017-hardtail-mountain-bike-black_372128

I know it's total overkill for my needs but it's my treat to myself
Thank you


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 9:22 am
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It is quite difficult to advise you on which one to get, as it really depends on what you'll be using it for. Those are very different bikes. That said, based on what you've said you'll be doing with the bike, I'd say to go for the Giant. It's a more conventional frame design and will do it all. You additionally seem partial to 29ers, and there's nothing wrong with that, though they are slightly falling out of fashion for hardtails. Should you decide at some point to get a set of plus wheels, you'll have that option. The Giant's frame is lovely and I'm partial to the XT drivechain and in particular the brakes. Whichever one you choose you'll have a great bike, I think.


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 9:40 am
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Probably not the best choice but I love the looks of the orange.
I think.its awesome


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 10:25 am
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That Giant is a totally different bike to the other two. You would have to ride them to know which style you preferred.


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 10:39 am
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The Giant is a light race bike, the Orange at the other end of the spectrum, the mondraker in the middle. Suggest you would be well advised to go ride some of the options before deciding, as they are quite different.


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 10:47 am
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https://www.yt-industries.com/uk/detail/index/sArticle/1929/sCategory/509
This looks great too but how would parts be as they're in germany
Don't like the fact that they charge you for both the bike box and shipping
Other than that I'll arrange to visit the bike shops that have the giant and the orange is stock


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 10:48 am
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Whichever one you you get I'm sure it'll be great.

But let me commend you on how quickly the budget has risen, the only way to do buy a new bike is to set a strict budget, forget it quickly, then buy something you like for far more than you though reasonable at the start of the process.

I do it all the time.


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 10:52 am
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You keep switching ideas and budgets at the moment.

The giant is a basically a cross country race bike. It'll be light but less stable on the downhills Han the others, and dare I say it potentially less fun.

The Mondraker is probably quite long - I can't see the geometry on the Tredz website but to get the most out of it you'd probably need to ride quite aggressively with your weight as far forward over the front wheel as possible.

The Orange? You previously linked the model down from it which is quite a bit cheaper and would be more than good enough.

If you're up around the £2k Mark I'd probably be thinking about a trail type full suss bike - but not an xc / enduro full suss for what you plan to use it for.

I still think you couldn't go too wrong with a Voodoo bizango tonstart with and seenhow you like it. It has 29er wheels which you were after and decent spec for the money. If you find you don't use it as much as you thought / you find either 29 or a hardtail isn't for you, there won't be as much money lost when you sell it on.


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 11:08 am
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https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p6809/CUBE-REACTION-GTC-PRO-29-2016 looks decent for £1k


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 11:18 am
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Not sure if I am missing something, but surely you cannot go wrong (vfm) with
https://www.merlincycles.com/diamondback-lumis-30-1x11-mountain-bike-2017-105285.html
or something more heavy duty
https://www.merlincycles.com/diamondback-myers-30-mountain-bike-2017-105265.html
PS I don´t work for Merlin or have any vested interests!!


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 5:57 pm
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At this price im foing to throw in Cotic Bfe or Soul


 
Posted : 21/01/2018 7:58 pm
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