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For a lad at work, he's only looked at the Orange Crush RS up to now. Anyone doing any deals on other makes that are cheaper but are better equipped/last years models etc.
2K is his absolute max, not a penny more!
If had 2k in my pocket to spend on last years hardtail my feature checklist would be nearly as many digits. Any more to go on?
Custom build?
I'd be speccing up a nice Privee Shan - the Oka looks nice too. Like a less aggressive Shan
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Or this.
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What kind of riding?
Averse to wagon wheels?
+1 custom build.
Swarf looks eager.
Stanton switchback or sherpa? Have the option of a build kit, though personally I would go custom as well for 2k.
No idea what kind of riding he's wanting to do & I think It'll be his 1st MTB. Says he doesn't want/need a FS. I can't see him being interested in a custom job either but I'll ask.
I might just tell him to search for a last years bike that was around his budget, should be some decent discounts.
What about 2nd hand. He'd get a nice HT for half his budget or less?
If it was me I would go for a top end Bird Zero 1. Pike and reverb upgrades plus carbon bars and he would still have some pennies left over!
That swarf looks rad as hell. Sooooo slack
The thing is he doesn't know a lot about bikes (yet) so he'll either want to walk into a bike shop (like in the olden days) & try/buy or order a well reccommended bike online, which is stoopid unless you know exactly what you/he wants.
He's in West Yorkshire (Wakefield maybe) so if anyone can tell me of a good shop with some potentially good deals, I'll pass it on.
£2000 for a hardtail with no real idea about bikes or what kind of bike he wants? I'd advise him to spend about £1100 less or just bike the bullet and buy a 120-140mm full sus if he really has money burning a hole in his pocket.
Tell him to pop down to planet x and have a look at the parkwood?
And not to let on that he's got 2k to burn!
Echoing others about spending less for sure. I'd keep good portion of budget for helmet, clothing, shoes, trail tools, lights etc.
Not knowing what type of riding he intends to do could be problematic if he finds a good deal on either Cannondale Flash carbon 1 (yes have seen one today in large for the price) or a Surly Pugsley - either of which would force a style of riding upon the buyer if used as an only bike. I'm guessing long travel trail orientated HT would be a sensible starting point. Something that isn't either an anchor or a featherweight?
26" bargain if he wants something with a light frame: http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO456CEVOX5/on-one-456-evo-carbon-sram-x5-mountain-bike
29": http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPWX9/on-one-parkwood-sram-x9-mountain-bike
The 29er will give more confidence on rooty sections etc IMO but the 26" makes you work harder. Wouldnt be spending £2k on a first bike.
Obviously lots of other decent bikes around for £800-£1k (canyons, boardmans etc)