£1k Mountain Bike, what is best?

[Nick_F]

gbbird said:

Merlin Malt 4 with top spec has to on this list i think.

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&prod...


Also, how about a Cove Stiffee built to spec (although you might be struggling to keep it under a grand)

Agreed, but the Rock Lobster has the same geometry and looks nicer...

[GHW]

You could easily build up a rather nice On-One 456 or Scandal for less than a grand.

Admittedly, you'll be getting a frame that has been build in a shed..

[mk1fan]

And none of those would be as good as the Stiffee.

[Nick_F]

mk1fan said:

And none of those would be as good as the Stiffee.

Perhaps not, but they're a lot cheaper as new bikes and in any event I'm afraid I couldn't put up with Cove's juvenile product naming strategy.

'Daddy, what's a handjob?'

[tjdixon911]

mk1fan said:

How about this then??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cove-Stiffee-FR-16-Marzocchi...

Looks like an 05 or 06 model. Bargaintainious.

That does look good but I think the frame size would be a little small for me.

[tjdixon911]

rhinochopig said:

I'd almost be tempted to build your own around something like a Kinesis frame. I bought one last year and have been really impressed with it. Although you don't get such good value for money as you would with the boardman, you can make sure all the contact points fit you.

On top of the cost of a frame what would the cost be to build up a bike? Taking into account I have no idea and no tools etc. The thought is appealing but I think with my lack of know how it may be too much!

[mk1fan]

Nick_F said:

'Daddy, what's a handjob?'

'Nicky Jnr, It's a bike frame.' That wasn't hard was it?

Given the OP wanted to spend a grand on a bike then that particular one I posted (although too small according to the OP) would be cheap enough to buy a complete XT drive train from On-One and still have change left over to service the forks and take his Mrs out for a nice meal. Frame durability won't be an issue.

As for the sizing - How tall are you Mr OP? I'd say the size of that Stiffee (it's actually a 15.5) would suit upto 5'10 / 11".

Edited by mk1fan on Thursday 21st August 13:14

[mk1fan]

I should add that it isn't my bike for sale.

[tjdixon911]

mk1fan said:

Nick_F said:

'Daddy, what's a handjob?'

'Nicky Jnr, It's a bike frame.' That wasn't hard was it?

Given the OP wanted to spend a grand on a bike then that particular one I posted (although too small according to the OP) would be cheap enough to buy a complete XT drive train from On-One and still have change left over to service the forks and take his Mrs out for a nice meal. Frame durability won't be an issue.

As for the sizing - How tall are you Mr OP? I'd say the size of that Stiffee (it's actually a 15.5) would suit upto 5'10 / 11".

Edited by mk1fan on Thursday 21st August 13:14

I am 6'2" ish, I currently have a 19" frame which I think is about right.

[mk1fan]

Shame.

[Nick_F]

Nicky Jnr's Teacher said:

What did you do at the weekend, Nicky Jnr?

Nicky Jnr said:

We went to the bike shop and my dad got himself a handjob.

Nicky Jnr's Teacher said:

Hello, is that Social Services...

[mk1fan]

And?

Unless of course there are other things you need to hide naughty Nick F. Naughty, naughty.

Edited by mk1fan on Thursday 21st August 14:51

[cannondale]

Hard-Drive said:

I'm quite a believer in getting "last year's model" as there are some bargains to be had. My Trek Fuel was £950 and I think it's a lot of bike for the money and worth upgrades if I see fit (although the spec is very good anyway). http://www.flickr.com/photos/23284229@N05/26978101...

If it's your first decent bike you really won't notice the lack of teh absolute latest technology...and for instance with the new version of my bike, altough the new ABP rear pivot is supposed to be very good ride wise, there have been some failures reported...

Hard drive, I'm thinking of getting one of these in the near future. Do you have any idea what weight is in it (roughly)?

[Nick_F]

We have enough trouble with my wife telling the school staff that she gives the children gin to help them sleep...

[gbbird]

tjdixon911 said:

mk1fan said:

How about this then??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cove-Stiffee-FR-16-Marzocchi...

Looks like an 05 or 06 model. Bargaintainious.

That does look good but I think the frame size would be a little small for me.

Shame. That stiffy does look good. I ride a 15.5 inch Stiffee, and yes it would be far too small for you.

[mk1fan]

As long as it's a decent gin then what's the harm? Now if it were Tesco Value Gin then that is cruel.

[Nick_F]

It's okay - blighters won't accept anything less than Plymouth's finest.

[WildCards]

I've just got a Comemncal Supernormal from Merlin for £800 and i'm very happy with it. However, if it had to be new for under £1000 it'd be the Boardman Pro.

Commie = http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&prod...

[tjdixon911]

WildCards said:

I've just got a Comemncal Supernormal from Merlin for £800 and i'm very happy with it. However, if it had to be new for under £1000 it'd be the Boardman Pro.

Commie = http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&prod...

I did look at that earlier, its a nice looking bike. Just need to find a local dealer for them to have a look.

[DjSki]

I had the same dilemma a couple of months ago and couldn't find better than a Rock Lobster Tig Team Sl Limited Edition from Merlin cycles. Full XT, group, good hand made wheels, Fox F32 100 forks, race face finishing kit. Great, light, pointy bike that loves to climb. £975.

You won't find as good a spec anywhere for less.