Cycle to Work scheme

[RichTT]

I've been offered a deal through the cycle to work initiative for some bikes. I've been meaning to get a new bike for ages, I've not had one for many years but would like to get back into it. I live near a large forest and would love to see more of it than I have just on foot so far. Most of the tracks are fairly easy, there's no steep inclines or downhill/uphill sections, lots of sandy tracks as it's near the sea.

Purchase comes through these chaps: http://cyclesolutions-shop.co.uk

And these are the three mountain bikes they have as package deals through the system. I'm so out of touch regarding technology I don't know what I'm looking for, any advice?

[anonymous-user]

I cant see the pictures! make/model?

[RichTT]

Option 1

Felt Q series 6061 aluminium frame
SR Suntour XCT fork, 100mm travel
Tektro Draco hydraulic brakes
24 speed shimano alivio

Option 2

Kona 6061 Aluminium frame
Rockshox xc 28 fork, 100mm travel
Shimano 160mm disk brakes
27 speed shimano acera


Option 3

Specialized A1 premium aluminium frame
Rockshox xc30 fork 80 or 100mm travel
Avid Elixir 1 disk brakes
20 speed Shimano SLX Shadow

[RichTT]

I believe that I can also do a custom order through that site as long as the total price doesn't exceed £1000, I of course would probably get a helmet and some other bits and bobs along with it, if I chose option 3 I wouldn't have any allowance left.

[anonymous-user]

To be honest, you are comparing apples with apples, albeit with minor component changes. For what you want they sound ideal and wont let you down. None of them are bad bikes and anything else at a similar price will be much the same.

I'd be surprised if the specialised is SLX throughout as thats much higher up the groupset food chain compared to the other two but its worth a look at the hierarchy etc. the other componnets are functional and reliable, the trick is constnat minor tlc rather than ride, ignore, ride, ignore, epic failure....

I'd go with the Felt or the Kona because from experience, the lower end specialised alu frames are really bloody heavy! they might all weigh a similar amount but you should be able to find all the details you need on the web.

[IroningMan]

Odd-looking chainset on the Specialized - no big ring and it's 20 spd?

[Gizmoish]

I'd got for the Kona myself on grounds of the fork. Although none of the three are anything exceptional all three would provide decent service for forest path pootling.


edit: Specialized is a 29er (700c rims) hence the chainwheel looking small.

Edited by Gizmoish on Tuesday 19th February 16:39