Sorry but another "What bike" 29er?
Discussion
Hi,
I'm looking for a new bike. I will use it for longer rides (30mile+), all off road, single track stuff ideally, not the sort of riding to get airborne tooooo frequently. I've done a fair few wiggle and evans rides; that sort of thing.
I have dodgy knees and a dodgy back so comfort is a consideration.
My budget is £1000 on the CycleScheme and I think I should get a 29er hardtail.
I am looking at...
http://www.cube.eu/uk/products/mtb-hardtail/ltd/cu...
or...
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPW29GX1/on-one-par...
or even a 27.5 ...
http://shop.birdmtb.com/zero-tr/zero-tr3.html
The Cube felt good. I also sat on a Scott but that feel too nose down / arse up for my back to deal with.
Is there anything else I should consider? I am going to try and get my leg over the bird (snigger!) and the Parkwood over the next week or so.
If it makes a difference I currently ride a rigid geared bike and a rigid single speed (~20lb). I like the idea of an 11spd if I can.
Any ideas?
I'm looking for a new bike. I will use it for longer rides (30mile+), all off road, single track stuff ideally, not the sort of riding to get airborne tooooo frequently. I've done a fair few wiggle and evans rides; that sort of thing.
I have dodgy knees and a dodgy back so comfort is a consideration.
My budget is £1000 on the CycleScheme and I think I should get a 29er hardtail.
I am looking at...
http://www.cube.eu/uk/products/mtb-hardtail/ltd/cu...
or...
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPW29GX1/on-one-par...
or even a 27.5 ...
http://shop.birdmtb.com/zero-tr/zero-tr3.html
The Cube felt good. I also sat on a Scott but that feel too nose down / arse up for my back to deal with.
Is there anything else I should consider? I am going to try and get my leg over the bird (snigger!) and the Parkwood over the next week or so.
If it makes a difference I currently ride a rigid geared bike and a rigid single speed (~20lb). I like the idea of an 11spd if I can.
Any ideas?
Trek Superfly 5?
http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-superfly-5-...
Bang on £1000. T'was top of my shortlist, and I was VERY close to buying one until I got a price match and bought a bargain-tastic 2015 model Giant Anthem instead.
Either that, or get the Bird. I was seriously keen on one of them too, and would certainly have bought one if Dan and Dave had been anywhere near as keen to sell me one as Ben was. Be careful with Bird, though. They have supply issues currently with wheelsets for their bikes, and some sizes of frame are not yet available. Best to speak to then directly, as they were happy to discuss a work-around to get me a bike within budget, but their call came a day too late and I'd already splashed the cash on the Giant.
I was also looking at the Scott Scale. The 960 should be well within budget and nice and light. And the Orange Clockwork, but I wanted the 120, and there were none available. The Orange Clockwork 100 is the 29er version, and they may have some availability. Or look at Whyte to see what's available from them. Here's just one of the bikes in their range... http://whyte.bike/gb/629-2/
http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-superfly-5-...
Bang on £1000. T'was top of my shortlist, and I was VERY close to buying one until I got a price match and bought a bargain-tastic 2015 model Giant Anthem instead.
Either that, or get the Bird. I was seriously keen on one of them too, and would certainly have bought one if Dan and Dave had been anywhere near as keen to sell me one as Ben was. Be careful with Bird, though. They have supply issues currently with wheelsets for their bikes, and some sizes of frame are not yet available. Best to speak to then directly, as they were happy to discuss a work-around to get me a bike within budget, but their call came a day too late and I'd already splashed the cash on the Giant.
I was also looking at the Scott Scale. The 960 should be well within budget and nice and light. And the Orange Clockwork, but I wanted the 120, and there were none available. The Orange Clockwork 100 is the 29er version, and they may have some availability. Or look at Whyte to see what's available from them. Here's just one of the bikes in their range... http://whyte.bike/gb/629-2/
You don't say where abouts you are in the country, but mention "getting a leg over the Bird". Does this mean you are in the South?
If so, Pedal On in Tadley are a great shop, and stock Trek, Scott, Giant and Cannondale. Also worth a look at Mountain Trax in Barkham - they have Orange and Whyte as well as Scott. Spokes and Spanners in North camp, Farnborough, have KTM and Saracen bikes but they are a small shop so not too much 'stock' to look at. Specialized is the principal brand at Pedal Heaven in Fleet. They are all within relatively sensible distance of Bird's HQ in Eversley, so you could fit a few shop visits in on a single day if you wanted to.
If so, Pedal On in Tadley are a great shop, and stock Trek, Scott, Giant and Cannondale. Also worth a look at Mountain Trax in Barkham - they have Orange and Whyte as well as Scott. Spokes and Spanners in North camp, Farnborough, have KTM and Saracen bikes but they are a small shop so not too much 'stock' to look at. Specialized is the principal brand at Pedal Heaven in Fleet. They are all within relatively sensible distance of Bird's HQ in Eversley, so you could fit a few shop visits in on a single day if you wanted to.
Hardtails around the £1000 mark have been covered recently in yellowjacks thread, well worth a read.
If you're near the Midlands Leisure Lakes are having their demo day this weekend, I understand there are still a few tickets left, so could be a good way to try out a few different bikes.
If you're near the Midlands Leisure Lakes are having their demo day this weekend, I understand there are still a few tickets left, so could be a good way to try out a few different bikes.
Craikeybaby said:
Hardtails around the £1000 mark have been covered recently in yellowjacks thread, well worth a read.
If you're near the Midlands Leisure Lakes are having their demo day this weekend, I understand there are still a few tickets left, so could be a good way to try out a few different bikes.
Thanks - have found YellowJacks thread - don't know how I missed that.If you're near the Midlands Leisure Lakes are having their demo day this weekend, I understand there are still a few tickets left, so could be a good way to try out a few different bikes.
I'm nr Bournemouth so Leisure Lakes is a bit too far though I will be up the M1 next weekend so maybe I could pop in anyway
I've tried Giant and Kona now. Cube still feels the best fit. Will try and get up to a few more bike shops this weekend - probably pedal on, Primera. Too much choice I just need to pick one.
Things have moved on so much since I last bought a bike a mere 10 years ago! Currently googling how to go tubeless. Seems easy enough. Looking forward to having a new bike to play with.
Thanks.
Well - I have finally made a decision and it is completely different to what I was planning to get!! I think I spent less time choosing my house than I have choosing this bike!!
I was all set on a really nice Cube 29er hardtail when I walked into my local shop and saw a Giant Anthem at a cracking price.
One of these for anyone that may be interested...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_pdf/bikes/uk/giantb...
I took it for a very quick spin around the block and it just felt right - none of the sea sickness inducing bouncyness of the full suspension bikes I tried donkeys years ago. The logic was that I have had rigid bikes for years and my knees in particular have suffered so if I am going to try something different I may as well make it count!
Technology has really moved on a lot since I last spent any real money on bikes. I was cutting edge back in the late 80s when I had a rigid Cannondale complete with a 24" back wheel, 26" front. The hite-rite (remember them?) costing about a fiver has been replaced with droppers costing >£100. Slime tubes have been replaced with tubeless so it seems - going to look into how to do this on the new bike. I might even remove the front mech to be really up to date.
It is going to be a few weeks before I can pick it up and get it muddy unfortunately - the wait is going to drive me mad. And I have been given a weekend away in Afan! If only my knees were better!!
I was all set on a really nice Cube 29er hardtail when I walked into my local shop and saw a Giant Anthem at a cracking price.
One of these for anyone that may be interested...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_pdf/bikes/uk/giantb...
I took it for a very quick spin around the block and it just felt right - none of the sea sickness inducing bouncyness of the full suspension bikes I tried donkeys years ago. The logic was that I have had rigid bikes for years and my knees in particular have suffered so if I am going to try something different I may as well make it count!
Technology has really moved on a lot since I last spent any real money on bikes. I was cutting edge back in the late 80s when I had a rigid Cannondale complete with a 24" back wheel, 26" front. The hite-rite (remember them?) costing about a fiver has been replaced with droppers costing >£100. Slime tubes have been replaced with tubeless so it seems - going to look into how to do this on the new bike. I might even remove the front mech to be really up to date.
It is going to be a few weeks before I can pick it up and get it muddy unfortunately - the wait is going to drive me mad. And I have been given a weekend away in Afan! If only my knees were better!!
breamster said:
Well - I have finally made a decision and it is completely different to what I was planning to get!! I think I spent less time choosing my house than I have choosing this bike!!
I was all set on a really nice Cube 29er hardtail when I walked into my local shop and saw a Giant Anthem at a cracking price.
One of these for anyone that may be interested...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_pdf/bikes/uk/giantb...
I took it for a very quick spin around the block and it just felt right - none of the sea sickness inducing bouncyness of the full suspension bikes I tried donkeys years ago. The logic was that I have had rigid bikes for years and my knees in particular have suffered so if I am going to try something different I may as well make it count...
Nice one!I was all set on a really nice Cube 29er hardtail when I walked into my local shop and saw a Giant Anthem at a cracking price.
One of these for anyone that may be interested...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_pdf/bikes/uk/giantb...
I took it for a very quick spin around the block and it just felt right - none of the sea sickness inducing bouncyness of the full suspension bikes I tried donkeys years ago. The logic was that I have had rigid bikes for years and my knees in particular have suffered so if I am going to try something different I may as well make it count...
I think yours is a "2" so it's a higher spec than mine. I bought the Anthem 27.5 3 in size 'M' and am well happy so far. 336 miles ridden, including one weekend away "racing", and about 4 new Strava KOMs and I've bettered my time on one I already had. And to be fair, on those particular (off-road) segments, it was the new bike that really made the difference.
Suspension? You'd barely know it was there, as it doesn't feel "squishy" at all, and the 2 x 10 gearing seems to be spot on for the 650B wheels.
It is brilliant. I'm sure you will love yours once you can collect it. I got mine for £600 below list price, as I'd never have been able to afford it otherwise. My only issue so far has been the "Quick Link" on the chain letting go on a lap during my race, but that was repaired enough to finish, and later replaced for £5 including a spare for my tool bag.
No desire to buy 'upgrades' for it either, yet. It's been excellent straight out of the box. Although I feel that it might need some better bits as/when stuff wears out, and some trinkets may well trickle down to the other bikes in the family fleet...
yellowjack said:
Nice one!
I think yours is a "2" so it's a higher spec than mine. I bought the Anthem 27.5 3 in size 'M' and am well happy so far. 336 miles ridden, including one weekend away "racing", and about 4 new Strava KOMs and I've bettered my time on one I already had. And to be fair, on those particular (off-road) segments, it was the new bike that really made the difference.
Suspension? You'd barely know it was there, as it doesn't feel "squishy" at all, and the 2 x 10 gearing seems to be spot on for the 650B wheels.
It is brilliant. I'm sure you will love yours once you can collect it. I got mine for £600 below list price, as I'd never have been able to afford it otherwise. My only issue so far has been the "Quick Link" on the chain letting go on a lap during my race, but that was repaired enough to finish, and later replaced for £5 including a spare for my tool bag.
No desire to buy 'upgrades' for it either, yet. It's been excellent straight out of the box. Although I feel that it might need some better bits as/when stuff wears out, and some trinkets may well trickle down to the other bikes in the family fleet...
The only upgrade I am thinking of is tubeless - I can't stand punctures and hopefully this will help. I think yours is a "2" so it's a higher spec than mine. I bought the Anthem 27.5 3 in size 'M' and am well happy so far. 336 miles ridden, including one weekend away "racing", and about 4 new Strava KOMs and I've bettered my time on one I already had. And to be fair, on those particular (off-road) segments, it was the new bike that really made the difference.
Suspension? You'd barely know it was there, as it doesn't feel "squishy" at all, and the 2 x 10 gearing seems to be spot on for the 650B wheels.
It is brilliant. I'm sure you will love yours once you can collect it. I got mine for £600 below list price, as I'd never have been able to afford it otherwise. My only issue so far has been the "Quick Link" on the chain letting go on a lap during my race, but that was repaired enough to finish, and later replaced for £5 including a spare for my tool bag.
No desire to buy 'upgrades' for it either, yet. It's been excellent straight out of the box. Although I feel that it might need some better bits as/when stuff wears out, and some trinkets may well trickle down to the other bikes in the family fleet...
Does anyone know if the Racing Ralph (folding) tyres can be run tubeless? If so what is the best way? I have never dabbled in this so I got a bit to learn.
breamster said:
The only upgrade I am thinking of is tubeless - I can't stand punctures and hopefully this will help.
Does anyone know if the Racing Ralph (folding) tyres can be run tubeless? If so what is the best way? I have never dabbled in this so I got a bit to learn.
I've always found Schwable tyres a bit hit & miss when it comes to sealing. Some go first time, others need a bit more faff. I'd go with Stans sealant, rim tape & valves. There's plenty of tutorials on YouTube for you to follow if you get stuck but it's quite simple to do. A track pump is a must in order to get the first slug of air in so that the bead seals on the wheel rim. If the Ralph's don't seal first time try the "shake & bake" method to spread the sealant around...again, plenty of how-to videos online. Does anyone know if the Racing Ralph (folding) tyres can be run tubeless? If so what is the best way? I have never dabbled in this so I got a bit to learn.
breamster said:
The only upgrade I am thinking of is tubeless - I can't stand punctures and hopefully this will help.
Does anyone know if the Racing Ralph (folding) tyres can be run tubeless? If so what is the best way? I have never dabbled in this so I got a bit to learn.
I've always found Schwable tyres a bit hit & miss when it comes to sealing. Some go first time, others need a bit more faff. I'd go with Stans sealant, rim tape & valves. There's plenty of tutorials on YouTube for you to follow if you get stuck but it's quite simple to do. A track pump is a must in order to get the first slug of air in so that the bead seals on the wheel rim. If the Ralph's don't seal first time try the "shake & bake" method to spread the sealant around...again, plenty of how-to videos online. Does anyone know if the Racing Ralph (folding) tyres can be run tubeless? If so what is the best way? I have never dabbled in this so I got a bit to learn.
...and finally I have my new toy!
Squint a bit to see it - the sun was going down.
For perspective my normal bike is a 20lb rim braked ,rigid 26er singlespeed.
First ride yesterday, a quick 5 mile circuit just to make sure no bits fall off. Compared to my other two bikes the Giant felt huge. First mile I was thinking I've made a mistake. I felt really put off by the bobbing and it felt really cumbersome and heavy.
As soon as I got offroad that changed. So capable on the bumpy stuff. I found myself deliberately trying bad lines to see what happened. Surprisingly the climbing and flat stuff was also really good.
The bike fit instantly felt good. The top tube feel shorter and a little less stretched which is a good thing. The only concern I have is that I have a lot to learn about suspension! The travel indicators (red rubber bands!) suggest I used all the travel at both ends of the bike on a very gentle route. The front in particular can bottom out just climbing out of the saddle. Fiddling with the rebound setting on the back just a little virtually eliminated the bobbing about. Sag was set in the bike shop to the correct 10%. And the tyres were poor in the mud.
In short I am amazed how good it felt and I can't wait to get out on a proper ride.
Squint a bit to see it - the sun was going down.
For perspective my normal bike is a 20lb rim braked ,rigid 26er singlespeed.
First ride yesterday, a quick 5 mile circuit just to make sure no bits fall off. Compared to my other two bikes the Giant felt huge. First mile I was thinking I've made a mistake. I felt really put off by the bobbing and it felt really cumbersome and heavy.
As soon as I got offroad that changed. So capable on the bumpy stuff. I found myself deliberately trying bad lines to see what happened. Surprisingly the climbing and flat stuff was also really good.
The bike fit instantly felt good. The top tube feel shorter and a little less stretched which is a good thing. The only concern I have is that I have a lot to learn about suspension! The travel indicators (red rubber bands!) suggest I used all the travel at both ends of the bike on a very gentle route. The front in particular can bottom out just climbing out of the saddle. Fiddling with the rebound setting on the back just a little virtually eliminated the bobbing about. Sag was set in the bike shop to the correct 10%. And the tyres were poor in the mud.
In short I am amazed how good it felt and I can't wait to get out on a proper ride.
If you have Reba's on the front (I have Revelation) then you can help with the issue of using all the travel by fitting "bottomless tokens". Ive ordered some for my bike - it basically reduces the size of the air chamber in the top of the left leg by adding these little spacers. I cant report on how they work as Im still waiting, but it allows you to still keep the right pressure in the fork required for your weight. Often the only way to stop using almost all the travel is to keep adding air, which this stops.
Takes no time at all (if you have a 22mm socket!) let the air out the fork leg, remove cap with socket and screw token(s) on. Refit, pump up fork and ride! Pretty sure you need the 32mm size - but usually the fork is listed.
Takes no time at all (if you have a 22mm socket!) let the air out the fork leg, remove cap with socket and screw token(s) on. Refit, pump up fork and ride! Pretty sure you need the 32mm size - but usually the fork is listed.
With these feet said:
Takes no time at all (if you have a 22mm socket!) let the air out the fork leg, remove cap with socket and screw token(s) on. Refit, pump up fork and ride! Pretty sure you need the 32mm size - but usually the fork is listed.
You'll need to check first that your top cap has the threaded part inside to screw the bottomless tokens on to. Some forks don't have this for some reason so you need to buy a kit containing the cap and tokens.I found that on my newer SID forks the cap was the correct one and it had tokens fitted, my other SID's which are about 6 months older didn't so needed the complete kit.
The kit's not expensive, I think it was about £24 including 5 or 6 tokens.
neenaw said:
You'll need to check first that your top cap has the threaded part inside to screw the bottomless tokens on to. Some forks don't have this for some reason so you need to buy a kit containing the cap and tokens.
I found that on my newer SID forks the cap was the correct one and it had tokens fitted, my other SID's which are about 6 months older didn't so needed the complete kit.
The kit's not expensive, I think it was about £24 including 5 or 6 tokens.
Pretty sure its all post 2015 solo air that use them, but good point. Its 24mm on the cap as well - put mine back together till the bits arrive. I paid £14 for 5 tokens, though Id say I will have a few left as apparently 3 is about the max you need as there is 1 fitted already - saying that my Revelations are 2016 forks replaced FOC after I blew the seal out of the original set on its second ride!I found that on my newer SID forks the cap was the correct one and it had tokens fitted, my other SID's which are about 6 months older didn't so needed the complete kit.
The kit's not expensive, I think it was about £24 including 5 or 6 tokens.
breamster said:
...and finally I have my new toy!
Squint a bit to see it - the sun was going down.
For perspective my normal bike is a 20lb rim braked ,rigid 26er singlespeed.
First ride yesterday, a quick 5 mile circuit just to make sure no bits fall off. Compared to my other two bikes the Giant felt huge. First mile I was thinking I've made a mistake. I felt really put off by the bobbing and it felt really cumbersome and heavy.
As soon as I got offroad that changed. So capable on the bumpy stuff. I found myself deliberately trying bad lines to see what happened. Surprisingly the climbing and flat stuff was also really good.
The bike fit instantly felt good. The top tube feel shorter and a little less stretched which is a good thing. The only concern I have is that I have a lot to learn about suspension! The travel indicators (red rubber bands!) suggest I used all the travel at both ends of the bike on a very gentle route. The front in particular can bottom out just climbing out of the saddle. Fiddling with the rebound setting on the back just a little virtually eliminated the bobbing about. Sag was set in the bike shop to the correct 10%. And the tyres were poor in the mud.
In short I am amazed how good it felt and I can't wait to get out on a proper ride.
Sounds good!Squint a bit to see it - the sun was going down.
For perspective my normal bike is a 20lb rim braked ,rigid 26er singlespeed.
First ride yesterday, a quick 5 mile circuit just to make sure no bits fall off. Compared to my other two bikes the Giant felt huge. First mile I was thinking I've made a mistake. I felt really put off by the bobbing and it felt really cumbersome and heavy.
As soon as I got offroad that changed. So capable on the bumpy stuff. I found myself deliberately trying bad lines to see what happened. Surprisingly the climbing and flat stuff was also really good.
The bike fit instantly felt good. The top tube feel shorter and a little less stretched which is a good thing. The only concern I have is that I have a lot to learn about suspension! The travel indicators (red rubber bands!) suggest I used all the travel at both ends of the bike on a very gentle route. The front in particular can bottom out just climbing out of the saddle. Fiddling with the rebound setting on the back just a little virtually eliminated the bobbing about. Sag was set in the bike shop to the correct 10%. And the tyres were poor in the mud.
In short I am amazed how good it felt and I can't wait to get out on a proper ride.
Me and my Anthem 3 are now just over 8 weeks into our new life together, and today's ride put the mileage a smidgin over 600 miles.
Same as you with the suspension, not entirely sure what I'm doing. 100mm travel, so it's not for "big hits" but after the sag was set in the shop I found myself slamming it about too much. So I maxxed out the air pressure, and have only really needed to alter the rebound rate when I ride on different terrains. So far it's had one new chain, and a fresh set of rear pads, before it's even been back to the shop for it's free first 'service'. I bloody love it!
yellowjack said:
Sounds good!
Me and my Anthem 3 are now just over 8 weeks into our new life together, and today's ride put the mileage a smidgin over 600 miles.
Same as you with the suspension, not entirely sure what I'm doing. 100mm travel, so it's not for "big hits" but after the sag was set in the shop I found myself slamming it about too much. So I maxxed out the air pressure, and have only really needed to alter the rebound rate when I ride on different terrains. So far it's had one new chain, and a fresh set of rear pads, before it's even been back to the shop for it's free first 'service'. I bloody love it!
If you've got the air pressure in your shock maxed out, there's definitely something wrong! I reckon I'm probably being generous to myself if I say I probably only weigh 50% more than you do, but even so, my shock is about 10 PSI short of max pressure...Me and my Anthem 3 are now just over 8 weeks into our new life together, and today's ride put the mileage a smidgin over 600 miles.
Same as you with the suspension, not entirely sure what I'm doing. 100mm travel, so it's not for "big hits" but after the sag was set in the shop I found myself slamming it about too much. So I maxxed out the air pressure, and have only really needed to alter the rebound rate when I ride on different terrains. So far it's had one new chain, and a fresh set of rear pads, before it's even been back to the shop for it's free first 'service'. I bloody love it!
Well, I dusted of an ancient shock pump from the back of the garage and checked the pressure. According to the little sticker on the forks it should be 160-180psi for my weight not the 90psi it was set at.
I've upped it to 150psi partly as I have read the sticker pressures are a little high and partly as I'm not sure I trust the gauge. Difficult to check sag with any certainty on my own but it still looks OK(?). I can only assume the forks took a few miles to loosed up.
Thanks for the pointer towards bottomless tokens - will keep them in mind but need to have a play with everything else first.
I also checked the rear shock and it was set at 200psi - going to leave this be for the moment as it feels ok. Need to try a few rougher rides before I can gauge how well setup it is.
Have also got my new garmin and camera set-up....so many new toys and so little time to actually ride!
I've upped it to 150psi partly as I have read the sticker pressures are a little high and partly as I'm not sure I trust the gauge. Difficult to check sag with any certainty on my own but it still looks OK(?). I can only assume the forks took a few miles to loosed up.
Thanks for the pointer towards bottomless tokens - will keep them in mind but need to have a play with everything else first.
I also checked the rear shock and it was set at 200psi - going to leave this be for the moment as it feels ok. Need to try a few rougher rides before I can gauge how well setup it is.
Have also got my new garmin and camera set-up....so many new toys and so little time to actually ride!
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff