Hardtail for ~£1k

[Stu R]

Hi folks

After the success of the last thread I posted up here, which has seen me get back into biking with quite some enthusiasm on my Felt Mint Sauce, I thought where better to ask for the next purchase.

Anywhoo, I won't be buying for another few weeks, as this month has been biblically expensive, but if nothing else it gives me the chance to ensure I end up buying something I really want.

I want a hardtail, I plan on covering a lot more distance which I feel could be better achieved than on the felt. Whilst I'm not really a fan of road riding, I expect I'll be hitting the tarmac as well as the trails on it. I live right next to the C2C track (whitehaven > sunderland), on the eastern side, so figured this gives me somewhere to stretch my legs a little bit and get some distance riding done, all in the name of fitness. Of course, it'll inevitably end up down the woods or up on the fells, doing things it was never intended to do, but for now my intentions are good.

So I'll have somewhere around a grand to spend, fairly flexible on the budget (more or less is fine, to a degree).

The only bike I've looked at thus far is a Merlin Malt 4, which I like very much.

Not bothered about carbon as I'm not the lightest of chaps, but I'd like something reasonably light, or rather, not too heavy

So, suggestions on a piece of toast in the space below.

Ta!

Stu

[Stu R]

oh an if it's too similar to the other hardtail thread that's running I apologise, didn't want to invade plus I'm looking at a broader range of bikes (read as: anything really)

[anonymous-user]

there are loads of options, charge duster, on one inbred, kenesis maxlight, genesis altitude, orange p7/evo, pipedream sirrus...all availble as frames so you can spec it how you want whcih is how you will get a great xc bike for under £1000, if you are careful with your sourcing, you should be able to build it with an SLX/deore mix, good wheels and rockshox tora forks. i think MBR have a four steel £1000 hardtail test at the moment. steel is under rated and still, in my opinion, the best xc frame material bar the exotics.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/moun...

[Akers]

Gary Fisher Big Sur is a good bike in that price range.

[ratbane]

pablo said:

there are loads of options, charge duster, on one inbred, kenesis maxlight, genesis altitude, orange p7/evo, pipedream sirrus...all availble as frames so you can spec it how you want whcih is how you will get a great xc bike for under £1000, if you are careful with your sourcing, you should be able to build it with an SLX/deore mix, good wheels and rockshox tora forks. i think MBR have a four steel £1000 hardtail test at the moment. steel is under rated and still, in my opinion, the best xc frame material bar the exotics.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/moun...

+1 for steel.

My hardtale is a Reynolds 853 Kona Explosif, and it never ceases to amaze me how balanced and fast it is. Rear end is more compliant (ooo er!)than the Marin IFT I had before her. I found alu frames very stiff and unforgiving. I know an equivalent fame would exceed that budget, but something like an Orange P7 should be good.

Edited by ratbane on Thursday 2nd April 09:36

[anonymous-user]

ratbane said:

pablo said:

there are loads of options, charge duster, on one inbred, kenesis maxlight, genesis altitude, orange p7/evo, pipedream sirrus...all availble as frames so you can spec it how you want whcih is how you will get a great xc bike for under £1000, if you are careful with your sourcing, you should be able to build it with an SLX/deore mix, good wheels and rockshox tora forks. i think MBR have a four steel £1000 hardtail test at the moment. steel is under rated and still, in my opinion, the best xc frame material bar the exotics.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/moun...

+1 for steel.

My hardtale is a Reynolds 853 Kona Explosif, and it never ceases to amaze me how balanced and fast it is. Rear end is more compliant (ooo er!)than the Marin IFT I had before her. I found alu frames very stiff and unforgiving. I know and equivalent frfame would exceed that budget, but something like an Orange P7 should be good.

speaking of steel konas, i saw my old 1995 cinder cone yesterday, same spec as i sold her but now sporting a pair of conti semi slicks. it was great to see her again and to know that she is still being used and is being kept in good condition! if i wasnt with my wife i would have left a note on it asking if he wanted to sell it!....

[ratbane]

pablo said:

ratbane said:

pablo said:

there are loads of options, charge duster, on one inbred, kenesis maxlight, genesis altitude, orange p7/evo, pipedream sirrus...all availble as frames so you can spec it how you want whcih is how you will get a great xc bike for under £1000, if you are careful with your sourcing, you should be able to build it with an SLX/deore mix, good wheels and rockshox tora forks. i think MBR have a four steel £1000 hardtail test at the moment. steel is under rated and still, in my opinion, the best xc frame material bar the exotics.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/moun...

+1 for steel.

My hardtale is a Reynolds 853 Kona Explosif, and it never ceases to amaze me how balanced and fast it is. Rear end is more compliant (ooo er!)than the Marin IFT I had before her. I found alu frames very stiff and unforgiving. I know an equivalent fame would exceed that budget, but something like an Orange P7 should be good.

speaking of steel konas, i saw my old 1995 cinder cone yesterday, same spec as i sold her but now sporting a pair of conti semi slicks. it was great to see her again and to know that she is still being used and is being kept in good condition! if i wasnt with my wife i would have left a note on it asking if he wanted to sell it!....

I've been contemplating the move to FS, possibly Kona Hei Hei, Trex EX8, Lapierre 317, and turning the Explosif into a hybrid with P2s. Problem is, it just feels wrong not to use the Explosif as nature intended!

I had a Kilauea prior to this bike (before '98), and wish I'd kept that one too.

[WildCards]

I'd love to recommend a Commencal Supernormal as I bought mine for £800 last year reduced, but I can't seem to find any under £1k at the minute. The Gary Fisher Big Sur was second on my list, I never got around to trying one, but the frame is light, and the kit is/was impressive for the price, certainly it ticked the boxes for me more than all others bikes (except the SN).

[arryb]

Get one of these


Half carbon fibre, I love mine - got it before christmas for about £750!

Apparently it weighs 11.4kg/25lb.

[ratbane]

arryb said:

Get one of these


Half carbon fibre, I love mine - got it before christmas for about £750!

Apparently it weighs 11.4kg/25lb.

Very nice!!

[anonymous-user]

ratbane said:

pablo said:

ratbane said:

pablo said:

there are loads of options, charge duster, on one inbred, kenesis maxlight, genesis altitude, orange p7/evo, pipedream sirrus...all availble as frames so you can spec it how you want whcih is how you will get a great xc bike for under £1000, if you are careful with your sourcing, you should be able to build it with an SLX/deore mix, good wheels and rockshox tora forks. i think MBR have a four steel £1000 hardtail test at the moment. steel is under rated and still, in my opinion, the best xc frame material bar the exotics.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/moun...

+1 for steel.

My hardtale is a Reynolds 853 Kona Explosif, and it never ceases to amaze me how balanced and fast it is. Rear end is more compliant (ooo er!)than the Marin IFT I had before her. I found alu frames very stiff and unforgiving. I know an equivalent fame would exceed that budget, but something like an Orange P7 should be good.

speaking of steel konas, i saw my old 1995 cinder cone yesterday, same spec as i sold her but now sporting a pair of conti semi slicks. it was great to see her again and to know that she is still being used and is being kept in good condition! if i wasnt with my wife i would have left a note on it asking if he wanted to sell it!....

I've been contemplating the move to FS, possibly Kona Hei Hei, Trex EX8, Lapierre 317, and turning the Explosif into a hybrid with P2s. Problem is, it just feels wrong not to use the Explosif as nature intended!

I had a Kilauea prior to this bike (before '98), and wish I'd kept that one too.

i was all set for another racy xc bike, probably a charge duster or maybe a carver 29"er built up to my spec but after a ride thorugh Afan on an Epic, i had so much fun i have decided to seriously consider going full sus, i am currently waiting to take zesty 314 and a trek ex8 on test... though the novelty of the carver is still lurking...

i know what you mean about intended nature but that era of kona frame geometry actually suited commuting and road work quite well as it was very responsive and got the power down quickly. with some semi slicks it would be a good ride!

[baxb]

Another vote for a Gary Fisher, I ride an 08 Hoo Koo E Koo, (couldn't strech to the Big Sur!)& for the money the level of kit is good, it's fairly light (under 28lbs for 21" Frame) & I think is a great XC hardtail. A pal of mine has an 09 HKEK & a Stumpy Expert FSR & does enjoy riding the HKEK as he says "it makes you ride fast everywhere". Try and make sure, whatever you go for, you get to ride one first & see if fits.

[ratbane]

pablo said:

ratbane said:

pablo said:

ratbane said:

pablo said:

there are loads of options, charge duster, on one inbred, kenesis maxlight, genesis altitude, orange p7/evo, pipedream sirrus...all availble as frames so you can spec it how you want whcih is how you will get a great xc bike for under £1000, if you are careful with your sourcing, you should be able to build it with an SLX/deore mix, good wheels and rockshox tora forks. i think MBR have a four steel £1000 hardtail test at the moment. steel is under rated and still, in my opinion, the best xc frame material bar the exotics.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/moun...

+1 for steel.

My hardtale is a Reynolds 853 Kona Explosif, and it never ceases to amaze me how balanced and fast it is. Rear end is more compliant (ooo er!)than the Marin IFT I had before her. I found alu frames very stiff and unforgiving. I know an equivalent fame would exceed that budget, but something like an Orange P7 should be good.

speaking of steel konas, i saw my old 1995 cinder cone yesterday, same spec as i sold her but now sporting a pair of conti semi slicks. it was great to see her again and to know that she is still being used and is being kept in good condition! if i wasnt with my wife i would have left a note on it asking if he wanted to sell it!....

I've been contemplating the move to FS, possibly Kona Hei Hei, Trex EX8, Lapierre 317, and turning the Explosif into a hybrid with P2s. Problem is, it just feels wrong not to use the Explosif as nature intended!

I had a Kilauea prior to this bike (before '98), and wish I'd kept that one too.

i was all set for another racy xc bike, probably a charge duster or maybe a carver 29"er built up to my spec but after a ride thorugh Afan on an Epic, i had so much fun i have decided to seriously consider going full sus, i am currently waiting to take zesty 314 and a trek ex8 on test... though the novelty of the carver is still lurking...

i know what you mean about intended nature but that era of kona frame geometry actually suited commuting and road work quite well as it was very responsive and got the power down quickly. with some semi slicks it would be a good ride!

I ride Afan and Margan mostly. Do you reckon the FS XC bikes are more rapid (and fun) than a good steelie over that type of terrain?

[Hobzy]

Don't worry about muscling in on t'other thread - I'll see what people say on here too Looks like I'll go for the Merlin if I can get it on the scheme.

Love to know where someone got that half carbon giant for £750

[WildCards]

Commencal Supernormal comes in at 23lbs

[anonymous-user]

ratbane said:

pablo said:

ratbane said:

pablo said:

ratbane said:

pablo said:

there are loads of options, charge duster, on one inbred, kenesis maxlight, genesis altitude, orange p7/evo, pipedream sirrus...all availble as frames so you can spec it how you want whcih is how you will get a great xc bike for under £1000, if you are careful with your sourcing, you should be able to build it with an SLX/deore mix, good wheels and rockshox tora forks. i think MBR have a four steel £1000 hardtail test at the moment. steel is under rated and still, in my opinion, the best xc frame material bar the exotics.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/frames/moun...

+1 for steel.

My hardtale is a Reynolds 853 Kona Explosif, and it never ceases to amaze me how balanced and fast it is. Rear end is more compliant (ooo er!)than the Marin IFT I had before her. I found alu frames very stiff and unforgiving. I know an equivalent fame would exceed that budget, but something like an Orange P7 should be good.

speaking of steel konas, i saw my old 1995 cinder cone yesterday, same spec as i sold her but now sporting a pair of conti semi slicks. it was great to see her again and to know that she is still being used and is being kept in good condition! if i wasnt with my wife i would have left a note on it asking if he wanted to sell it!....

I've been contemplating the move to FS, possibly Kona Hei Hei, Trex EX8, Lapierre 317, and turning the Explosif into a hybrid with P2s. Problem is, it just feels wrong not to use the Explosif as nature intended!

I had a Kilauea prior to this bike (before '98), and wish I'd kept that one too.

i was all set for another racy xc bike, probably a charge duster or maybe a carver 29"er built up to my spec but after a ride thorugh Afan on an Epic, i had so much fun i have decided to seriously consider going full sus, i am currently waiting to take zesty 314 and a trek ex8 on test... though the novelty of the carver is still lurking...

i know what you mean about intended nature but that era of kona frame geometry actually suited commuting and road work quite well as it was very responsive and got the power down quickly. with some semi slicks it would be a good ride!

I ride Afan and Margan mostly. Do you reckon the FS XC bikes are more rapid (and fun) than a good steelie over that type of terrain?

over the wall at afan i would say yes. some particular sections were notably quicker and asking more from the rider than the rider could give!!! the long section with the wooden bridge in the middle over the stream was a blast, the bike was just flying. even on the long climbs i was pleasantly surprised by the speed and power up the hills. i couldnt use the granny due to crap gear alignment so dont know if it would bob around a lot in the lowest gear but the rear did feel sorted. hence why i am looking at the trek or the zesty, have considered the stumpy too but want something a bit different this time round...

the supernormal is about £1350 which is pushing ~£1000!! but it is a lovely bike.

[arryb]

Hobzy said:

Don't worry about muscling in on t'other thread - I'll see what people say on here too Looks like I'll go for the Merlin if I can get it on the scheme.

Love to know where someone got that half carbon giant for £750

Just ask

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/giant-xtc-alliance-...

ETA: It's a 2008 model hence the price reduction!!

Edited by arryb on Thursday 2nd April 12:01

[mk1fan]

WildCards said:

Commencal Supernormal comes in at 23lbs

My S-works FSR was 23.5lbs with ridiculously heavy Mavic Crossride wheels, middling components and Marathon Plus tyres. You need to shed a couple of pounds

In response to the OP. I don't recall what bike you bought previously. If you're looking for a HT to ride both on and off road then you're not going to find it. You'll either need to sacrifice road and off-road manners. Or compromise on one.

I'm minded to recommend an On One Scandel with rigid carbon forks. I think that's bang on £1,000 and you can have either 26 or 29-inch wheels.

Are you going to have two sets of wheels - one with knobblies and a wide cassette; and one with slicks and a small cassette?

[Stu R]

Thanks a lot for the feedback guys, it's certainly given me a massive amount to digest!

As for what I got originally, a Felt Compulsion 2 Mint Sauce

I'd rather have an off road XC bike that gets used on road than the other way around.

Amazing to see Gary Fisher Big Sur getting a mention. I had one of those back in the late 90's as my first 'expensive' bike, matt black frame with white decals, and white velociraptor tyres if anyone remembers em. Bloody loved that bike, had a Marin B17 and a gary fisher level betty after that which failed to fill it's boots.

I was under the impression fishers had fallen out of favour, seems I was a bit wrong so I'll be sure to check them out again as I have nothing but fond memories of mine.

The commencal stuff looks good too.

So I think I've narrowed it down to a fisher, malt 4, supernormal or one of kona's offerings as I've had a couple of those and loved them.

[Hobzy]

I had a look in the local shop yesterday and was shown the 09 trek 6700. SLX throughout and seemed quite light and balanced. Was trying hard to ignore the Giant XTC1 behind me - out of budget according to SWMBO

Thoughts on the trek peeps? The spec in the uk doesnt match the spec I have seen on the web which was a mix of sram and Avid, but the one I saw in the shop was all shimano slx, with rockshox recon sl forks I think.