New trail/AM MTB.... what to go for?

[Louisa911]

Hello all

I've been into mtbiking for the past year after meeting my boyfriend who's been seriously into it for the past 17 years or so. i've been going out and getting into it myself, mostly around trail centres (gisburn, glentress etc) and the bridleways and common land around where I live.

I currently have a GT Chucker, bought because it looked a good sturdy hardtail to get back into the basics again after having not ridden for a long time. I'm looking to get another bike now, I find the Chucker quite bulky and heavy, its not the most practical bike to be lugging around considering its more dirt jump orientated.

Not too sure whether or not to continue with a hardtail or go for a full sus this time, both new and second hand considered, budget of around £500. I like the idea of a Commencal Meta 5.5, seem great bikes and cheap second hand (07 one went on PH classifieds for £500). I also have a friend who works at an Orange stockist who says he could get me an Orange Diva brand new for my budget... but its a hardtail, and I'm not too keen on the noncy decal styling and how "feminine" it looks. Plus I'm no mega girly girl and I'm quite tall so geometry wise it might not be too well fitting.

I want something that can climb well, but then still be strong enough to handle the descent- hence why the Meta would be ideal. Anybody have any other suggestions or advice on what to look at?

Many thanks

[FunkyCEO]

I don't have a meta but a mate does...it's a heavy old beast (more than my Spec Enduro) and a bit of struggle uphill (awesome downhill though).

Have you look at the Trek Fuel Ex's? They might be a little over £500 but a lot lighter than a Meta, will fly up hills and handle the down pretty well also

[phil-sti]

Orange diva's are great and I'm sure they do a hardtail version

[Flippin' Kipper]

If you want a new full suspension bike you could look at:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

The previous model of which got a good review.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...

[Louisa911]

That Giant looks okay for the price but I'd always be a bit wary about a new full susser for that price when it came to using their own cheaper components... will take a look at them though, seems a good writeup.

If I went for an orange, it'd have to be a hardtail diva, the one that rrps. at £800. my budget unfortunately wont stretch to the fiva diva anyone heard much about the normal diva hardtails? i'm struggling to find any reviews and the closest one in stock is a fair few miles away so will be a while til I can go take a look. just cant make myself like the diva frame- it looks too purposefully "woman"- and cant bring myself to spending an extra 500 quid to get the pro version where you can choose the frame colour (and rip off those stupid fancy vinyls)

any other suggestions, possibly second hand ones? considering I may have to budget for any dodgy bearing changes / brake pads etc.

[MATRS]

Go with the Diva, very good frame that you can upgrade over the years and maybe have powdercoated with decals to your taste later too.

[alfaman]

I ride a full suss Specialized Stumpy Expert - which I rate highly ( £2k bike haggled down to £1350 new - was previous year model)

That Giant weighs over 33 lbs - which is really heavy. I just got back from Colorado where I used a hire full-susser of that weight - felt VERY heavy compared to my Stumpy.

You will be really hard pressed to get anything decent in full-suss for £500 - you could log on to singletrack.com and see what 2nd hand gear is for sale.

best value new full sussers include the Boardman range [at Halfords] - they are actually very good , and reasonably light - cheapest is around £1,000. Otherwise you need to spend around £1400 - £1500+ for a decent new full susser.

I'd suggest sticking with a hardtail until you can afford a new decent full susser , or shopping aorund on mtn biking forums for a decent 2nd hand one , Ialso suggest 5 inches travel is a lot more useful than 4.

[anonymous-user]

the giant is a pretty good bike. the spec reads ok, solid components where it matters and their full sus frames are highly regarded. have a hunt for 2010 bargains as some sales will have started, last year 09 bikes were on sale form various outlets as early as september. if you can wait a month or two you can get an early bargain...