Another what MTB thread

Another what MTB thread

Author
Discussion

Smooth Smith

Original Poster:

431 posts

163 months

Saturday 22nd April 2017
quotequote all
Hi all

I'm looking to replace my stolen GT hardtail and have been reading up lots. I've decided on a 27.5 full suspension and am looking to spend around £1k ish which is pretty much entry level I know.

Still many choices available around this price bracket and have narrowed it down to the following:

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mtb/neuron/neuron-al-...

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p7742/GIANT-...

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p6925/GIANT-...

I've also seen a Merida on offer for a decent price but the spec isn't quite as good:

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p7284/MERIDA...

Then the final option is the Calibre Bossnut. Hard to ignore given the reviews and the current price of £899, however, I'm unsure as to backup after sale and the little known brand.

http://m.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-bossnut-full-sus...

The new model of the Bossnut is out next month so probably why it's on offer but this doesn't bother me.

My use will mainly be leisure plus some trails, nothing crazy.

Has anyone any experience of the above and which would you go for?

Thanks

Andy











Edited by Smooth Smith on Saturday 22 April 12:45

The_Jackal

4,854 posts

196 months

Saturday 22nd April 2017
quotequote all
The Bossnut and Boardman FS Team are the two clear leaders in the £1k bike world.
If you are not doing anything too gnarly either of these bikes will impress you. But they are still capable of dealing with the rough stuff.
Just choose the one you like the look of, or fits you the best. It really is that simple.

yellowjack

17,065 posts

165 months

Saturday 22nd April 2017
quotequote all
March last year I was in pretty much a similar situation (although my GT hard tail hadn't been stolen, it was just old) and here's a thread I started on the subject... https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...


I ended up with a reduced price 2015 Giant Anthem 3. Advertised at £1100, I got it price matched even lower too (£899), so it's worth a bit of shopping around.

3014 miles covered in the first year, and very little to complain about. Almost all proper off-road MTB miles too. The freehub on the rear wheel is the only real weak spot as far as I can see. Always a joy to ride, to the point where I don't get out on my road bike anywhere near as much as I need to in order to achieve my annual mileage target. A simply awesome bike, I've raced it too. Not hugely successfully, but not the bike's fault. Most of my rides are around the 2 hour, 20 mile mark, but I think I've done a few up around the 50 to 55 mile mark, all dayers with 6 or more hours in the saddle. Very comfortable, equally at home on smoother fire roads and canal towpaths as it is blasting around local single-track sections and MTB race venues.

See if you can find a shop and try one, or at least swing a leg over one. As you can see from my thread, it wasn't even on the shortlist to start with, but after riding one, even briefly, it was difficult to imagine myself on anything else as a "one for all" MTB. At this time of year, and with the dry weather we've been having, the Racing Ralph tyres will be OK too, so no need to budget for a more aggressive treaded set of tyres until autumn/winter.

Even bigger winner for you? Paul's Cycles appear to be knocking out the Anthem 2 for the same price. Gets you upgrades in parts of the groupset, and sealed cartridge bearings in the hubs. One step up the model hierarchy for the same money? No-brainer, surely? https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p6926/GIANT-... ...£400 more expensive when new wink

breamster

1,013 posts

179 months

Saturday 22nd April 2017
quotequote all
yellowjack said:
March last year I was in pretty much a similar situation (although my GT hard tail hadn't been stolen, it was just old) and here's a thread I started on the subject... https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...


I ended up with a reduced price 2015 Giant Anthem 3. Advertised at £1100, I got it price matched even lower too (£899), so it's worth a bit of shopping around.

3014 miles covered in the first year, and very little to complain about. Almost all proper off-road MTB miles too. The freehub on the rear wheel is the only real weak spot as far as I can see. Always a joy to ride, to the point where I don't get out on my road bike anywhere near as much as I need to in order to achieve my annual mileage target. A simply awesome bike, I've raced it too. Not hugely successfully, but not the bike's fault. Most of my rides are around the 2 hour, 20 mile mark, but I think I've done a few up around the 50 to 55 mile mark, all dayers with 6 or more hours in the saddle. Very comfortable, equally at home on smoother fire roads and canal towpaths as it is blasting around local single-track sections and MTB race venues.

See if you can find a shop and try one, or at least swing a leg over one. As you can see from my thread, it wasn't even on the shortlist to start with, but after riding one, even briefly, it was difficult to imagine myself on anything else as a "one for all" MTB. At this time of year, and with the dry weather we've been having, the Racing Ralph tyres will be OK too, so no need to budget for a more aggressive treaded set of tyres until autumn/winter.

Even bigger winner for you? Paul's Cycles appear to be knocking out the Anthem 2 for the same price. Gets you upgrades in parts of the groupset, and sealed cartridge bearings in the hubs. One step up the model hierarchy for the same money? No-brainer, surely? https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p6926/GIANT-... ...£400 more expensive when new wink
I was in the same boat as YellowJack and ended up buying an Anthem as well. I haven't regretted it for a second and have had no issues with it at all.

They are short travel full suspension at 100mm so they are good for general day to day stuff. I was surprised that it climbs better than my old 20lb rigid 26er.

Cracking bike. I haven't covered the miles YellowJack has (insert excuses here). The only thing I didn't like on my 2015 model was the tyres which were hopeless in the goo.

I can't comment on the other bikes other than...

Bossnut - looks pretty good as well - good reports.
Canyon - have a reputation for their delivery and customer service. If you plan to order one google it first to make sure you are aware of potential risks. Supposed to be good bikes and quite light.

I hope this helps.






Smooth Smith

Original Poster:

431 posts

163 months

Saturday 22nd April 2017
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. Good to know that you're both pleased with the Anthem.

I'd heard about the problems with Canyon. I think it was due to a new IT system they'd installed which is now meant to have been sorted but it's still a concern. Also the fact that you can't try them first.

I'm narrowing it down and think I've ruled out the Merida. Going to check out the Bossnut and the Giants tomorrow. Must admit, I'm very much liking the Anthem 2 now.

Thanks again

Andy