Help needed to get back into mountain biking.

[morrellski]

I'm looking at getting back into the sport to lose some weight and get my fitness back up after leaving uni and am therefore looking to update the bike.

I used to do quite a bit of riding up until 5 years ago but then was drawn by the lure of the pub.

I am looking for trail/all mountain bike for blasting (hopefully) both up and more importantly downhill. I have a budget of between £1000-1500, obviously the less the better but am not adversed to spending the whole amount if it will get me something worthwhile.

I have been looking at the 2010 giant reign x2 but am slightly concerned about the weight of the bike, not sure whether this is justified or not.

The other bike I have been considering is the Saracen Ariel 3 (2010) but haven't heard much about it.

As you can probably see I am looking for a full susser, so any other suggestions are welcome. Not sure if my build will limit what bike are suitable. Im of a hefty build (read beer and pie enthusiast) and wondering whether this has a bearing on the weight/ type of bike needed.

Any advice is appreciated, Thanks

[Jimbo.]

If you're "getting back in..." and are more on the weighty side yourself, don't get so hung up on the weight of the bike. X2 will be 'feet: mate had the ordinary Reign, used it for everything, was fine. Saw a fair few Reign X's in the Alps too, so will be more than capable in the UK.

[the_kato]

The type of bike you're looking at won't have a weight restriction.

I've a Lapierre Zesty, have you looked at those?

[anonymous-user]

there is little point looking at 2010 bikes unless you know they have at least two sizes in stock and you can try them out. 2010 stock will be really hard to find now and 2011 stock will be reduced in a month or two...

[nammynake]

For the price nothing (except maybe Boardman) can touch Canyon bikes. Take a look at the Nerve XC and AM range.

[Digga]

All IMHO:

1. stick to big brands at that price bracket; they have the most muscle with component suppliers and will likely have the better overall package.
2. 140mm bikes are easier on the up and still pretty good down, but it sounds as though 160mm might be your best bet.
3. Lapierre Spicy, Specialized Enduro, Trek Remedy, Giant Reign.
4. Other to consider would be Orange's Five AM or Alpine 160 - both very, very capable bikes.
5. If at all possible, get from LBS that can also be relied upon for advice, support, servicing and warranty.
6. Enjoy.

[morrellski]

the_kato said:

The type of bike you're looking at won't have a weight restriction.

I've a Lapierre Zesty, have you looked at those?

I have looked at those and the Lapierre Spicy as well, was thinking that the spicy might be a bit more suitable but am ready to be told wrong.

Also with a lard arse like mine are coil springs beneficial over air sprung suspension? is the extra weight of the coils worth it?

[Digga]

morrellski said:

the_kato said:

The type of bike you're looking at won't have a weight restriction.

I've a Lapierre Zesty, have you looked at those?

I have looked at those and the Lapierre Spicy as well, was thinking that the spicy might be a bit more suitable but am ready to be told wrong.

Also with a lard arse like mine are coil springs beneficial over air sprung suspension? is the extra weight of the coils worth it?

are you undertall for your weight, or are your plain heavy? Data required to make the call.

IMHO, much over 18 stone and a lot of full sussers fail to cope and although sometimes air shocks can be re-valved to suit (Fox Uk are good at this) you can get a lot of bother with the suspension bushings. FWIW I know coils are avaialable on the Orange Alpine 160.

[Gooby]

To support 18stone you are going to need a coil shock and at your price point I dont think you are going to VFM. Get a decent hardtail and when you have shed a few pounds sell it for a full sus.

[morrellski]

I'm now 17st (down from 18.5st since the start of june) and am 5'10". Hoping to get to around 14st which would be about right for my build. Hope that helps.

[Louisa911]

I agree with the comment above regarding Canyon bikes- the Nerve AM or even the Strive depending how much uphill you would want to be doing. Most likely the very upper end of your budget but for that money you are getting a spec. which will most likely never need upgrading.

Also the Saracen Ariel has had brilliant reviews from MBR, seems to be a perfect trail bike for decent money.

My boyfriend is 6'7" athletic build and so rather heavy, he had a Norco am/freeride bike for a few years and it was absolutely bombproof, cost him about £1300. A year ago he bought an Orange Five and has managed to ruin the bearings and the forks, and bent the swingarm.... capable bike but in no way matched up to the Norco he had before regarding strength and durability.

[Gooby]

morrellski said:

I'm now 17st (down from 18.5st since the start of june) and am 5'10". Hoping to get to around 14st which would be about right for my build. Hope that helps.

Good going! It is a hard fight but well worth it.
For an air shock (RP23) the cut off point is about 16 stone. You will be running it a mega pressure. If you are dropping the tonnage at that rate then go full sus and stress the shock for the 6 weeks it will take you to loose the excess. Personally the price point for a decent full sus is about £2k. There are some bargains to be had but buy on quality of ride not on price.

[sjj84]

If you wait a few days Lapierre 2012 bikes are being launched at the end of the month, should mean some bargain 2011 models floating around.

[Parrot of Doom]

Gooby said:

Good going! It is a hard fight but well worth it.
For an air shock (RP23) the cut off point is about 16 stone. You will be running it a mega pressure. If you are dropping the tonnage at that rate then go full sus and stress the shock for the 6 weeks it will take you to loose the excess. Personally the price point for a decent full sus is about £2k. There are some bargains to be had but buy on quality of ride not on price.

16 stone? The RP23 has a maximum pressure of about 300psi.

http://www.foxracingshox.com/fox_tech_center/owner...

[raf_gti]

My personal opinion would be to get fitter/lighter first then consider a 'good' bike.

I too struggle with my weight if I don't watch it so I can sympathise with you, I honestly don't think the bikes you are looking at would help with the weight loss and as such would take away the potential enjoyment.

I've seen several 'bigger' friends go down this route and they do end up frustrated as they can't use the FS to it's full potential.

As I said, I'm never more than a pizza away from being a chunky monkey so please don't take offence

[morrellski]

raf_gti said:

My personal opinion would be to get fitter/lighter first then consider a 'good' bike.

I too struggle with my weight if I don't watch it so I can sympathise with you, I honestly don't think the bikes you are looking at would help with the weight loss and as such would take away the potential enjoyment.

I've seen several 'bigger' friends go down this route and they do end up frustrated as they can't use the FS to it's full potential.

As I said, I'm never more than a pizza away from being a chunky monkey so please don't take offence

No offence taken at all, but it isn't the case of a new bike to replace an old one out of choice, its more out of necessity. The other option is to get a hardtail to get fit on and then move to the FS but I really don't want to lose the money in buying 2 bikes.