Recomend me a new Hard Tail MTB

[Theoldfm]

Now then,

I am hoping to do a few XC MTB races this year having gained a bit of fitness through doing the cyclo-cross this winter (on a cross bike not MTB).

The last time I raced XC MTB was back in 1995 - 1999 when I had a tricked out GT Zaskar LE (Pace MXCD forks, Middleburn cranks, Hope hubs etc etc) and was younger, fitter and more into the technical stuff!!

Apart from my road and cross bikes, I now just have a Stumpjumper FSR (used sparingly mainly for 'All Mountain' type activities) and my winter hack, a 2 year old Rockhopper.



My plan is to build or buy a lightweight hard tail XC machine, either by updating the Rockhopper or starting afresh.

My budget would be say £1,250 to £1,500 depending upon whether I am upgrading or buying a whole new bike (If buying a new bike then I would sell the Rockhopper to part finance the project).

Any thoughts or top deals out there?

p.s. the Rockhopper has been used hard for the last couple of years and currently needs a new cassette, chain, chainset, headset and possibly hubs and forks...!!

Edited by Theoldfm on Saturday 31st December 09:26

Edited by Theoldfm on Saturday 31st December 18:47

Edited by Theoldfm on Saturday 31st December 18:49

[anonymous-user]

I think i'd be trying to find a suitable frame second hand, probably not carbon (depends how heavy you are, and how much risk you want to take) then build it up from new components to suit your budget. A more modern geometry frame (likely to be a bit stiffer in the drive direction and a bit more compliant in the vertical direction, with a slacker head angle) would be lighter than the hopper and easier to ride. Depending on what exact races you would do, then various different drivetrain oportunities now exist as well?

[Gren]

Have a look at On-One. They will do you a full build based around a carbon Whippet frame for around a grand. Will make a great xc/race bike. Alternatively the frame alone is 300 quid and comes in at around 1.3kg.

[Jimbo.]

If the 'hopper fits you OK and you like the way it rides, then you could throw a few quid at it and end up with something race-worthy: it's a good frame! Set of forks (TF'd, 100mm Rebas with all the trimmings: lockout, floodgate etc), appropriate wheels, tyres (Conti Race Kings: FAST!) and you're done for a lot less than a new bike. And TBH £1250ish doesn't get you much better than that WRT a new bike these days!

[matt-ITR]

Why not keep the Rockhopper and use it as a training bike?
If you really can only have one bike though, then I'd say it would be fine for XC stuff. Get a nice lightweight set of wheels and groupset and you will be most of the way to a good race bike.

If you want to change the frame, then I'd suggest you look at the Kinesis frames. The Maxlight Pro3 is excellent value.

[anonymous-user]

the whyte 810 would be a good bet, at 11.2 kgs its pretty light and would be a really good allrounder.

http://www.whytebikes.com/2012/bike_page.php?ModNo...

[Theoldfm]

pablo said:

the whyte 810 would be a good bet, at 11.2 kgs its pretty light and would be a really good allrounder.

http://www.whytebikes.com/2012/bike_page.php?ModNo...

That does look good value - with Fox forks too it should handle pretty well.

If there is a 2011 version with 9 speed rear then this could = big discounts too! (off to check google)

[Jimbo.]

Theoldfm said:

That does look good value - with Fox forks too it should handle pretty well.

...until they break, or grind through their stanchions. Fox stuff, for the UK at least, is utter toss.

[Beyond Rational]

This is what I'd buy;

SLX Transmission Groupset £220
SLX or XT discs £110/£135
RockShox Reba £300
Hope Hoops £270 or Sun Ringle Black Flag £250 or Roval Control AL £190.
Bar/Stem?Seatpost/Saddle £150
Cotic Soul Frame £384

[matt-ITR]

Beyond Rational said:

This is what I'd buy;

SLX Transmission Groupset £220
SLX or XT discs £110/£135
RockShox Reba £300
Hope Hoops £270 or Sun Ringle Black Flag £250 or Roval Control AL £190.
Bar/Stem?Seatpost/Saddle £150
Cotic Soul Frame £384

As good as the Cotic Soul is, it isn't light and it isn't designed for XC racing. Would make a great do-it-all bike mind, although would need some bigger forks than Reba's IMO.

[Raoul Duke]

Cannondale Flash with the Headshock fork, go for the best spec you can find - would try and find a 2011 model if there are any left.
Lightweight, proven geo and the Headshock is a quality bit of kit.

[Roman]

Gren said:

Have a look at On-One. They will do you a full build based around a carbon Whippet frame for around a grand. Will make a great xc/race bike. Alternatively the frame alone is 300 quid and comes in at around 1.3kg.

+1

[Theoldfm]

What do you think about these; all within budget (sort of)









Decisions, decisions...!!

[tuffer]

How about a Canyon http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?... Grand Canyon AL 9.0SL, good spec.

[shalmaneser]

Get a Scott Spark 29er. Simples.

If you're going to race XC and be vaguely competitive you need a 29er these days.

[anonymous-user]

must admit those unbranded carbon frames from on-one are seriously tempting...

[Theoldfm]

shalmaneser said:

Get a Scott Spark 29er. Simples.

If you're going to race XC and be vaguely competitive you need a 29er these days.

Is that really the case?

I must admit, it wouldn't suprise me as a 29er will roll better but they always look a bit 'pedestrian' to me with the bigger wheels.. a bit like a hybrid!!