Hardtails? Norco?

[alman]

Hi guys, i'm going to do the cycle to work scheme but know nothing really about bikes. Wondering if anybody has any thoughts on these:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/iroko...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/teamelite-...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/nitro-62...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/avalanche-1...

Or does anyone have any of their own suggestions? Also any particular information on Norco, or that specific Norco would be good to know, Its my favourite to look at and I seem to be able to find out very little about them, thanks for your help

[Shambler]

For the money your talking about I would play safe and get a Specialized Rockhopper

[Bacon Is Proof]

Comparing the £800 Rockhopper on the Evans website to the bikes listed above, I would advise against that.

[CoolC]

Snap up that BMC if they have it in your size.

From experience I can tell you, sale bikes at Evans sell out quickly.

[Gizmoish]

If you "know nothing about bikes", the first question to ask should be what sort of riding you expect to do. If you're planning on riding on roads all the time, a mountain bike will feel heavy and slow and annoying. On the other hand, a road bike won't deal with anything that isn't tarmac (or cobbles). There are various flavours of hybrid in the middle.

However, if a mountain bike is right for you - short commute, playing on canal paths and forest trails on the weekend? - then that BMC looks brilliant value if you fit it.

[anonymous-user]

Norco is an established and well known (in Canada) Canadian brand. Traditionally mountain bikes but more recently road bikes too. They sponsor a lot of mountain and road bike racing in Canada. I wouldn't have any doubts about their ability to design a good reliable frame.

[alman]

Cheers for the replies guys! Sorry I should've been a bit clearer, I know what kind of riding I want to do (trails, off road etc.) it's just when I start looking at actual specs, forks, brakes, etc. and all the different brands available I get a bit lost! Anyways thanks for all your help, I think i'll go have a look at that BMC

[Dr Imran T]

Greg66 said:

Norco is an established and well known (in Canada) Canadian brand. Traditionally mountain bikes but more recently road bikes too. They sponsor a lot of mountain and road bike racing in Canada. I wouldn't have any doubts about their ability to design a good reliable frame.

Indeed, they are actually very good bikes. I used to have a Norco before and it was fine. Never had any problems with it. the frame was well made iirc it was 7005 double butted aluminium. Welds were good and very tidy, down tube was aero, headtube semi-integrated, top tube was a squarish profile. Overall a very well made frame that I would have no problems in recommending.

They do a lot of high end bikes too, check out their website as there is plenty of info. available.

That BMC does look smart but by all means have a look at the Norco and compare the overall spec of the bikes.

Best of luck.

[Rick101]

I've got a Norco communter bike, VFR4 iirc.

Good all rounder, good build quality.

[Shambler]

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b4s2p2786/GIANT-XTC...
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b8s2p3227/SCOTT-SCA...
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3459/CHARGE-DU...
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s1p4430/GIANT-ANT...

Some nice bikes worth considering here as well.

[Vladimir]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Agreed! Top notch fork, decent groupser, fairly good brakes. Superb vfm!

[sawman]

Greg66 said:

Norco is an established and well known (in Canada) Canadian brand. Traditionally mountain bikes but more recently road bikes too. They sponsor a lot of mountain and road bike racing in Canada. I wouldn't have any doubts about their ability to design a good reliable frame.

I had a norco for a couple of years when living in canada, it was a great bike, well made, decent components for the price - it was their entry hard tail at the time.