Discussion
Ive been running my merlin malt 04 hard-tail for a year now and love it to death. Ive used it at least three times a week every week on nice long tricky rides and its been fast, light, agile, flawless, and unbelievably good fun- easily the best money Ive ever spent. I also still really fancy it, if you know what I mean.
however, given that Im a tool and like buying new things, and would quite like to start tackling a bit more rough stuff occasionally, Im thinking Id quite like to buy something new, most likely a full sus bike. sadly, this probably means that I'll have to flog the merlin, so id really like to get something new that has the versatility to be a full sus but also quite hard-tail-like when set up right, as I really like the way both ride and would miss having the option.
so, does such a thing exist as a ful-sus bike that the rear sus can be all but locked out for those days when you want a hard tail? or are they not very adjustable?
and, can I get a decent full sus bike with all the decent bits (shocks, brakes etc) for sub a grand (presumably second hand)? I cant bring myself to spend anymore on a bike than a K- it's obscene. well, maybe a bit more, but not much, ok?
if this can be achieved, what bike do I want?
and, other than the 'bay, where should I be looking? Im guessing 08 bikes will be cheaper now- can anyone recommend me anything/ anywhere/ sell me theirs?
thanks in advance folks
however, given that Im a tool and like buying new things, and would quite like to start tackling a bit more rough stuff occasionally, Im thinking Id quite like to buy something new, most likely a full sus bike. sadly, this probably means that I'll have to flog the merlin, so id really like to get something new that has the versatility to be a full sus but also quite hard-tail-like when set up right, as I really like the way both ride and would miss having the option.
so, does such a thing exist as a ful-sus bike that the rear sus can be all but locked out for those days when you want a hard tail? or are they not very adjustable?
and, can I get a decent full sus bike with all the decent bits (shocks, brakes etc) for sub a grand (presumably second hand)? I cant bring myself to spend anymore on a bike than a K- it's obscene. well, maybe a bit more, but not much, ok?
if this can be achieved, what bike do I want?
and, other than the 'bay, where should I be looking? Im guessing 08 bikes will be cheaper now- can anyone recommend me anything/ anywhere/ sell me theirs?
thanks in advance folks
that the prince albert dude?* he didnt do full set ups when we last spoke, and wasnt able to offer me too much of a deal tbh. nice guy tho
*that's the name of the frame, not anything related to his nob- remember, this is a family show folks.
eta: he also doesnt do a full sus it would seem.
*that's the name of the frame, not anything related to his nob- remember, this is a family show folks.
eta: he also doesnt do a full sus it would seem.
Edited by nervous on Sunday 28th September 17:33
from what you are asking for FS frame wise, I can say I love the way hardtails ride, but wanted a FS that still had that feel but with the advantages of a FS brings.
I have a cove stiffee that I love, and went to a cove hustler, that is stunning. not saying you need to buy a cove, as there are loads of great bikes out there, (I can not wait to try a dialled bikes frame, they look cool)
but you need to spend some time riding some demo or other peoples bikes to find something that offers you what you are looking for, then to a deal.
I ride Cove because I like them, and could get a really good deal (with finishing kit) on them.
Good luck, happy hunting.
I have a cove stiffee that I love, and went to a cove hustler, that is stunning. not saying you need to buy a cove, as there are loads of great bikes out there, (I can not wait to try a dialled bikes frame, they look cool)
but you need to spend some time riding some demo or other peoples bikes to find something that offers you what you are looking for, then to a deal.
I ride Cove because I like them, and could get a really good deal (with finishing kit) on them.
Good luck, happy hunting.
nervous - where to do you ride generally and what type do you do?
The Dialled Alpine while a hardtail is steel so a little forgiving but performs awesomely. You jump on the Alpine it's just inspires confidence the angles are spot on, plus you can start with 130mm forks and it designed up to 160mm, or there is the Prince Albert another fantastic bike.
Where I like Dialled and Orange, Pastrana and mk1fan like Cove, and Neil will be along in a minute to recommend the Meta from Commencal All of them great bikes.
The Dialled Alpine while a hardtail is steel so a little forgiving but performs awesomely. You jump on the Alpine it's just inspires confidence the angles are spot on, plus you can start with 130mm forks and it designed up to 160mm, or there is the Prince Albert another fantastic bike.
Where I like Dialled and Orange, Pastrana and mk1fan like Cove, and Neil will be along in a minute to recommend the Meta from Commencal
All of them great bikes.you need a Scott genius, loads of travel, very light, can be completly locked out front and rear, all by a flick of a switch on the handlebars. On the bay you can pick a 08 model up for under a grand but it will be lower spec, spend a bit more and get the bike that you'll never tire of.
pastrana72 said:
and went to a cove hustler, that is stunning. not saying you need to buy a cove, as there are loads of great bikes out there
this looks ace, but the only one I can find for sale is 2500 quid just for the frame. please dont make me get divorced.pastrana said:
I ride Cove because I like them, and could get a really good deal (with finishing kit) on them.
make this happen for me too, and I shall fill this >< space with grateful smilies.atom111 said:
nervous - where to do you ride generally and what type do you do?
hi mate, its mostly thetford forest- theres some pretty nice runs if you dig about in the brandon lodge area, but i also like to ride the dunes where I live here in winterton as the sand is a gruelling workout, and some of the dunes have wicked drop offs and hard work climbs. atom111 said:
The Dialled Alpine while a hardtail is steel so a little forgiving but performs awesomely. You jump on the Alpine it's just inspires confidence the angles are spot on, plus you can start with 130mm forks and it designed up to 160mm, or there is the Prince Albert another fantastic bike.
I do love the way they look, but I genuinley think Id struggle to like it more than my malt, its just so perfect for me and the way I ride. moreover, I really want something totally different just >incase< when I put my merlin up for sale >ahem< no-one wants it and my wife eventually lets me keep both. meaning I can have both in my toy shop. not that Im planning on that, dear.
atom111 said:
Where I like Dialled and Orange, Pastrana and mk1fan like Cove, and Neil will be along in a minute to recommend the Meta from Commencal All of them great bikes.
which orange do you like? All of them great bikes.vwsurfbum said:
you need a Scott genius, loads of travel, very light, can be completly locked out front and rear, all by a flick of a switch on the handlebars. On the bay you can pick a 08 model up for under a grand but it will be lower spec, spend a bit more and get the bike that you'll never tire of.
this sounds perfect. will the lock out be resilient enough to actually transform the bike back to an HT, or does the diffeent geo of a rear sus bike mean that itll ride awkwardly when locked out?thanks for all your help so far chaps, much appreciated.
edited to add: 4500 quid. theyre 4500 quid. Ive had relationships by mail order cheaper than that.
Edited by nervous on Sunday 28th September 19:18
nervous, i'd almost guarantee that you would notice the difference between the two bikes it would be the grin across your face Don't instantly think HT to FS means more smiles as it's not always the case.
As for Orange currently have a Big-T but that's a 7" FS bike!! But I did have an Orange Five that was also a very very good bike, you might find one of those used for k, had an 05 and an 07 both good.
Don't instantly think HT to FS means more smiles as it's not always the case. As for Orange currently have a Big-T but that's a 7" FS bike!! But I did have an Orange Five that was also a very very good bike, you might find one of those used for k, had an 05 and an 07 both good.
atom111 said:
nervous, i'd almost guarantee that you would notice the difference between the two bikes it would be the grin across your face Don't instantly think HT to FS means more smiles as it's not always the case.
heres how it will go: Don't instantly think HT to FS means more smiles as it's not always the case.she: whats that?
me: its my new bike.
she: its the same.
me: the same as what dearest?
she: the same. the same as the other one.
me: what other one my love?
she: that one. that one there. why have you bought something thats the same? I didnt agree to that. I never agreed to that.
me: love you.
she: >leaves<
atom111 said:
As for Orange currently have a Big-T but that's a 7" FS bike!!
what does that mean, dude? its 7" tall? how are you even typing this?edited to fix poxy brackets.
Edited by nervous on Sunday 28th September 20:11
sorry 7" of travel the bike is a 16"
I see you have some purchasing challenges and therefore the new bike needs to look significantly different to the old.
When I wanted the Alpine the conversation was,
me - I'd like an Alpine
she -Would you like me to order it for you?
she - what colour are you getting,
she - Do you need any other bits for it?
Guess I am lucky in the respect
I see you have some purchasing challenges and therefore the new bike needs to look significantly different to the old.
When I wanted the Alpine the conversation was,
me - I'd like an Alpine
she -Would you like me to order it for you?
she - what colour are you getting,
she - Do you need any other bits for it?
Guess I am lucky in the respect
2.5KGBP for a hustler frame, Wow, where are you looking, RRP is 1.3K GBP, mine was 1K GBP 08 new.
Keep an eye on silverfish (cove importer) ex demo bikes, stunning deal's here, and there are few shops doing savings over RRP on line, and a deal can be had.
I really like the scott genious,it handles well and climbs nice, ridden a few was impressed, 09 ones are coming soon , but ignore those and concentrate on the 08 ones as dealers will be seriously discounting these to make way for way for new stock.
Commencial look good to me, but I have not ridded one, I like some of the oranges too, but again not ridden many.
But have ridden a lot of scotts, they are good.
Keep an eye on silverfish (cove importer) ex demo bikes, stunning deal's here, and there are few shops doing savings over RRP on line, and a deal can be had.
I really like the scott genious,it handles well and climbs nice, ridden a few was impressed, 09 ones are coming soon , but ignore those and concentrate on the 08 ones as dealers will be seriously discounting these to make way for way for new stock.
Commencial look good to me, but I have not ridded one, I like some of the oranges too, but again not ridden many.
But have ridden a lot of scotts, they are good.
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