Discussion
I've just got to tell someone because the Mrs is about as interested as talking to the trees!
Just put the deposit down on my Cycle to work scheme bike. I missed out on this in Jan because I was too busy to get into the scheme, so I was determined not to miss it this time.
Anyway, I tested two bikes - the TREK6500 as it comes in at the top of the scheme price for a hardtail and comes highly recommended in all the reviews I've read for sub £1k hardtails.
Nope, don't like it.
I like the lockout for the front shocks on the handlebars, the mech movement was nice and clicky and quick to respond but the brakes were a bit slow IYKNWIM, which I put down to being still shiny and new. The thing I didn't like was feeling a bit crunched up and squashed and it all felt a bit 'look at me' blingy.
The shop suggested another bike and I loved it after the first few pedals and even before I planted my backside on the seat.
So, I will hold you in suspense no longer, my deposit is on one of these
Specialized Rockhopper SL Expert 2010

Same sharp mech movement, no gimmicks, stealth silver, nice long reach so I feel like I can breath, and spec'd with my first set of SPD's so I can now go blow even more money on some new shoes
I can't flipping wait to get my bum on it now. My old downhill full sus Heinz57 is being retired and put out to pasture at our place in Spain so I can kill myself up and down the hills on holiday too. So I'm mega environmentally friendly (which may go some way to offset the TVR!)
So if you're around East Midlands Airport area and see some fat old git grinning like an idiot while trying to catch his breath, give me a wave.
Just put the deposit down on my Cycle to work scheme bike. I missed out on this in Jan because I was too busy to get into the scheme, so I was determined not to miss it this time.
Anyway, I tested two bikes - the TREK6500 as it comes in at the top of the scheme price for a hardtail and comes highly recommended in all the reviews I've read for sub £1k hardtails.
Nope, don't like it.
I like the lockout for the front shocks on the handlebars, the mech movement was nice and clicky and quick to respond but the brakes were a bit slow IYKNWIM, which I put down to being still shiny and new. The thing I didn't like was feeling a bit crunched up and squashed and it all felt a bit 'look at me' blingy.
The shop suggested another bike and I loved it after the first few pedals and even before I planted my backside on the seat.
So, I will hold you in suspense no longer, my deposit is on one of these
Specialized Rockhopper SL Expert 2010

Same sharp mech movement, no gimmicks, stealth silver, nice long reach so I feel like I can breath, and spec'd with my first set of SPD's so I can now go blow even more money on some new shoes

I can't flipping wait to get my bum on it now. My old downhill full sus Heinz57 is being retired and put out to pasture at our place in Spain so I can kill myself up and down the hills on holiday too. So I'm mega environmentally friendly (which may go some way to offset the TVR!)
So if you're around East Midlands Airport area and see some fat old git grinning like an idiot while trying to catch his breath, give me a wave.
Edited by Barreti on Saturday 10th April 12:46
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