United Kingdom - 4 bikes in £300 price range and needing advice!

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MattG
06-09-10, 04:21 PM
Hi,

I have approx £300 to spend on a bike and there are 4 models that I am interested in buying.

Python Attak 9000 DD @ £299.99
http://www.factorydirectbikes.com/bikes/python_attak_9000_dd/
Scorpion Punish @ £249.99
http://www.factorydirectbikes.com/bikes/scorpion_punish_08-09/
Dawes XC 1.4 Disc Mens 2010 @ £299.99
http://www.factorydirectbikes.com/bikes/dawes_xc_1.4_disc_mens_2010/
Merida Matts-10-MD 2010 @ £329.99
http://www.factorydirectbikes.com/bikes/merida_matts-10-md_2010/

I shall be doing frequent 20 mile rides between towns and villages, live rural... mainly on-road, but with some 'short-cuts' and the odd off road and just for fun so a road bike is not for me, will break it! Nothing extreme, no 3' drops, but rough and bumpy at high pace, actually all will be high pace, I push hard and in all weather and want the best I can for the money I have to spend. My last bike (stolen) was a Claud Butler Cape Wrath 2007 and although I do not have the same £500 to spend I want a ride that is close. Responsive, high output / input ratio and durable.

I have a 33" inside leg so a 22" frame is needed and want to be able to try out these bikes before I make my choice and buy 1 of them. Hence the provider which is only 20 miles from my home...


Please advise,

Matthew.
Tel: 01937520467
Email: mattg@4allofus.com

p.s cash only!!!

AndrewP
06-14-10, 02:32 PM
Get the Merida but put slick tires on it.
MattG
06-21-10, 05:33 AM
I ended up buying the Python Attak 9000.

I have done roughly 150 miles on it so far and am pretty happy overall.

My last bike was a Claud Butler Cape Wrath d27 2007 and although there is a difference with the gear ratio's the overall ride is not really much different. The brakes were obviously better on the CB, but for the mainly road riding I do the bike is working for me. May up it to a 27 gearset soon though!

AndrewP
08-13-10, 10:31 AM
For doing most of your riding on road, in addition to slick tyres, a 46 big ring would make it easier to keep up a good pace. I dont see much advantage to changing to 27 sp and lots of cost.