New here. Recommendations needed please.
 

Hi all, Just signed up to the forums. Im Rich from the UK.

I want to get a new bike as mine is pretty much knackerd. I havent got a clue which models/brands to look out for so I would appriciate any help or advice.

I use my bike for medium/long distance rides whenever I get a chance (3 times a week). So im after something of good quality. However, im on a lowish budget (£200 -£250).

Thanks

Rich

you can get some nice kona's for about that price... go to www.konaworld.com
also i quite like scott voltage bikes but they cost a little bit more

At the price you quoted, you're looking at an entry hardtail. That's not to say that it isn't a good bike, you're just getting an entry bike from a "real" bike brand.

Your budget falls fairly close to the "Around $500 thread" at the top of this forum (assuming 1.8 USD = 1 GBP) but I also know that a bike that costs X in the US or Canada does not necessarily have an exact exchange (you guys definitely are getting ripped off, IMHO).

Your riding implies you're doing mainly XC but if you want to do UA/DJ/FR or any other extreme form of riding then my recommendations may not be a perfect fit.

Anyway, off the top of my head I would look at the base model Specialized Rockhopper with v-brakes. Other than that you're looking at a Kona model (I have a Blast - love it) but for your budget you're looking at a Lana'i, Hahanna or Fire Mountain.

If possible see if your LBS has any 2004 left over as you'll get a much better price.

Good luck and let us know what you find in terms of options and prices.

In Europe prices are much higher. :(

Thanks for replys, all suggestions will be looked at :) The Specialized Rockhopper is looking promising though :)

I may decide to go with a second hand bike - good option?

Im around 5'8, will a 17" frame be a godd choice?

What are some good features to look out for? Ive noted the v-brakes.

Also apart from general wear and tear, what things should I be looking at when I go and look at a bike?

Thanks again,

Rich

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...6&parentid=182

This one is pretty good!

I think 2nd hand bikes are a good option if you know what to look for and you're ready to take things into your own hands. When buying from a good LBS (local bike shop) you will have a fair amount of support. I don't have enough experience to comment properly on a 2nd hand bike but I think it can be a good option.

First, I would try to get an older bike from a LBS. A 2004 model is likely to be identical to a 2005 model but you will have significant savings.

Sounds almost right but the only correct way of knowing the size tha will fit you is to test ride and to get fitted for the bike. I am 5'9" and have a 17" Kona.

If you go to the $500 thread at the top and look around page 16 through 18 you will find a chart I posted. I noted the components that are desirable and those that are to be avoided. In between you have components that are just okay.

For the money the base Rockhopper has a good mix of desirable components without resorting to disk brakes. At this price point you will find that bikes with disk brakes will reduce the quality of the other components (e.g. derailleurs, front shock) just so that the bike has disk brakes. The base Rockhopper is one of the few exceptions to this. If you were to compare a similarly priced Specialized Hard Rock and Specialized Rockhopper (base model) you will find that the mix of components of the Rockhopper is better than the HardRock but the HardRock has disk brakes. Furthermore, the disk brakes at that price point are likely to not be as good as a decent set of V-brakes. Maybe someone else can chime in with actual experience on my last comment as I'm only going on what I've read here and I do have a faulty memory at times.

At that price point try to get at least DEORE derailleur components. See this link for the hierarchal order of Shimano components http://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont...uct_links.html

Other than that go back to that $500 thread. It's long and can get lost at times but if you take the time to skim through it you'll come away with some feel of what to look for and what to avoid. Again, look for that chart I put up around page 18.

De nada. And keep us informed of your findings and your own thoughts as you progress through your search.

Adivce much appriciated Santiago. Will be looking at a few bikes this week so will post pics/info when I can.

Ive been looking through the members bike pics and I really like the look of the Kona bikes, the frames seem to have be a bit thicker then other bikes giving it a good appearence.

I noticed this one which I think is very nice, can anyone give me more details on it e.g. cost?

http://home.comcast.net/~kodack10/KonaHoss.jpg

Thanks
Rich

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...1&parentid=182 this should help

If you follow the link dpwitte provided, you'll note that the Hoss is made for larger drivers. You stated you were 5'8" but you didn't say how much you weighed. You may or may not need a Hoss. Not sure what the Hoss is designed for (XC vs DJ/UA/FR) but there are a few people here that own one.

It does seem to be fairly expensive when compared to your budget (1039 EUR) so you'll have to see about getting a 2004 or used model.

you can get a hoss for 600 USD....a Dee Lux for 1100 USD

Just saw that Santiago. Im only around 67kg. I guess the thick frame is used to support havier rides - it does look good though.


Would a Cinder cone or Blast be better?

Thanks

Rich

There is a fire mountain near me, Im taking a look at it soon. Advertised as "slightly used" for £180. Sound good?

You're an average weight at 173cm and 67kg. I'm 175cm and 72kg so assuming we have the same inseam the 17" does sound like it will fit you better. There are other bike manufacturers that make a fame with that thick rectangular shape. I think Trek makes them like that.

Yes but more expensive than what you stated you were budgeting for.

Sounds pretty good but first find out what year it is. If you're going to see it take lots of pictures and post them here especially of the components (derailleur, shock, brakes).

For an idea of price and value here's the order within the Kona cross country family along with 2005 MSRP in GBP. All of these share the same frame geometry and material:
- Lana'i (300 GBP)
- Hahanna (375 GBP)
- Fire Mountain (450 GBP)
- Blast - I have this one (550 GBP)
- Cinder Cone - very well rated at MTBR.com (700 GBP)
- Caldera (850 GBP)
The ones below have the same geometry but have a lighter race frame. Pretty expensive:
- Kula (1250 GBP)
- Kula Deluxe (~1550 GBP)

Do as the capital of Chile (Santiago) says above and post some pics of the state its in. £180 seems good value for it, but its hard to say without seeing it.