Budget of €1500 for mountain bike

digitalsnap

Hello. I was wondering if anyone could suggest some mountain bikes I should look at with a budget of €1500. I used to do a fair bit of trail and dirt road riding but haven't done so for several years. Here's my list of (probably conflicting) wishes:

- reasonably light weight
- front suspension, preferably with some way to lock it out
- I have an interest in disc brakes but it's not a requirement (mostly for wet weather where I presume they would be better)
- I wouldn't mind the ability to add fenders, even if they're temporary clamp on ones or something
- the ability to add a small rack of some sort to the back would be nice

I plan on switching the stock tires to some slicker ones to do some riding on the road or bike paths initially in order to get back into shape. That's the primary reason for wanting the ability to lock out any suspension and to add fenders and a small rack if possible. I do enjoy riding reasonably far distances sometimes and a way to store some food/gear other than in a backpack would be nice.

I think a touring bike would be suitable for me right now but I would prefer something more flexible so that I could eventually go off-road. Buying a road/touring bike now and a mountain bike later would be ideal but too expensive. Having tried out lighter bikes before, I would prefer to spend my money to get a fairly light bike now instead of two cheaper but heavier ones. I only have room to store one as well.

I've looked on the web and the Trek 6700 and Specialized Stumpjumper seem nice. I couldn't figure out the Giant models from their website and I'm not sure what other brands I should consider. I'm in Limerick but don't mind going to Dublin or Cork, etc if needed, in order to get a better selection or to look at a particular bike. I'd prefer to find one that fits me in stock (I'm 6') instead of having to order something in (depending on how long that would take).

What do you think is the best buy for a max price of €1500? Please let me know if you have any questions that could help narrow down my choices. Thanks for any advice.

Morgan

The usual suspects in your price range are the Specialized Stumpjumper, Giant XTC, Trek 8000 or Kona Kula. They'd all have a similar spec for the money. You won't find mudguard or rack mounts on most high-end mountainbikes though.

How about this one:
http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/2006bikes/p7-pro.php

jrey1981

I would go for a Rockhopper with disc brakes and front suspension - the most expensive one is about €1150. I am not sure about the Stumpjumper as it has Fox front suspension, which I have never tried.

tart

check out www.boc24.de they will post a bike overfor bout 50 euros, just click mountainbike then front or full sus, they have a great range for great prices,for 1100 euro you'll get a xc bike with xt/xtr, alot cheaper than you can get over here

thewing

Was looking at Stumpjumper myself, where's good to get one?cycleways?

ant_moore123

I have a La Pierre Technic Disc 06 cost me €940 from Cycle Superstore in Tallaght.

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=232&idproduct=6533

You could cetainly add all you wanted to it, I,ve had no trouble with mine and think its a great bike I've also used it on the road using Continental sport contacts and its superb just as good as any hybrib i think.

GP

You could get a full carbon Claude Buttler MTB for around that at www.thebikeshop.ie

Not sure the exact price but it was in that region.

Andrewf20

I have the stumpjumper and love it. Cycleways is the place for the stumpy alright.

In relation to your confusion about Giants website, the Giant XTC1 is pretty much a comparison in quality / kit to the stumpjumper / Kona Kula etc.

The Giant XTC2 would be comparable to the Specialized Rockhopper / Kona Caldera etc

melekalikimaka

Kona all the way, I have a Blast, 5 yrs old now, still tho...tis hard as nails