Wanted Hardtail carbon mtb

Diarmuid

I'm on the lookout for a small (I'm 170cm tall) carbon hardtail mtb for some XC action, in the €1500 region. I've spotted some good deals on a 2009 Rocky Mountain on CRC and a Scott Scale 35 on Slanecycles but if anyone knows about a good deal (ie a 2009 model) going on a suitable bike in a shop in Dublin or up north I'd like to hear about it. It's pretty vague request because I'm not particular about brands, just want something fast and light

blorg

Some nice options from Ghost and Canyon were posted here recently. These would be online if that was an issue for you though.

gman2k

Diarmuid wrote: »

... just want something fast and light

Carbon MTB frames are not necessarily the lightest, there are plenty of alum or scandium frames out there in the 1200g range.

And as for fast - well, that's what your legs are for!

Diarmuid

gman2k wrote: »

Carbon MTB frames are not necessarily the lightest, there are plenty of alum or scandium frames out there in the 1200g range.

I'm after the carbon more for the damping/shock absorption aspect than anything else.

blorg wrote: »

Some nice options from Ghost and Canyon were posted here recently. These would be online if that was an issue for you though.

online not a huge issue but couldn't find a great deal on either. All the Canyon models are 2010 so harder to get as good a deal on them

gman2k

Diarmuid wrote: »

I'm after the carbon more for the damping/shock absorption aspect than anything else.

Bit of an urban myth (carbon providing damping) when it comes to MTB, your choice of wheels/tyres and forks will have a much much much bigger impact, and to a lesser extent grips and saddle.
Now don't get me wrong, I have a carbon hardtail and I like it, but I wouldn't notice the difference between it and other similar weighing bikes.
Other riders say that mine 'sounds' different from other machines when descending over rough terrain, just because of the way the carbon frame resonates.

Diarmuid

gman2k wrote: »

Bit of an urban myth (carbon providing damping) when it comes to MTB,

Ok, I just assumed that, like going from al to carbon on the road bike I would feel a similar difference on a mtb.

Morgan

Check out http://www.paulscycles.co.uk

Here's one for example:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s2p2293

blorg

Diarmuid wrote: »

Ok, I just assumed that, like going from al to carbon on the road bike I would feel a similar difference on a mtb.

The tyres and suspension provide so much cushioning I don't think so. On road it makes much more difference and even there I think only majorly with 700x23c tyres, the difference is lesser even on 700x25c.

Do you have an aluminium MTB at the moment?

I started with a carbon hardtail so I don't have much to compare Wiggle have a nice Focus Raven at the moment but it is Medium so probably too big. I have the previous year Raven Expert and it is a very nice bike to ride.

Diarmuid

blorg wrote: »

Do you have an aluminium MTB at the moment?

Yeah, did some mtb years (probably 9 yrs) ago. Still have that bike. Heavy AL bike. Upgrade time!

Sniipe

Exact same boat as you Diarmuid. A friend of mine had a carbon Specialized 2009 stompjumper and then bought an alu specialized 2010 rockhopper SL (don't know if its an SL pro, SL expert or SL comp).
This guy is a serious roadie but dabbles in mountain biking. He sold the carbon because he said he was happier on the rockhopper. The weight difference wasn't much but the ride is much better now he tells me.
Imagine that selling a more expensive bike to buy a cheaper bike.

Anyway he convinced me so much that he is giving me a go on his bike today and if I like it I'll buy it with the cycle to work scheme from some local bike shop.

edit: I'm 5ft 7 - a good fit bike will make a huge difference imo; definately won't be buying a bike thats too big(I like my junk the way it is now )