New Hardtail Recommendations - budget of €1750

bernik12

Hi All,

I looking to get back on a MTB after a good 12/13 years out. I'm looking for a XC Hardtail for the budget stated above (€1000 Cycle2work plus €750 own cash). The bike I would buy but can't due to online only restrictions is:

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2056

So, with that in mind I would welcome some suggestions/recommendations on similar hardtails to the Canyon. I have a few in mind that I am considering including 2011 Trek 6500, 2011 Stevens Wave & 2011 Orbea Alma H30.

I appreciate that I have a decent budget for someone getting back on a bike after such a long time but my rationale is a) the Revenue are subsidising part of my overall spend & b) I'm not going to be buying again for a long time so I want to invest in a good piece of kit now that will last years.

Thank you for reading & I welcome all comments.
KB

dancecatz2000

Check out he Stevens Stroke, Rockshox Reba fork with pop lock, 10spd xt/slx groupset. weight 11.1kg, €1499 www.stevensbikes.de, they are available from Fitz cycles Sandyford or Cyclelogical Dublin city. There sweet looking bikes at a good price.

guym

I'd second the Stevens, I bought a Stoke last year and it's a great bike! The wave looks like a fantastic peice of kit also. Give Gordon a shout at gbicycleconsultants@gmail.com he imports the Stevens range.

Lemag

bernik12 wrote: »

The bike I would buy but can't due to online only restrictions is:

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2056

Has you employer imposed this restriction upon your purchase? I bought the AL 6.0 through the BTW scheme.

dancecatz2000

Whats that about keeping the Business in IRELAND.

jiffybag

Yes indeed . Good point , if the guys at Fitz are selling Stevens mtbs you should at least go have a look at them there. Hard to beat seeing something for real rather that guessing via the interweb!

Lemag

dancecatz2000 wrote: »

Whats that about keeping the Business in IRELAND.

That would be the OPs prerogative. The VAT would be payed to the Irish government if he was to buy the Canyon through the BTW scheme.

bernik12

Lemag wrote: »

Has you employer imposed this restriction upon your purchase? I bought the AL 6.0 through the BTW scheme.

My employer has imposed the retriction unfortunately.

Dancecatz & Guym - thanks for Stevens recommendation. The Stoke or Wave have caught my eye but the only thing I'm concerned about is that I can't find a review or write up on them in the magazines or Bikeradar. I've had a good look at their website & the bikes/specs look impressive & value for money. Are they in the same position as Canyon were a number of years ago before increasing their popularity in the UK?

If I contact Gordon @ gbi can I see the bikes in the flesh at his premises or will he direct me to Fitzcycles or Cycleoigal? Is he affliated with either of these shops?

Does anyone have any input on the Orbea? Seems a decent piece of kit plus I found Jimmy Stagg very helpful when I was in his store recently!

Regards
KB

GTDolanator

little more than your budget and unfortunatly second hand but aa cracker either way,http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/1841739

Lemag

bernik12 wrote: »

My employer has imposed the retriction unfortunately.

If your employer is forcing you to buy Irish then that's to be commended, I guess. However, if it is because they see an online/overseas purchase as having too many complications then I can go through the details here of how my bike was payed for which should then make your purchase fairly straight forward. For the purpose of buying it throught the BTW scheme the bike would actually have to be ordered over the phone with Canyon so technically it wouldn't be an 'online purchase'.

bernik12

Lemag wrote: »

If your employer is forcing you to buy Irish then that's to be commended, I guess. However, if it is because they see an online/overseas purchase as having too many complications then I can go through the details here of how my bike was payed for which should then make your purchase fairly straight forward. For the purpose of buying it throught the BTW scheme the bike would actually have to be ordered over the phone with Canyon so technically it wouldn't be an 'online purchase'.

Work are very strict regarding their BTW scheme so Canyon are a no go. However, on reflection I think buying here in Ireland is a safer option. I can now have a look at potential bikes in the flesh as well have the comfort of a phyiscal shop for after sales service.

I'm also wondering if many dealers are able to offer good discounts on 2011 models? Is there romm there if I ask?

Lemag

bernik12 wrote: »

Work are very strict regarding their BTW scheme so Canyon are a no go. However, on reflection I think buying here in Ireland is a safer option. I can now have a look at potential bikes in the flesh as well have the comfort of a phyiscal shop for after sales service.

Cool. It is well worth seeing them in the flesh and being able to try them for size. I bought my Canyon in the smallest of the their size range. I'm just over 5'7'' (171cm) and it feels comfortable to ride on streets etc. but when I brought it out to Ballyhoura last weekend I felt that I could have done with it being smaller again. I found that it wasn't the easiest to manoeuvre on the singletrack sections. If you plan to take it out on the trails it could be worth baring this in mind when standing over them in the shop (it could just have been my lack of skill).

bernik12 wrote: »

I'm also wondering if many dealers are able to offer good discounts on 2011 models? Is there romm there if I ask?

I don't know. To my own shame I've only ever bough my bikes secondhand or online. It wouldn't hurt for you to ask and if you do so in a few shops you should get some sort of feel for it I guess. I could be wrong but I thnk that they tend to give better discounts on accessories or throw them in for free with the purchase of a bike.

Icyseanfitz

Lemag wrote: »

Cool. It is well worth seeing them in the flesh and being able to try them for size. I bought my Canyon in the smallest of the their size range. I'm just over 5'7'' (171cm) and it feels comfortable to ride on streets etc. but when I brought it out to Ballyhoura last weekend I felt that I could have done with it being smaller again. I found that it wasn't the easiest to manoeuvre on the singletrack sections. If you plan to take it out on the trails it could be worth baring this in mind when standing over them in the shop (it could just have been my lack of skill).
I don't know. To my own shame I've only ever bough my bikes secondhand or online. It wouldn't hurt for you to ask and if you do so in a few shops you should get some sort of feel for it I guess. I could be wrong but I thnk that they tend to give better discounts on accessories or throw them in for free with the purchase of a bike.

to be fair buying bikes second hand is probably the best way of going about it as there are great deals out there

guym

bernik12 wrote: »

My employer has imposed the retriction unfortunately.

Dancecatz & Guym - thanks for Stevens recommendation. The Stoke or Wave have caught my eye but the only thing I'm concerned about is that I can't find a review or write up on them in the magazines or Bikeradar. I've had a good look at their website & the bikes/specs look impressive & value for money. Are they in the same position as Canyon were a number of years ago before increasing their popularity in the UK?

If I contact Gordon @ gbi can I see the bikes in the flesh at his premises or will he direct me to Fitzcycles or Cycleoigal? Is he affliated with either of these shops?

Does anyone have any input on the Orbea? Seems a decent piece of kit plus I found Jimmy Stagg very helpful when I was in his store recently!

Regards
KB

Bernik 12, I know what your saying about the lack of reviews and understand it could be of concern. All I can say is I'm more than happy with the build quality of my bike, it's as good if not better than the majority of bikes I see out on the trails, I was riding a Giant before the Stevens.
I'm not sure how Gordon is working nowadays, my bike was one of the first he imported & before he started supplying Fitz & Cycleogical. He does have a facebook page (Stevens Bikes Ireland), it's states on there 'For direct sales & 'bike to work' enquiries please email gordon on;
gbicycleconsultants@gmail.com. Give him a shout!!

tart

Hi Cyclelogical are now the Stevens dealers check out dealer info on Stevens website. Was in there today they have a Stoke in stock, also the two Hase models, Fitz cycles also have a few in stock also last years models cann`t remember which ones, my brain has melted, also try the KTM from Cycle inn in Tallaght the have a they have the Ultra Race which has great gear on her.

sgriffin

What about the focus black raider 3.0 ? Full xt and fox forks ! € 1400 Eurocycles are given 10% off to ?

easygoing39

Go into Eurocycles on the Longmile Road,Richie Byrne is the man to talk too.He's going mad with price reductions on bikes this weather!!

Lemag

If you fancy going carbon for inside your budget there's the Carrera Titan Carbon from Halfords. The components look pretty good too.

paddyduc

Another carbon well inside budget

http://www.chaindrivencycles.com/bottecchia_pordoi.html

bernik12

Thank you all for your suggestions. Most have given me food for thought which is becoming a problem as the more I look the more spoilt for choice I become. I also discovered today that my employer only run the scheme twice a year which means the next period is May so I plenty of time to confuse myself further.

I will add that I was in Eurocycles today & seen a Felt Six Elite.Carbon frame, Reba fork & full SLX groupset but slightly above budget although I now have an extra 3 months before my voucher is ready! Any feedback on this bike or Felt brand?

easygoing39

without wanting to repeat myself,but you where stood in eurocycles looking at top class Felt mountainbikes,so why the hell did'nt you ask Richie for his best price on the bike??You would have saved tons of money and got a high end MTB!!What you did today was akin to being in bed with Katie Price,a free ride was available,but you never asked!!

bernik12

easygoing39 wrote: »

without wanting to repeat myself,but you where stood in eurocycles looking at top class Felt mountainbikes,so why the hell did'nt you ask Richie for his best price on the bike??You would have saved tons of money and got a high end MTB!!What you did today was akin to being in bed with Katie Price,a free ride was available,but you never asked!!

Easygoing, I found your last post a little patronising but would welcome your thoughts on the Felt brand? As per my original post in this thread I have not owned a Mountain Bike since the late 90s and although the trusted brands (Trek, Giant, Scott, Marin,etc) are still prominant I am a little unsure of the new brands. I suppose I am asking experinced riders for advice on brands so that I get good value but a reliable bike too.
Finally, I never mentioned which of the 4 Eurocycle stores I was in today but I am not encouraged when you mention them in the same sentance as someone as plastic & self absorbed as Katie Price....Rant Over!!!

To any experienced posters I suppose I looking for advice & knowledge on some the bike manufacturers I am less familiar with such as Felt, Stevens, Focus, Orbea, etc.

Many thanks
Karl

Lemag

If you have to wait until May for the bike it might be worth considering spending a bit of your budget one the Carreras that they have going for "less than half price" over in Halfords. Unless you're an experienced MTBer your performance won't differ much between bikes. Take it out on the trails and see what you think of the sport. I got my ass handed to me last weekend by one of my friends who was riding one.

You'd probably be better off asking an assistant in a shop whom you feel that you could trust for advice as those on here can only really make comparisons between the bikes which they've ridden. In my case that really only amounts to two bikes of note.

@easygoing39 There wasn't much point in him negotiating a price if he wouldn't be able to buy for another 4 months. Also, I'd hate to think of what could have come from the OP's dalliance with Katie Price.. a kid, marriage, or even worse.. ?

easygoing39

Okay all joking aside,Richie Byrne has been riding and racing MTB's for over 20 years.He organised the 1st mtb race in Ireland and has been at the forefront ever since,still trains hard and races.He knows his stuff and wont be selling bike's that will fall apart.His famous discounts are being taken up by members of Dublins mtb clubs like Epic,MAD,TeamWorc and IMBRC on a weekly basis.Now most of these lads are using the bikes to train hard and race in the NPS this year.So any bikes that break or throw up trouble will very quickly be found out,by both Eurocycles,and also more importantly by other mtb riders.The Irish scene is small enough that things like this do spread real quick (infact any scandle spreads quick!!).Focus bikes have there own mtb team in Ireland,led by Joe McCall,who has been winning both mtb and cx races for over 20 years.Read more info here

http://focusmtb.blogspot.com/

There's no way a lad like Joe would be riding rubbish.
Now there is a mtb race on in Ballinastoe on Fed 13th,there will be lots of experinced mtber's out to see how their winter training has gone.Look around at their bikes,ask questions etc etc and see what bike may appeal to you in its natural enviroment,ie covered in mud and being raced hard!!And if you like the Felt or Focus bikes well you know who will sell you one.

http://www.biking.ie/wicklow-blitz

Outkast_IRE

im a big fan of cube bikes this one would be in your price bracket
http://www.cube.eu/en/hardtail/pro-composite-series/reaction-gtc-pro/
lovely looking bike IMO

davey101

Hi Bernik12
I have been reading your post the last couple of days and thought i would give you my input to the brands mentioned it may be helpfull, or maybe not. First off Focus bikes, i have cycled the focus raven carbon, i havent raced one but i gave it a dogs life on any trail ive been on with it and all i can say is that its a fabulous bike, although this may be slightly above your budget but as mentioned the lads in eurocycles may do you a deal when the time comes to buy, they are all experienced racers that you will deal with down there (Shane,Ross,Richie) and know their stuff.
as far as felt go i started mountaining biking on a felt probably 2 years ago it was lower end model and although the bike itself was perfect for me at that time its components did suffer and this can be expected for a lower end mtb but in general the bike held out. the felt six you mentioned is again a fantastic specimen of a bike and i think if you could stretch to either of these carbon frames you would definitely not regret it!
And as far as reputation goes i have never really heard of a "bad" bike or brand, yes there will be people who have bad experiences as there will be the odd bike that breaks or has a faulty component or even frame, this i have seen even with focus! and specialized and Sunn and Trek, So point is all you can do is make sure there is a good warranty in place and with a good turnaround time if anything does go wrong as the last thing you want is to be waiting weeks for a replacement frame or part (eg: rear mech hanger) I had to scrap a four year old frame because the company decided to stop making the particular hanger! In my opinion these are the point that make a "good" bike so who you deal with (LBS) is essential as ideally you want to be able to drop in and get the part asap.
And finally, i am currently on a Giant XTC composite which i think is possibly the best of all those mentioned . a little biased i know. I am also led to believe that the alu models are fantastic I think the cycle inn have these in stock you can talk to Rob, Mick or mark up in the tallaght shop, and again these guys are a wealth of information.
As your budget is quite good you should pick up a decent bike that will keep you going as long as you replace the parts when required and generally look after the bike, this is another point to mention as ideally if you can deal with the same Bike shop for all your requirements you will get the best deal in the long run.

bernik12

I'd like to thank you all for your help the past week. I have continued to look around but I have made a decision. Having looked into the Cube brand following Outcast's post I have found a 2010 Cube Reaction HS33 (XT groupset with SLX shifter, Fox F series fork, Magura HS33 V-Brakes) in my size. He did point me in the direction of a Reaction GTC but I'm going to be having a few falls while I get back into riding again so my nerves wouldn't be able to cope if I was bashing a Carboin frame about!

I am 5'6 & Cyclebike in Dublin 1 had a 16" in stock which I took for a quick spin today & didn't want to hand it back. I have been able to get the price down & I am just trying to get the B2W end sorted over the coming days. I am happy with the service I got from both lads I had a long chat with in the shop which I feel is important.

Easygoing: I'm still going to take your advice & nip along to Ballinstoe on Sunday as it will be good to take in the atmosphere and also visit the area for the first time.

I suppose the bike has come in well under budget so I now have the funds to make sure I have essentials such as Helmet, jackets, computer, etc.

Thanks again all & I will post back again in a month or so once I've had a few rides.

bernik12

bernik12

Well All,

I'm just checking back in as my B2W voucher finally came through a couple of weeks ago & I'm now in possession of my new Cube. I'm loving it so far and although I haven't hit any Mountains yet things are going well.

The bike fitness is almost non-existent so i'm trying to build that up at the moment. I live about 7klms from Donadea so have been cycling there & back as well as some of the trails in the park. Although it's all flat some of the locals have worked out some nice technical sections which is great for getting used to things again.

The only reservation I had when I bought the bike was the Magura HS33 brakes but they are deadly although the big test will be coming down a hill. I'm happy with them but any feedback/experiences of these brakes would be welcome.

Thanks again to everyone who commented in this thread & I leave you with a picture of my new ride!!!

Karl

Tenzor07

bernik12 wrote: »

The only reservation I had when I bought the bike was the Magura HS33 brakes but they are deadly although the big test will be coming down a hill. I'm happy with them but any feedback/experiences of these brakes would be welcome.

Fcuk me! I haven't seen Magura hydraulic rim brakes in about 15years!! Thats the 2009 model you have there then??
They were a great brake in there day, but would have given way to disc brakes now...

bernik12

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Fcuk me! I haven't seen Magura hydraulic rim brakes in about 15years!! Thats the 2009 model you have there then??
They were a great brake in there day, but would have given way to disc brakes now...

I haven't owned a bike in almost 12 years & the rest of the kit on my bike stacked up. I did wonder about the brakes originally but am happy so far. Obviously most bikes now come with discs but surely there must be a reason why Magura are still developing/selling this type of hydraulic brake?

Tenzor07

bernik12 wrote: »

I haven't owned a bike in almost 12 years & the rest of the kit on my bike stacked up. I did wonder about the brakes originally but am happy so far. Obviously most bikes now come with discs but surely there must be a reason why Magura are still developing/selling this type of hydraulic brake?

Not saying the rim brakes aren't good, they work great but they have there disadvantages... Less mud clearance, less power than discs, will wear out the wheel rims after a winter of mountain biking, i dont know many bike shops around that will stock spares or service them....

Icyseanfitz

if i was in your position i would try to save up and get some avid disk brakes (only if you hubs allow disks which they might not seeing as you have rim brakes) as nearly every bike shop has seen them and will know how to fix them, they are also really good brakes

bernik12

I was thinking about putting some cash aside over the summer ready for the winter & if I notice a dop off in performance from the brakes I would change them. Again, I'm not an expert but how would I tell if my rims are compatible for Discs (They look pretty normal to me)?

When I bought my bike from Cyclebike I did notice that it was the only one there with these brakes however there was an exact model in a 20in frame in Cycle Superstore. I just assumed that Hydraulic rim brakes were a newer alternative to disc & both stores wouldn't stocking such kit if it wasn't suitable for the Irish market! Is it a case that this bike has been brought into Ireland spec'd for mainland Europe where trails are dryer?

Tenzor07

bernik12 wrote: »

Again, I'm not an expert but how would I tell if my rims are compatible for Discs (They look pretty normal to me)?

I just assumed that Hydraulic rim brakes were a newer alternative to disc & both stores wouldn't stocking such kit if it wasn't suitable for the Irish market! Is it a case that this bike has been brought into Ireland spec'd for mainland Europe where trails are dryer?

The wheelset on your new bike is not disc compatible.
You have the rim brakes because they came on the 2009 version of that bike, they are perfectly fine, just check if your bike has the mounts on the frame in case you decide to upgrade to disc brakes in the future.
Nothing to do with trails being drier, the brakes work fine wet or dry..
And sure keep an eye on IseeSeanFizz's posts, i am sure he will have a barely used set of disc brakes for sale soon!