New Bike

M

marchantsuk

Veteran
 Somerset
I know there are a few cyclists on here and I'm after some advice.

Decided to buy a new bike, my last one was purchased 17 years ago and whilst a great bike then things have moved on some way. My budget is up to £1k and this is the one I have (almost) settled on.

Trail_SL_29er_2_zps55a7cb71.jpg


Cannondale Trail SL2 29

I don't need or really want a full suspension, so really narrowed it down to hard tails.

Any advice, comment on Cannondale or alternative suggestions?

(and yes it comes with pedals :rofl: )
 
what would you want to be doing on it? cycling obviously, but where, what sort of thing, how fast etc etc...

completely understand the hardtail bit...

cannondale's don't tend to be specced as generously as other brands - that's more pronounced now as a result of cheap far east frames that have been specced up and sold by halfords and the mail order companies. think the frame's the selling point on a cannondale, they used to be a bit harsh years ago, but have moved on a bit.

by way of alternatives:

Orange Clockwork, used to be steel now alu; looks very nice...

http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/bikes/clockwork/

last year's trek 8000, bit over budget but a good buy at this price:

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/5957/trek-8000-hardtail-mountain-bike-2012-sale

couple of on ones, good for mixed riding, can keep up with a full susser round a trail centre if that's a likely occurance

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOO4561X5/on_one_456_evo_x5_sektor_bike

carbon version, been mentioned on here previous, bit more ££ but good value for money if you can stretch

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOOC456V2/on_one_carbon_456_x9_mountain_bike_2013

Specialized Rockhopper, solid, but it's the top of the range so not very 'upgradeable'

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/detail/13rockhopper/rockhopper/

you can't go wrong with the cannondale, there's a lot more 29ers than i realised now...good luck
 
JaEdBa said:
what would you want to be doing on it? cycling obviously, but where, what sort of thing, how fast etc etc...

completely understand the hardtail bit...
Click to expand...

Mainly trails and paths, although would like to option to go "off road". This was the reason I didn't look at hybrid/commuter style bike
 
A little over budget but try one of the new 29r wheeled bikes like this:

http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain/singletrack_trail/stache/stache_7/#

75664


The bigger wheels mean they are faster and the ride is better.
 
Breaker said:
A little over budget but try one of the new 29r wheeled bikes like this:

http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain/singletrack_trail/stache/stache_7/#

75664


The bigger wheels mean they are faster and the ride is better.
Click to expand...

The Cannondale is 29r, this was the main reason for this particular model, they still do the standard 26 wheel, but I think this gives it a little bit more
 
The spec on the cannondale looks Ok. The fork is a Rockshok Recon Silver, so that's good.
It's worth noting that the brakes and gear mech are entry level items but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Components like the brakes and mech can be upgraded over time. And as JaEdBa said you'll be paying for the frame.

You've made the right choice going for a 29er if your sticking to smooth trails and paths as the 29 inch wheels tend to make a bike faster than the 26er. The sacrifice being that they're not as quick on the tight twisty stuff.

You might want to have a look at the 2012 Kona Honzo. I was in the same predicament as you a few months back (£1000 budget) and decided on the honzo.
It has a great frame, good fork (rockshock revelation) but just ok brakes an mechs. It didn't bother me too much as I will be upgrading them as and when I need to in the future. Oh and it looks like the dogs danglies too! If there was a monster truck of bikes I reckon this would it!

I've got a spreadsheet comparing some of the 26ers and 29ers when I was looking. You're more than welcome to have it. Drop me a pm if your interested
 
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