geoff-r Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 I know there's quite a few bikers on here (push bike that is) and I'm after a bit of advice. I recently sold my bike and I'm looking to buy another. My previous bike being a Norco A-Line was pretty hardcore and I'm after something I can use on an everyday basis, mainly a bit of road use but mostly on light gravel surfaces. I've been borrowing my brothers 2010 Norco Bigfoot for the last week and it seems to be a perfect bike, love the look of it, kit seems great for what I need but I'm struggling to find any second hand ones (I'm not really in the market for brand new as there are so many bikes that get bought, not used enough and have a huge saving). Can anyone suggest any other bikes? Looking at around the £350 mark for second hand, possibly push a little higher. My main needs in the bike are front suspension (would prefer a hardtail to a full sus to be honest) a good solid light frame and the ability to be chucked about a little if need be, thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoogyRev Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 What about something like this..... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TREK-8000-mountain-bike-/230677816430?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item35b578246e#ht_525wt_1187 or if your feeling a bit flusher http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=53131 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris`I Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 Buy Jims bike - you can offset the spending now with the fact it never needs upgrading Usual suspects then apply - I personally love the geometry of Specialized bikes - so Rockhopper or Hardrock would be where I'd be looking. Or Boardmans are exceptionally good bikes for the money, just get a biking mate to help check it over if you dont know how to as Halfords are the most consistent at tightening all the nuts and bolts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted September 28, 2011 Author Share Posted September 28, 2011 I would love to buy Jims bike but it's a bit out of my price range and to be honest I think it would be over spec'd for me! But then the thought of never having to upgrade it is nice. I've been looking at the Specialized bikes especially the Rockhopper and Hardrocks as there seems to be a lot around and at quite reasonable money, just didn't know if they were any good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris`I Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 I've been looking at the Specialized bikes especially the Rockhopper and Hardrocks as there seems to be a lot around and at quite reasonable money, just didn't know if they were any good. Cant really go wrong with them. I've had a hardrock, two rockhoppers and now a stumpjumper FSR. Not a fan boy at all They arent always the best for the cash, especially in the last year the specs have gone down and prices up. I'd try some out at local shops then hit eBay and get a nearly new 2010 model for a lot less cash than a new 2011 and possibly better spec. Same with the boardmans. Cant go wrong with any of them tbh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted September 28, 2011 Author Share Posted September 28, 2011 Cheers for the advice mate I'll keep looking then, of course if you see any good buys on ebay or the like let me know, I'm itching to get myself a bike again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 I've had a hardrock, two rockhoppers and now a stumpjumper tit, tut, family forum remember Chris Anything other than a Raleigh, and I'm lost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 I've had a hardrock, two rockhoppers and now a stumpjumper tit, tut, family forum remember Chris Anything other than a Raleigh, and I'm lost A chopper or a grifter for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris`I Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 Get out of here you lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoogyRev Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 Get out of here you lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK350Z Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 New bike specs and value for money went seriously downhill after the exchange rate collapsed in what, 2009? Also look at the recently popular Euro brands like Cube, Lapierre, etc. For secondhand, get on Singletrackworld, Pinkbike, and lastly, Ebay. I had a quick shufty, but don't know what size you're after: not much in cardiff on Pinkbike, but several in Bristol: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/list/?region=5&countryid=193&cityid=392&category=2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted September 29, 2011 Author Share Posted September 29, 2011 New bike specs and value for money went seriously downhill after the exchange rate collapsed in what, 2009? Also look at the recently popular Euro brands like Cube, Lapierre, etc. For secondhand, get on Singletrackworld, Pinkbike, and lastly, Ebay. I had a quick shufty, but don't know what size you're after: not much in cardiff on Pinkbike, but several in Bristol: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/list/?region=5&countryid=193&cityid=392&category=2 Cheers mate interesting to know with regards to the spec changes since 2009! I'm 5'10" so would I be right in thinking something around the 18"-19" mark? Always willing to travel within reason and Bristol is only 45 mins away tops! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK350Z Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Yeah, i would say a medium or 17 inch. American bikes tend to be more compact though, but it still varies bike by bike. oldish but unused Spesh Rockhopper comp, cheltenham: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Rockhopper-Comp-Pro-/280744878799?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item415db2e2cf#ht_1141wt_1396 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris`I Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I'd say 17" frame would suit, unless you have very long legs in which case a 19" with maybe a shorter stem might work. Get along to your local Evans and try a few out and see, then run before they try to convince you to buy it! If you keep an eye out you'll get a few 2009/2010 bikes at good prices on ebay. Anything older than a few years and its better to drop to a newer but lesser model as all the kit trickles down each year (so XT this year is last years XTR, SLX is last years XT) so by the time its 4-5yrs old you might as well have nearly new Deore than old XT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted September 29, 2011 Author Share Posted September 29, 2011 Good job I asked on the frame size. My previous bike was a medium so I wasn't too hot on the sizes in inches. I can see this bike search turning out to be a bit baffling. With all the specs it looks harder than choosing the perfect car. We don't have an Evans Cycles in Cardiff, nearest is Bristol. We have Don Skeene (independent bike place I think) and Tredz here. I might go along to Tredz and have a look as they're less likely to pounce on you, last time I went to Don Skeene my brother walked out with a bike and he was only 'looking' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmac@TarmacSportz Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I bought a new bike a few weeks back. I was torn between a road bike and mountain bike. For me the Cube mountain bikes were spot on, really impressed. I ended up going for a road bike though and bought a Specialised Allez Sport, I'm glad I did too as you can really eat up the miles, i go out on it at every opportunity, just about to go for a quick 15 miler tonight and I look great in spandex - bonus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK350Z Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I look great in spandex - bonus Are you sure? Like, really sure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted September 29, 2011 Author Share Posted September 29, 2011 I look great in spandex - bonus Are you sure? Like, really sure? Cheers mate, just had dinner, glad it wasn't sausages and potatoes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted October 9, 2011 Author Share Posted October 9, 2011 Well guys just thought I would update the thread, after a few weeks searching I had a few bikes I was watching on ebay and while stuck in a traffic jam trying to get out of a car park in Cardiff last night at 11:30pm I slapped a bid on this and picked it up today: It cost me £290 and it's a 2008 Specialized Rockhopper, I guess that's a pretty average price to pay, it's not going to set the world alight but I think it'll do perfectly for me for the moment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK350Z Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 Looks clean Geoff, need to show it some singletrack now Keep an eye on ebay and singletrackworld for upgrades, it gets addictive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted October 9, 2011 Author Share Posted October 9, 2011 Looks clean Geoff, need to show it some singletrack now Keep an eye on ebay and singletrackworld for upgrades, it gets addictive! I think that might be in order! Already looking for some upgrades, any pointers? Ideally I want to get some of the basics first, it looks like it's been run without a chain protector at some point and has a few marks from chain slap so I need one of those and a bash guard or I'm going to end up ruining my legs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK350Z Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 I normally use either inner tube or grip tape for the chainstay. You'll have to loose the big ring if you want to run a bashguard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris`I Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 I normally use either inner tube or grip tape for the chainstay. You'll have to loose the big ring if you want to run a bashguard. Go old skool and a bit of old tyre with zip ties I think self amalgamating tape works well too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted October 10, 2011 Author Share Posted October 10, 2011 I normally use either inner tube or grip tape for the chainstay. You'll have to loose the big ring if you want to run a bashguard. Good idea I just need something to cover the big ring, it's pretty sharp and whilst I'm not concerned about ripping a pair of trousers I am concerned about ripping a hole in my leg, metal pedals to the shin were bad enough on my DH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris`I Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 If you get leg to big ring contact you are doing something very wrong and will have more to worry about if it happens in a crash (ie it will be a major stack over the bike!). Pedal to shin is never nice, especially on flats with pins, they always manage to shred your leg Thats why I love running SPDs now On the upgrade front, depending on where you're riding I'd go for tyres, new forks and brakes. Then look at drive train when it wears out. Also might be an idea go get a good bike mech to bleed your brakes if they've never been done before. Avids are known for crap bleed from the factory and its relatively quick and easy (you can get a kit to DIY for ~£30) and makes a very noticable difference. After all that lot, maybe wheels. Depends how into it you get Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.