UKC

I currently own a KONA Fire Mountain at the moment, but looking to invest into something more robust.

I have around £1500 to spend, any advice would be great?

In reply to Danielg: look for 2010 Trek fuel EX 8, a good all round cross country bike that gets good reviews. There is a fuel EX 7 on gum tree at the minute for £700http://m.gumtree.com/mens-trek-fuel-ex7-bike/v?adId=97301350

In reply to Danielg: Hi, for that money you will not beat the Giant Trance either the X4 for £1099 http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p3504
or the X3 for £1429 http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p3505
The X3 is better, because it gets a Fox fork and SLX components, but it's obviously more expensive.
The Trance always gets brilliant reviews and I'm pretty sure it was voted MBR's bike of the year.
Lee

In reply to Danielg:

Cheers guys, ill have a look.

In reply to Danielg: I'd recommend a Trek ex7 or 8 as well. I got an ex7 last year when they were selling off the older model and saved £500, very good bikes. Ex8 is better spec'd if you can get one for £1500, but ex7 is good too..

In reply to Danielg:

Bump!

In reply to Danielg: i couldn't recommend anything without knowing more. What style of riding do you like being the most important. Xc,trail,Dh,freeride?

In reply to Danielg: Also,be honest with yourself about your criteria for choosing a bike. Most modern bikes perform well in excess of what the rider demands and really the choice becomes an emotional one. Both how the bike feels and how it looks. A Giant although good value and good reviews wouldn't make my shortlist because it is bland,corporate and soulless. Yet I would spend hours drooling over the likes of Orange,LaPierre, Cotic,Santander Cruz,Norco,Yeti,Ibis,Ratley,Lynsky,Whyte and others - all bikes of soul,beauty,individuality and integrity,with stories behind them and their makers.

You are going to have an intense love affair with your bike,so don't just go on price and performance.