Specialised Mountain Bike Bits
which bike should I get?
I’ve basically asked this before, but some details have changed…
I want to buy a bike to commute to work on, and maybe do some mountain biking on too.
I’m looking for a tough, relatively low maintenance hardtail for about £500 to £900 (I was originally going to spend about £1500, but that now seems a bit over the top for a starter bike). It should ideally look quite cool too (shallow, I know).
From digging around on the net, so far I’m interested in the Kona Carrera and the Specialized Rockhopper.
Can anyone comment on these two, or recommend any other similar models?
I haven’t made my mind up yet, these are just two examples of the kind of bike that has caught my eye. I’d appreciate some recommendations from current bike riders.
I prefer Specilized and Trek over Kona.
But that is just my point of view.
Go to a good bike shop and see if you can test ride them. There is nothing like feeling them to help you make up your mind.
ALSO:
Be sure you are able to fix crud guards, a rack, lights, and slimmer tires on the bike you get. It is a multipurpose bike, so some commitment must be made. But protection from rain and water, capacity to carry a small load, and more efficient road tires are something to have while commuting. True, it could scare a die hard mountain bike rider, but you will appreciate the convenience of this gadgets while commuting on and off work.
As I understand your mountain riding will be on the light side, (more trail riding), so this elements will not be much of a problem in your outings.
Knowing the price of this extras and the possibility having them in your bike should be a priority in your buying decision!
I would not leave the store without them set on my bike. And if I can get a model with them on as standard equipment all the better. (It could be cheaper to buy them this way than having to buy them separately).
Keep this in mind, and if you need to, change your brand or bike selection.
Finally: Get a good lock, specially if you are going to park your bike outdoors. (A “modest” less cool look bike is often a good theft “deterrant”).
Hope I have been of help.
P.S. Check the Specialized Globe or the Trek FX Range as two possibilities in the kind of Hybrid bike I am referring to.
Cachettes downhill, Les Arcs, August 2010
