new hardtail bike

[shadowcreaper]

Looking for a new hardtail bike, and so far i looking into either:

specialized rockhopper 2008 disc:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec001452

or a merlin malt 1 decore special:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=pr...categoryId=100

i was hoping to find this bike but sadly cant find it anywhere, if you find it please link me:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...alt-1-09-33656

cheers, i also considered GT avalanche 1.0 disc but seems it isnt as good as the two i posted.

any info advise wellcome.

[Clunk]

[j1979]

Looking for a new hardtail bike, and so far i looking into either:

specialized rockhopper 2008 disc:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec001452

or a merlin malt 1 decore special:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=pr...categoryId=100

i was hoping to find this bike but sadly cant find it anywhere, if you find it please link me:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...alt-1-09-33656

cheers, i also considered GT avalanche 1.0 disc but seems it isnt as good as the two i posted.

any info advise wellcome.

i would seriously have a look at the rockrider range. good spec and cheaper. ive heard nothing but good things about them. the reviews on the web are very good.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/performance-mtb-3964713/

[GheeTsar]

i was hoping to find this bike but sadly cant find it anywhere, if you find it please link me:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...alt-1-09-33656

Have you tried Merlin's webpage?

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=pr...&categoryId=39

Anyhoo - you really need to ride a few first before you buy. What looks good on paper or suits a reviewer may not suit you so you really should ride them first yourself. In the case of the Merlin then I guess that's slightly harder unless you live near the shop.

[shadowcreaper]

i going to phone them up, sinse i beleive they build custom bikes to order.

[PeteSmith]

I have owned a rockhopper disc for just over a year, very nice mtb, it has survived a bashing without any major problems - would recommend. The malt looks like a good buy also, don't think you would go far wrong with either tbh.

[santa claus]

I think you can reliably trust your instincts shadowcreaper; you have very good taste. I prefer the Merlin as I'm not so fussed on the merging top and down tubes at the headstock on the rockhopper but that's just personal preference. Rockriders look nice too. Tough call

A ride to check out how those frames flex would clinch it for me one way or another.

[0iD]

I still use my old Sintessi Thruster frame for HT duties, about 8 years old & still going strong. For dirt jumping duties tho it has to be Iron Horse, or my old Sunn B-Mix. From personal experience, i'd go with the Specialised.

I predominantly use my Litespeed Singlespeed for general about town riding with special narrow bars to squeeze between the cars. Lightweight steel goodness.

[watforddude]

What Price range are you in?

[Lowe]

I'd be leaning towards the Merlin...

[shadowcreaper]

well i phoned shops up and was quite suprised with responce.

all 08 models are bassically sold out, though i 1 shop has a rockhopper specialized 08 model V break selling at 400 pounds.

another shop has 09 model rockhopper disc break selling at 528 pounds.

merlin i was sadly dissapointed with sisne they told me they dont make bikes for under 600 pounds anymore. shame sinse i was looking forward to ordering their decore bike which seems to be no longer there to buy, even though they are a custom bike shop.

bassically it :

rockhopper 08 v 400
rockhopper 09 disc 528
or maybe GT avalanche disc 08 400


shame about merlin wasnt very helpfull sadly, even said il pay in cash up front sadly 600 is there standard discounted basic bike now.

what you recon. got any other suggestions of good ones

[Lowe]

Probably due the pound being so weak at the moment. Shame

[neonplanet40]

maybe GT avalanche disc 08 400

Bought it last month.

see my thread!!

its awesome!!

BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT!!!!

[Cus_de_Sparta65]

GT avalanche disc 08=£319
http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.u...oducts_id=7169

[neonplanet40]

They only have small and extra small available. and its the 2.0 not the 1.0

[Cus_de_Sparta65]

OK i thought it sounded too good