Beginner advice...

"DSt_UK" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any good. I
have up to £600 GBP to spend, and in my price range I have been advised to look at the following,
particularly the Giant XTC 860 and the Kona Cindercone. These are all AFAIK last years models,
hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of DH/XC, and I suppose, to get DH,
I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full suspension, as I won't be able to get a
bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
scott fx3

TIA, DSt.

I spent about that much on my Specialized Rockhopper about 3 years ago, but I think you can still
get one for about the same money. It has been great value for money.

I think the most important thing is to get a good frame - you will eventually have to replace all
the other bits as they wear out anyway, so you can upgrade along the way if need be. The frame,
forks, handlebars, bottom bracket and seatpost are all that is original on my bike now, and the BB
and forks are probably about due for a coat of looking at.

I have bought Giants for both my daughters recently, they seem well specced for the price, but the
frames don't look as strong as my Rockhopper.

Twohat (because two heads are better than one)

DSt_UK said:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any good. I
have up to £600 GBP to spend, and in my price range I have been advised to look at the following,
particularly the Giant XTC 860 and the Kona Cindercone. These are all AFAIK last years models,
hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of DH/XC, and I suppose, to get DH,
I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full suspension, as I won't be able to get a
bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
scott fx3

From that list, I'd go with the Caldera.

--
a.m-b FAQ: t-online.deambfaq.htmOpen ↗

b.bmx FAQ: t-online.debmx faq.htmOpen ↗

"DSt_UK" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any good. I
have up to £600 GBP to spend, and in my price range I have been advised to look at the following,
particularly the Giant XTC 860 and the Kona Cindercone. These are all AFAIK last years models,
hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of DH/XC, and I suppose, to get DH,
I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full suspension, as I won't be able to get a
bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
scott fx3

TIA, DSt.

Have a look at Merlins (Lancashire bike shop - not the high end Ti frame manufacturer...) own bikes
and the rock lobster ones they also sell. They work out a good deal and you can change one or two
bits you don't fancy.

Oh and you're right - stay clear of full sus bikes in this price range.

Steve E.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll check out Merlin's before I make a choice.

Cheers, DSt.

I had a look at the Malt 2. Impressive for the price. Thanks for the link.

<user0> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I had a look at the Malt 2. Impressive for the price. Thanks for the link.

No problem. I've had good customer service from them in the past so may as well give them a little
plug from time to time.

"spademan o---[\) *" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

<user0> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I had a look at the Malt 2. Impressive for the price. Thanks for the link.

No problem. I've had good customer service from them in the past so may as well give them a
little plug from time to time.

Having read outstanding reviews, and seeing it's won several awards, I ordered a malt 1 yesterday,
with an upgrade to marzocchi forks, and hydro discs, total price £580. For that, I think I'm getting
a very well-specced bike. Thanks again for the link. I spoke to their shop - very helpful and very
friendly. The only pi$$er is, I have to wait 3-4 weeks for the build - but this horror is lessened
by the fact I go to Amsterdam on Sunday.

I'll let you guys know what I think when I get a chance to RIDE it.

user0

spademan - maybe you should talk to Merlin about commission? 😉

DSt_UK <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"spademan o---[\) *" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

<user0> wrote in message

"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I had a look at the Malt 2. Impressive for the price. Thanks for the link.

No problem. I've had good customer service from them in the past so may

as

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

well give them a little plug from time to time.

Having read outstanding reviews, and seeing it's won several awards, I ordered a malt 1 yesterday,
with an upgrade to marzocchi forks,

Which model?

Quoted message said:

and hydro discs, total price £580.

Which ones?

Quoted message said:

For that, I think I'm getting a very well-specced bike.

Sure - sounds like you did great - hope you enjoy it muchly!

Quoted message said:

Thanks again for the link. I spoke to their shop - very helpful and very friendly. The only pi$$er
is, I have to wait 3-4 weeks for the build - but this horror is lessened by the fact I go to
Amsterdam on Sunday.

I'll let you guys know what I think when I get a chance to RIDE it.

You'll have no memory of ordering it until you get the bill, by the time you've been to Amsterdam,
heheheheh.......

Shaun aRe

[email hidden] (DSt_UK) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any good. I
have up to £600 GBP to spend, and in my price range I have been advised to look at the following,
particularly the Giant XTC 860 and the Kona Cindercone. These are all AFAIK last years models,
hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of DH/XC, and I suppose, to get DH,
I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full suspension, as I won't be able to get a
bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
scott fx3

TIA, DSt.

"Hi, I'm a moron who can't ask anyone I know personally about anything in my pathetic life. Will you
complete strangers tell me what bike to purchase? It doesn't matter if you have no experience."

JD

"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (DSt_UK) wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any good.
I have up to £600 GBP to spend, and in my price range I have been advised to look at the
following, particularly the Giant XTC 860 and the Kona Cindercone. These are all AFAIK last
years models, hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of DH/XC, and I
suppose, to get DH, I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full suspension, as I
won't be able to get a bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts would
be much appreciated.

giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
scott fx3

TIA, DSt.

"Hi, I'm a moron who can't ask anyone I know personally about anything in my pathetic life. Will
you complete strangers tell me what bike to purchase? It doesn't matter if you have no
experience."

JD

Is it your American inferiority complex which makes you belittle people who are just asking for a
bit of advice? Or are you just a nasty bully?

Its a good job there aren't many like you or nobody would dare post any requests for information.

A public apology to the original poster would save you from my killfilter list, but I'm not holding
my breath.

Twohat (because two heads are better than one)

JD said:

"Hi, I'm a moron who can't ask anyone I know personally about anything in my pathetic life. Will
you complete strangers tell me what bike to purchase? It doesn't matter if you have no
experience."

Even by your standards, you're in an arsey mood today.

[email hidden] (JD) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (DSt_UK) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any good.
I have up to £600 GBP to spend, and in my price range I have been advised to look at the
following, particularly the Giant XTC 860 and the Kona Cindercone. These are all AFAIK last
years models, hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of DH/XC, and I
suppose, to get DH, I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full suspension, as I
won't be able to get a bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts would
be much appreciated.

giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
scott fx3

TIA, DSt.

"Hi, I'm a moron

I think the group is seeing that more clearly now.....

Quoted message said:

who can't ask anyone I know personally about anything in my pathetic life. Will you complete
strangers tell me what bike to purchase? It doesn't matter if you have no experience."

JD

Yeah, how pathetic is it to think someone could go to a "discussion" group and ask advice on
mountain bikes, especially considering it is a mountain bike discussion group? If only people were
as astute and knowledgable as Jerry Daniels.......

[email hidden] (JD) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Hi, I'm a moron who can't ask anyone I know personally about anything in my pathetic life. Will
you complete strangers tell me what bike to purchase? It doesn't matter if you have no
experience."

JD

Yeah, we already know.

"Twohat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (DSt_UK) wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any
good. I have up to £600 GBP to spend, and in my price range I have been advised to look at the
following, particularly the Giant XTC 860 and the Kona Cindercone. These are all AFAIK last
years models, hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of DH/XC, and I
suppose, to get DH, I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full suspension, as I
won't be able to get a bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts
would be much appreciated.

giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
scott fx3

TIA, DSt.

"Hi, I'm a moron who can't ask anyone I know personally about anything in my pathetic life. Will
you complete strangers tell me what bike to purchase? It doesn't matter if you have no
experience."

JD

Is it your American inferiority complex which makes you belittle people who are just asking for a
bit of advice?

Is it your British superiority complex that causes you to respond in such an assinine fashion?

Quoted message said:

Or are you just a nasty bully?

Or do you not grasp the meaning of the word "alt."?

Quoted message said:

Its a good job there aren't many like you or nobody would dare post any requests for information.

Or maybe some folk should grow a thicker skin.

Quoted message said:

A public apology to the original poster would save you from my killfilter list, but I'm not
holding my breath.

It's two-for-one day here at a.m-b, so why don't you just killfilte me, too?

Quoted message said:

Twohat (because two heads are better than one)

This supposes that you use the one you were born with.

Get over yourself.

Spider

(Spider) said:

"Twohat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Is it your American inferiority complex which makes you belittle people who are just asking for a
bit of advice?

Here we go.....

Quoted message said:

Is it your British superiority complex that causes you to respond in such an assinine fashion?

Quoted message said:

Or are you just a nasty bully?

Or do you not grasp the meaning of the word "alt."?

What's that got to do with JD's reply....it was assinine, as it usually is, alt, or not.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Its a good job there aren't many like you or nobody would dare post any requests for information.

Or maybe some folk should grow a thicker skin.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

A public apology to the original poster would save you from my killfilter list, but I'm not
holding my breath.

It's two-for-one day here at a.m-b, so why don't you just killfilte me, too?

This is the wisest thing you've ever put to text.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Twohat (because two heads are better than one)

This supposes that you use the one you were born with.

Get over yourself.

Spider

BWWAAAHHHHHAAAA, your a piece of work Spider.

Dave (follow your own advice arachnid!)

Dave W <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

(Spider) said:

"Twohat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Is it your American inferiority complex which makes you belittle people who are just asking for
a bit of advice?

Here we go.....

Get off my leg, DogPoop. I guess I'll have to smack you down again.

Bad dog - go lay down.

Spider

"Twohat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (DSt_UK) wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any
good. I have up to £600 GBP to spend, and in my price range I have been advised to look at the
following, particularly the Giant XTC 860 and the Kona Cindercone. These are all AFAIK last
years models, hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of DH/XC, and I
suppose, to get DH, I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full suspension, as I
won't be able to get a bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts
would be much appreciated.

giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
scott fx3

TIA, DSt.

"Hi, I'm a moron who can't ask anyone I know personally about anything in my pathetic life. Will
you complete strangers tell me what bike to purchase? It doesn't matter if you have no
experience."

JD

Is it your American inferiority complex which makes you belittle people who are just asking for a
bit of advice?

It's my American inferiority complex.

Quoted message said:

Or are you just a nasty bully?

That too.

Quoted message said:

Its a good job there aren't many like you or nobody would dare post any requests for information.

Yeah, it's a good job.

Quoted message said:

A public apology to the original poster would save you from my killfilter list, but I'm not
holding my breath.

Oh, but you should hold your breath because your virtual halitosis isstinking up the place. Now
kindly [censored] you PC thug.

Quoted message said:

Twohat (because two heads are better than one)

Learn to use at least one of them.

JD

(Spider) said:

Dave W <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

(Spider) said:

"Twohat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

> Is it your American inferiority complex which makes you belittle people who are just asking
> for a bit of advice?

Here we go.....

Get off my leg, DogPoop. I guess I'll have to smack you down again.

You couldn't, and haven't smacked anything you ol' crusty wanna be....

cept maybe your chin on my nuts!

Quoted message said:

Bad dog - go lay down.

Spider

SQUISH THE BUG!

"Spider" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Twohat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (DSt_UK) wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

> Hi all,
>
> I'm currently trying to buy a bike. I don't know much about which makes and models are any
> good. I have up to £600 GBP to spend, and

in

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> my price range I have been advised to look at the following, particularly the Giant XTC 860
> and the Kona Cindercone. These are

all

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> AFAIK last years models, hence their lower than usual price. I'm looking to do a mix of
> DH/XC, and I suppose, to get DH, I'll have to get UH first! I've been advised against full
> suspension, as I won't

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> able to get a bike in this range that won't bob all over the place. Any thoughts would be
> much appreciated.
>
> giant xtc860 kona cindercone kona caldera giant nrs950 kona kahuna scott gzero fx3 scott fx2
> scott fx3
>
> TIA, DSt.

"Hi, I'm a moron who can't ask anyone I know personally about anything in my pathetic life.
Will you complete strangers tell me what bike to purchase? It doesn't matter if you have no
experience."

JD

Is it your American inferiority complex which makes you belittle people

who

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

are just asking for a bit of advice?

Is it your British superiority complex that causes you to respond in such an assinine fashion?

Quoted message said:

Or are you just a nasty bully?

Or do you not grasp the meaning of the word "alt."?

Quoted message said:

Its a good job there aren't many like you or nobody would dare post any requests for
information.

Or maybe some folk should grow a thicker skin.

Quoted message said:

A public apology to the original poster would save you from my

killfilter

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

list, but I'm not holding my breath.

It's two-for-one day here at a.m-b, so why don't you just killfilte me, too?

Quoted message said:

Twohat (because two heads are better than one)

This supposes that you use the one you were born with.

Get over yourself.

Spider

I'm sorry, I forgot that irony doesn't cross the Atlantic . . .

I wonder if it has anything to do with the TV shows they are brought up on? You know, the ones where
the live audience are told when to laugh, so that the Homer's watching TV realise there is a joke?

For Spider and others who don't get it, my reference to "your American inferiority complex " was
irony. Look it up if it causes you a problem.

Apologies to those Americans who understood it. No offence intended.

No apology to Spider. Don't bother replying, you are already blocked.

Twohat (because people who don't understand might be offended if I just said [censored])