MTB, cross country trails etc, road (2-3 x a week, cycling across london, around 15 miles) + lotsa phun.
I bought it this morning - £750 (originally £850). Got a LCC and Evans discount + 5 yr warranty + lifetime warranty for frame + lights.
I'm worried about the choice of handle bar + stem and lack of XT/LX components, but I'm 47kg in weight so prob don't need such a strong bike with expensive components. I can always upgrade in teh future.
Would loved to have bought the kula or explosif but there >£1300.
I guess I'm after some reassurance - did i just blow my money ?
sounds like you bought a decent bike for what you are using it for. This might be to expensive a bike for a beginner, but you seem to know what you are doing. 27.6 lbs is to heavy for me, but you can always lighten the load with upgrading. Many people say the 'zokes shocks are worth the weight...
Depends if the bars/stem fit you. Also depends what you are upgrading to. A good stem can cost US $80 (what's the exchange rate?) And you can get a light bar for $30-50 more. Your biggest weight savings come not with the bar, but with the wheels.
i was seriously considering an '03 caldera (on sale) but i got the cinder cone instead. so ive got mech instead of hydraulics, no clipless pedals yet... but essentially the same bike. you'll love it.
i rode over a bee's nest this past weekend...5 stings...so much fun.
