in message <[email hidden]>, blackbat
(') said:Would appreciate any advice on following models, bearing in mind my
height. Not decided if front sus is necessary for me.Specialized Hardrock Sport 2004 £249
Specialized Hardrock Rigid 2004 £239
I've never seen a seriously bad Specialized. Mind you, I've never seen a
seriously good one, either, but I suspect these will be OK. The Rigid
is probably better value for money.
Quoted message said:Trek 4300 2004 £269
Trek 3700 £230
Claud Butler Ravana 2004 £229
Look for the Claude Butler Cape Wrath - a little more money, but
reckoned to be exceedingly good value.
Quoted message said:Ridgeback Switch Series Cyclone
(1.5 tyres, no front sus but available in XL) £269
Nothing wrong with a rigid fork if you're not doing serious rough stuff.
Indeed I did fairly serious rough stuff with a rigid bike for fifteen
years before going full suspension. I have seen some truly terrible
Ridgebacks, so buy with care - feel the weight of it, particularly.
Brief summary, without checking the specs of these bikes:
Weight is important; fit is important; cable operated disk brakes are no
advantage over V brakes and cost more; cheap front suspension is rarely
much good anyway and is heavier than rigid.
And remember that now is the time for end of season sales. You may be
able to bargain.
--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/
[ This .sig intentionally left blank ]