complience said:
looking at these two bikes now.. what you think, ive got a focus already so know they are awesome bikes.. i don't really know Univega anyone got any experience of them?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360026024&N=Focus%20Medusa%20Ladies%20Mountain%20Bike%202007
Focus Medusa Specifications Frames 26" MTB, alloy Forks SuntourXCT-MLO, Lockout Front Derailleur Shimano Deore Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore Shift Levers Shimano Deore STI Shifter Chain Wheel FSA Dynadrive Bottom Bracket Shimano Gear Ratio Front: 44/32/22, Rear: 11-32 Handlebars Riserbar, alloy Stem Black Comp, A-Head Saddle Velo VL-4055 Seat Post Black Comp, patent, alloy Brakes Black Comp Brake Lever Shimano STI Shifter Front Hub Sealed, alloy Rear Hub Sealed cassette, alloy Spokes Stainless Rims Exal ZX-19 Tyre Schwalbe Smart Sam, 54-559 Pedals Alloy cage
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360026999&N=Univega%20Alpina%20HT%20510%20Bike%202007
Frame 26" Aluminium 6061 PG Fork Suntour XCM, Lockout Speed 27 Speed Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore LX Shifters Shimano Deore Rapid Fire Bottom Bracket Shimano M443 Bearing Sealed cartridge Transmission Front: 44/32/22, Rear: 11-32 Handlebar Concept SL Lowriser Stem Black Comp A-Head Saddle Velo MTB Seatpost Black Comp Patent, aluminium Brakes Black Comp, V-Brake Brake Levers Avid FR-5 Front Hub Black Comp, sealed aluminium Rear Hub Black Comp, sealed cassette aluminium Rims Double Wall, aluminium Spokes Stainless Tyres Geax Barro Marathon, 54-559 Pedals Cage alloy Wheel Size 26"
The second seems to have better components ...
While I am sure both bikes are "okay" ... I think that neither bike has a particularly good fork ... well, I guess it depends on the type of riding you will be doing.
FWIW. I'd consider buying almost ANY
used hardtail bike/frame & selecting/installing a
Marzocchi OR
Rock Shox fork ... there are OTHER brands, but those are probably the better values for the various performance levels.
You should be able to get a used-or-NEW frame for under £100 ... perhaps, not much more for an entire, used bike! So, then, it's just a matter of upgrading the fork ... and, eventually any other components that you feel like changing in the future on an as-needed basis (depending on what the USED bike starts with AND the condition of those parts).
I presume you are looking at a "new" bike because of the size of the frame on your current bike ...
Otherwise, if your current bike fits, then I'd just change the components on it ... £200 buys a really, REALLY NICE fork & headset (if necessary).
BTW. UNIVEGA has been around for a long time ...
BTW2. JAMIS & FUJI make hardtails in the price range you are looking at. I know the frame on the JAMIS is steel, and I think
that is what I would personally opt for.
