Which Specialised MTB??

[ILM]

I have the option of purchasing either a

Specialised Hardrock XC Pro-Disc ( http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=09Hardrock&eid=107 ) at £490

or a

Specialised Rockhopper Disc ( http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=40638&eid=107 )at £590

is it worth spending the extra £100 on what appears to be the difference in frame (M4 manipulated alloy frame to A1 Aluminium) , derailleur (Deore to Alivio) and 27 instead of 24 speed????????????????

I like the look of both so would like your points of view please as I could spend the saved £100 on pedals and shoes or other accessories.

thanks

ILM

 

[alfeng]

Are those two bikes your only two choices?

Do you really think you need disc brakes?

If you are planning to ride in the rain or through muck, then an 8-speed drivetrain may actually better in some ways because the muck is less likely to clog up the cogs while you are riding (you still need to clean everything after a messy ride) ... otherwise, 9-speed components (particularly, cassettes) are generally better than 8-speed components.

If you are riding in generally dry conditions, then disc brakes can probably be considered to be dead weight.

FWIW. Of the two bikes you mentioned, I would opt for the V-Brake version of the bike you prefer ... ride the bike for a month/season and then decide if you really want/need disc brakes BECAUSE you can retrofit disc brakes on the two bikes, but if you get the disc version, it appears that they won't have bosses to accept V-brakes.

If you feel you need disc brakes, you can begin with simply putting a disc brake on the front wheel (yes, you'll need a different hub).

FYI. Deore IS better than Alivio ... but, just as Deore is generally as functional as an LX/XT/XTR derailleur, Alivio is certainly as functional as the better components in the Shimano line-up ... most of the difference is in the weight & finish.

 

[ILM]

hi

we have a cycle to work scheme at a specific shop that limits the choice of bike, these were two that appealed to me. I have to admit that I wont be using it a lot for off road stuff, commuting really and I dont fancy a road bike with some of the roads I have to contend with along the way hence the choice in mountain bike.

I've always had V brakes and liked them, the problem is that when you get to £400> at the following bike shop ALL the MTB's have Disc Brakes. I don't know if I need them to be honest and they appear to be expensive to replace. The best/dearest MTB with V brakes is the Hardrock Comp 09 ( http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=9792&f%5FSupersetQRY=C106&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c003155c002909 ) and yes, this link is from the store where I have to purchase the bike from which really does limit what I can get.
I'm happy to go up £600, any recommendations from this website??

thanks

 

[alfeng]

I have to tell you I'm a REALLY BIG FAN of "Hybrid" bikes because they allow you to use any size tyre from 700x19 to 700x42.

So, just taking a quick glance at what your shop has I would recommend the Specialized Globe Vienna 2 (http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=10253&f%5FFullProductVersion=1&f%5FSupersetQRY=C105&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c003155c002910) which retails for £293.57 ... there are others which you may like better AFTER looking at the other "Hybrid" bikes which are available -- the Revolution Courier Nexus (£399.99) has an internally geared hub which is supposed to be pretty good (particularly, for commuting), but I don't have any first hand knowledge of how good-or-bad it is.

The Globe Vienna 3 (£342.50) has an alloy fork, and that is NOT a good idea, IMO.

The currently trendy (in some parts) 29ers are "Hybrids" which can accept larger 700x58 MTB-type tyres & Flat Bar bikes are "Hybrid" wannabees that generally have shorter wheelbases which are good for sportier riding (nothing wrong with that, of course) ...