Your thoughts?

[David]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Kona_ ... 360038001/

Yes it is a full suss for under 650 quid but it has rockshox front a and rear semi decent gears but mechanical brakes

Just the 2008 calerda has gone out of production on the 19 and 20 inchs so smaller ones won't fit me and the 2008 is like 850 quid which is out of my range

so any thoughs on it - be nice lol

[tnwoolley]

At that price point I'd recommend avoiding a full suss. I'm sure the Kona is a fine bike but it'll be heavy with a lower spec kit than you'd find on a similarly priced hardtail.

Check out the Focus Fatboy (won a MBUK/MBR/WMB award recently), Saracen Zen 1 or the Merlin Malt 1 (Deore Disc special offer).

Happy shopping!

[Debs]

Alternatively it might be worth visiting a local bike shop - Cyclescene in Wigginton usually have some really good deals on. Don't be fazed by not buying a non-mainstream brand frame! It's the gear that's on the bike that makes it!!

[David]

Hi all

Little update - Just found out that the bike i did want the Kona Caldera 2008 has miracoulious come back in stock - woo!!!

But i also had the Marin b17 recommened by a bike shop in york

But i do not know which is better for the price

The caldera as i understand is brilliant value for the money, but the marin i think is also quite good

Anyway here are the links to the bike

Kona: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kon ... e-ec000766

Marin: http://www.marin.co.uk/2009/bikedetail. ... No=3971-1F (Just click the specification to get a full overview of the kit)

Thanks in advanced

[barberj]

I would also look a the new Cycle Revolution store in York near Waterstones. They have some good deals on last years Boardman MTB's which are cracking value. The 08 Comp with a Rock Shox Recon fork and Avid Juicy brakes is £538.44.

[David]

just had a look at their website - it doesn't look bad especially for that price