[fatdoc]

Underground,

I need to see the pitch..

And them us all consider the spec list for these 2,

I'm esp interested on the forks...

As I've said, decision is in the detail

[underground]

yes, of course. Tell some questions to ask, I'm trying to push the price down - it's in Lichfield

[fatdoc]

here is my thoughts:

buy the pitch over the enduro.

it's perfect, newer, fit for exactly what you want to do, and for £1000 collected good value.

if you want to do bigger stuff in times to come buy some second hand coil 150 to 160mm coil forks..

you wont need these for at least 6 months.

looking forward to showing u the best singletrack in south yorks..  btw i think there are built trails 10 mins from yr house. If not, there will be

[ianv]

Not exactly an XC bike but fun in a push up ride down kinda way and price seems reasonable:

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-specialized-demo-7-medium-2

[underground]

Thanks for all the advice and opinions, it is very much appreciated - and we seem to have a winner 

Just sorting things out before I get too excited...

[Probes]

I'm after a bit of advice if possible. Pretty similar situation to this original thread... I'd love to know what you got in the end undergorund?...
But yes, I've got a pretty decent hardtail that ive been riding for 4 years, its a good bike with good spec... but i desperatley need rear sus. I do a bit of evening xc riding over the moors after work but do more trail riding now, places like whinlater. I can get away with riding most stuff, but i struggle with big drops and jumps, and ususally bottle them, and feel to progress i need to run on rear sus.
So i think ive probably 300/400 quid to spend plus what ive got with my hardtail. I was wondering whether to sell it or to shift the parts across to a new frame and forks.  This is exactly what ive got.. http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2008&Brand=Jamis&Model=Dakota+Elite&Type=bike
I know a few on here really know your stuff about bikes would be great to have some informed ideas of where to go.. thanks

[underground]

I bought a 2007 Giant Reign x0 in the end - soon found however that I was binging on coil shock and 180mm forks etc. and decided that rather than carry on like that I'd buy a DH bike instead. Sold the 180mm forks and picked up a bargain 160mm set off ebay but the steerer was too short.

Long story but I got so fucked off I got a new frame and forks and bunged all the other bits on them.

I'm after selling the Reign frame if you fancy it?!

[fatdoc]

What's the intended purpose?

Trail centre / up and down dale?

FR / jump sessions / small DH type stuff?

that will decide yr travel etc....

Your budget will need careful consideration....

For XC type stuff checkout singletrack world classified,

For FR IO.com

For both pink bike.com

Most of your component list will be OK, I'd suggest a superstar wheel set that can take jumps and bigger rotors on the brakes.

If you for a bike sale, then purchase another be aware u will lose a bike, and gain a heavier but more burly steed.

I don't think u can do this for £500, unless u sell whole hard tail... Then get a FR bike off pink bike.

[fatdoc]

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1111551/

A classic, burly little play thing. Jack of all trades..

Consider this one...

[fatdoc]

Very similar to my "XC" bike... These climb better than enduros, not quite so burly... Will do day long rides in alps, lite FR etc... Recommended.

[fatdoc]

Sorry... Link for above post

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1092794/

[Probes]

"selling on behalf of a friend,
reason for selling: he's got a road bike to go with his lycra"   

Wow, for 500quid thats quite a lot of bike. Thanks for that, it doesnt really seem to make sense does it to break my bike down, seeing as ill need stronger wheels anyway, and maybe have to upgrade the front break. May as well bite the bullet, keep mine and use it for local rides and buy something that is decent but that i dont mind giving it a bit of hammering.
I think what I'm after, its coming clearer now, is something thats not a total downhill bike but that will do bigger rides, and full days out so a good climber definatley, but also handle a bit of punishment and help me get into a proper bit of downhilling at trail centres. Maybe something like that marin. Maybe like that but for 500/600 quid tops?

[underground]

Too busy for a reply right now but... where do you live Probes?

[Probes]

Nr Blackburn, Lancs.

[fatdoc]

either the marin, or the enduro will be epic mate...

i'd go marin... lighter but still acce fun... but if u see yourself more than 4 ft in the air regularly get the enduro.

u wont get much more off the marin tbh.. but its at least 3 years younger with really good forks.

[Probes]

Ah that marins a medium.. im 6 foot tall. Yeah just checked them forks out, worth 450 on their own.

Yeh it would be nice to think ill be going over 4 foot, build into that though.

Is there any others to look out for, a friend was on about Orange 5s.

Anyhow, i could go at this all day, ive an idea now what im after. Ill post up anything if I get close to buying, be cool if you could have a quick look.

[fatdoc]

if the enduro fits.... bargain.,

otherwise, yeah no worries post yr considerations on here... happy to help.

your budget is now.....??

[Probes]

600 tops really, 500 would be better..

[SamT]

This sounds like a dumb question -

If I'm 5'6 - will that 17.5" frame be too big for me - on the Marin.

[fatdoc]

I'm 5,7 and ride a size small frame of that ilk.

I like my frames small. With a DH stem

[SamT]

so thats a yes then and I should be looking for a small frame. 

Shame - that Marin looks sweet!

[fatdoc]

medium on some giants... let me know what u find