Iām a thinker.Ā Maybe an over thinker?Ā
What I mean is especially when it comes to tech or bikes, I do a lot of procrastinating.
Mostly this is because Iām no expert. Ā If Iām honest with myself I donāt really know the difference between a Fox 34 and a Pike or a Shimano Zee and SRAM guide brake. And if Iām really honest with myself, would I truly actually notice the difference when Iām out riding? Ā Dunno, I’m a pretty average rider and would I benefit from some of the higher performance parts? Doubtful.
I will certainly notice bits that I have experience with and learn from that. So despite my comment about forks just now, I have some idea what I do/donāt want.
So how do I pick a bike?
Itās probably the same as most of you – based on a few of the following 5/6 points:
- Price – lets face it budget is the major controlling factor for a bike purchase. Even if you do decide to spread the cost, thereās still a decision to be made ācan I afford Ā£40 a month or Ā£60 a month etcā
- Whatās cool – Whatās everybody riding? Do i want to ride what everybody is riding? I remember when everyone around me was BIRD mad! Cotic is popular with my locals at the moment.Ā I bought he Whyte T130 – I donāt regret it but boy are there loads of them around! Ā Iād like to ride something that isnāt so popular if I can.
- Stick with what I know – buy the latest model from a brand you know / have or have had. I ride a whyte full sus and the 905 hardtail gets great reports. But I donāt like the colour!
- Steel is Real – Iām looking for a hardtail and us British riders do like a steel hardtail and i ride a steel frame right now. Steel can push the price up a little, but def moves the bike along the cool wall!
- Pro Influencers – Iāve been watching GMBN for the last year or and sold myself on the Scout, then since following Matt Jones and seeing the specs, the San Quentin jumped up on my list, until I saw the 4 month wait!!
- Round ups and reviews – MBR
So, Iām looking for a new hard tail. I set my budget to a max of Ā£1500 and I have maybe 3 or 4 on my short list⦠Havenāt made a decision yet so watch this space…