Middle Pack

I have the go ahead to buy a new bike! I have done my time on a heavy old bike and spend the last 3 years on a £30 hardtail. This has stopped me wanting to enter some adventure races, trailquests or even enduros.

After much internet searching I have narrowed my search down to a few bikes.

First up is the Merlin Malt 4. A sexy bike, race ready and UK specific i.e it can handle mud! If you have been out on some of the trails recently round Yorkshire you will realise the importance of this.  I am really struggling to see any cons to this bike at all? Great reviews, cool white looking and would also be a reasonable all dayer.

Second choice is from the same company, much the same kit but a different frame. The Rock Lobster Tig Team. A hardtail with great reviews. Slightly heavier than the Malt but maybe a  bit more robust and more leaning towards an all dayer than you can rag around than a racing steed. Initially I was looking at the steel frame but with none in current stock, the  smooth look of the black frame and the comments on forums then the Easton frame it is.

Now these are my two favorites, but there is more in contention.

The Edinburgh Cycles Shadow Mountain is another keen choice. They are bringing oput an 09 model shortly and the kit cannot be sniffed at and it is a keen looking lightweight bike. It would probably not hold value well but with the kit spec then the possibility of just swapping out frames is a possibility. A lot of bike for your money but can I wait?

Others I thought of but I think I have now discarded are the Scott Scale 50. I feel the spec ain’t great and I am paying for name. GT Zaskar is another that is a sexy bike but I cannot help feel that I prefer some of the others I have mentioned.

Can anyone else think of other options for a speedy xc bike that is suitable for racing, but also suitable for speedy trail riding?