Build me a bike

Re:

Buy a complete bike in the best condition you can find

Look for XT m700 to m735

I bought a fully xt khs in true temper for 125 as an example

Buy the right size

Set it up well, a New bottom bracket, cables, brake blocks and tyres will make a world of difference
 
Re:

judging by what you said, i would go for a the latest p7 you can find you are happy with, some form of suspension up front (maybe some judy's if you go '97?) and xt running gear.

the best (and cheapest) bet would probably be finding a complete bike that is close to your ideal spec then just switch out the bits your not keen on.
 
You might go with something like a Klein or a M2 Stumpjumper if you want something reasonably light. A Klein Pinnacle all stock with XT components weighs something like 11 or 12 kilograms. Then if you want a shock, that adds some weight too. I think my Judy weighs a little over 2 kilograms. Get something with Shimano Deore XT components. A Klein might go way over £215 though. That might not be a wise choice for your budget. As mentioned before, the Orange P7 may suit you well, especially if that's what you like. I don't really like Treks, but sometimes you can find a decent looking one. A friend of mine has some old Trek I'm looking to get a hold of... Stay away from full suspension for your first mountain bike. Go with a rigid or hardtail. If style is what your looking for, go with a Klein. :cool:
 
If you want English, and looking at where you are and where you are riding you may well be taken by a very local brand.

I have several Pace that would likely fit you, available in all sorts of specifications. Very light, very quirkily english and hand made down the road from you.

I can offer a Pace RC200 F6 for that pre 1997 thing, or if you may be tempted by later (disk brakes etc) You could choose and RC200 F8 or RC300. I have all 3 available and in 19" which depending on your sizing preference might well suit.

Specifications can be as you please from a large selection of build options I can offer.

Only down side is we are talking a seismic shift in budgetary requirements.
 
JeRkY":2fwm3wjo said:
If you want English, and looking at where you are and where you are riding you may well be taken by a very local brand.

I have several Pace that would likely fit you, available in all sorts of specifications. Very light, very quirkily english and hand made down the road from you.

I can offer a Pace RC200 F6 for that pre 1997 thing, or if you may be tempted by later (disk brakes etc) You could choose and RC200 F8 or RC300. I have all 3 available and in 19" which depending on your sizing preference might well suit.

Specifications can be as you please from a large selection of build options I can offer.

Only down side is we are talking a seismic shift in budgetary requirements.

I have just been checking out the bikes in your signature, and they are all just beautiful. Having a freakishly long spine, the long top tube on, say, the RC300 looks spot on to me. I understand from speaking to my boss that I may be in line for some sort of additional fiscal reward come Christmas time, and I would like to think that by then I will have bought something cheaper and either be feeling like the absolute daddy and be ready for a bit of well earned Yorkshire bling, or have shamefacedly returned to pootling around on the tarmac...
 
Re: Re:

dirttorpedo":2ykl4t3k said:
Kona Lavadome or Cindercone?

Rockymountain hammer?

I don't think you can go far wrong with either of those options.

Within budget, and not too difficult to find a decent one.
 
I was in your position a couple of years ago, itching to build something classic, simple and bomb-proof for little money.
Found the Orange P7 (linked to build in my signature below). Chemically stripped it and sourced some components via eBay over about 6 months. Total cost about £250-£300 probably, but priceless now (well, to me anyway).
 
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