Where to buy a bike to participate in the TransAlp?

Equipment
1

For an event like the Transalp XC Mountain race, I want a bike that balances efficiency, lightweight design, and enough capability to handle varied terrain.

I would like:

  • Full Suspension
  • Within the travel range of 120mm front / 120mm rear travel
  • If possible, not essential carbon frame
  • Higher quality group set

Based on my research, I have been considering these options:

  • Specialized Epic
  • Scott Spark
  • Canyon Lux Trail
  • Trek Top Fuel
  • Orbea Oiz
  • Cannondale Scalpel
  • BMC Fourstroke

Buying a second-hand bike is my preferred option. I am based in the UK/Ireland.

Any recommendations on where I should source my bike?

2

Any chance you can do Bike 2 Work scheme? New bike at used prices?

3

Yeah, I can avail of that. Is it worth it though? I thought maybe getting a second-hand higher spec bike would be the best value?

4

Facebook, ebay?

I wouldn’t worry too much about the groupset on a second hand bike, chances are that you’ll have to replace worn parts and then you can upgrade anyway. Also as MTBs have separate brakes / shifters, switching out individual parts is easier and usually cheaper as on drop bar bikes.

5

I think bike 2 work is absolutely worth it. Very difficult to be absolutely sure of the history of a secondhand bike, and if it’s a recent model in good condition people are generally still trying to sell at a higher price than you can get it new with the tax relief.

6

Depends what tax group you are in. 20% off is usually in the range of offers a shop might have, but if you’re an advanced rate taxpayer, you’ll get 40% off.

Also obviously depends on what you can find used. If there is a high-spec used bike, go for that, but it might just not exist.

7

I would investigate your Bike2Work scheme and see what the options are. The bikes above all look pretty decent choices; so it may come down to the one you can get a good deal ion. Now is probably a good time to buy; you may get a discounted 2024 bike as the 2025 bikes are coming out soon.

8

Perhaps share the scheme on here/potential bike shops / bikes you like the look of and we can advise further.

What is your approx budget?

9

My employer isn’t affiliated with any gov scheme. They give us a carte blanche when selecting our bikes.

Evans Cycle is the only supplier they don’t deal with. Everything else is fair game provided they will accept payment from a third party, ie employer by BACS or credit card and will provide a VAT receipt in the name of the employer.

In terms of budget around the 2k mark

One of the guys from work recommended this site as an option too …

Has anyone got any experience with them?

(Edit)
Actually scratch that, they’ve a poor supply of what I need.

10

Can’t help with the “Where” - but Cervelo ZFS-5 is one I’d add to your list

Frame is same across all specs, and can always upgrade components over time, and there’ve been some good deals (if you can find one?)

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11

If memory serves, The Escape Collective‘s review was also very positive. Seems like a great bike that is not just a rebadged Santa Cruz.

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