Manitou 2004 Skareb Comp

Advantages: good all round performance
Disadvantages: slighly heavy

...I purchased this bike as my first "proper" bike for general cross country and single track riding. I was originally going for a hard tail, but this bike was discounted so I went for this! (I've checked and the bike is still available at www.paulscycles.co.uk) With 4" of travel front and back, supplied by the Manitou Splice Comp forks and the RockShox BAR 2.1, I have found it more then enough for my riding - I'm glad I did not go for anything with more travel as I still rate myself as a beginner (having not been on a bkie for 15 years) - anything more would hide my faults enough for me not to learn from my mistakes. The Splice Comp allows you to vary the rebound to the extent of locking it completely which I have found useful, but as you have to lean down to turn the adjuster which is situated on the top of the right hand leg, I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: nearly everything including the frame, forks, brakes, wheels and 1.5 big headset
Disadvantages: the shimano alivio front mech and the double chainrings on the front

...I had owned an older model of the cannondale chase 2, i think it was the 2004 one and it was excellent, only flaw being the avid cable disc brakes which i had to upgrade. I had had this for a while and thought of getting a new bike so i looked at the cannondale range as i liked my old one so much. I saw the chase 2 2007 model and fell in love with it. Among the strengths is the chase hardtail frame which is chunky, made from cnc machined 6061 aluminium which is mega strong and has nice simple graphics. Also the ISGC BB is great as it give you a better ability to keep the chain on when used with a suitable chain guide and single ring at the front. The forks are an upgrade from the 2004 model. The 100mm Marzochi dirt jump 3s are slightly better than the manitou stance 100mm which used to rock bottom if used for jumps. Although... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Superb looking and repectable brand
Disadvantages: slightly uncomfortable ride

...I must admit this bike is by far the best I've ever had even if it isn't perfect. I recently brought this bike for around £500 and although I've never looked back as to be honest I've got a bike from one the the most respected bike brands in the world. So far I've only used the bike off road once and i must say i was reasonably disappointed.This is because a felt the 4 bar linkage system suspension was rather disappointing. When i ride this bike on the road the suspension is very capable of providing a ver comfortable ride however if like me you like to cycle off road now and then I must say this bike is not made for it. That however does not mean this is poor diamondback as that is just not possible. It looks absolutely fantastic and for £500 i don't think you will get another bike from a brand with this much respect with Manitou 6... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful