Starting out bike

bigdrew1

Hey all. I am really considering starting do do a bit of XC riding. I have been riding trials (As in no seat, hopping around on rear wheel) for 2 years now but fancy doing something else along side it. So I suppose the first ting I will be needing is a half dedicated bike:)

I am working at halfords so I think a Carrera would be my best choice as I will get staff discount. I am 16 and don't have a great deal of money. The most I would be willing to spend would be abut £500. I Imagen I'd use the bike for cycling to school as well as riding trails.

I have just spotted the Decathlon Rockrider 8.1 So at the moment it is a toss up between that and a Fury

I am slightly inclined towards the Fury due to the discount I'll be able to get. They both look VERY similar the real differences I can spot are the LX drive chain oppose to the sram x.7 on the carrera and the clipless pedals on Decathlons offering .

So basically just wondering which of these I would be better off with? and is there anything that needs desperately upgrading on either of them.

Thanks for you help.
Andy.

supersonic

These are the best specced bikes for 500 quid available. All I can say is have a test, and go with what feels best. Both superb, however the Fury has an u[graded Tora fork and a better frame.

bigdrew1

What is the difference between the forks? I am a little confused by the rockshox's site it doesn't give much away. I take it that the fury has a Tora 318 and the Rock rider has a 302? Dosn't put me any closer to knowing the differences though:(

I have always been lead to believe that shamarno shifting is the smoothest. Is this true or is the sram equivalent just as good?

I'll just add, I'm around 6 ft 3 ins..Don't know if this makes any difference.

supersonic

Tora 318 has a better damping unit with compression adjustment and lockout, just loclout on the 302. 318 lighter as well. SRAM/Shimano is horses for courses, both has fans, but I find Shimano to be the better bet, and more durable.

bigdrew1

Ok I think I'll go for the fury then as I will get discount. Is there anything on there that you would recommend changing fairly quickly or anything that is likely to brake or is it all going to last for a fair while?

supersonic

Possibly the crank and bottom bracket, and tyres, but apart from that just swap parts as they wear out.

bigdrew1

Ok thanks alot for your help. I think I will invest in one in a month or so.

trail jacker

...and given your height id go for a 19/20" frame.

bigdrew1

I've just been thinking. Would it be worth paying the extra 100 quid for the basic boardman bike?

How much more bike would I be getting for the money. As far as I can see only a upgraded fork and the gears have been changed arround a little. Higher qualaty rear mech and a downgrade in the shifters. I think i'm pretty much set with the fury but if it is really worth the extra 100 I'd be willing to streach a little.

supersonic

Both are equally good value, you simply get a better bike.

bigdrew1

ok I think ill stick with the fury then and save my self 100.. Probably put it towards a wheel set or clip less shoes/pedals sometime in the future as these seem to improve the bikes the most.

I shall see how things go

Again, thanks for you help:)