Carrera kraken or GT avalanche 2.0?

jackw1208
jackw1208 Posts: 8
edited September 2007 in MTB buying advice
Hey, i'm thinking of buying a new bike and dont want to spend more than about £400, any opinions on the carrera kraken or GT avalanche 2 would be appreciated.

cheers.

Comments

  • trail jacker
    trail jacker Posts: 844
    well, i have a gt, so am obviously biased, and my mate has an avalanche 2.0, and thinks its great.
    the main differences are that the avalanche 2.0 has hydraulic brakes, and uses 24sp deore gearing.
    i think the XCR fork is the same on both. the Krackens gearing is better (27sp SX5), but the Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes (GT) are much better then the cable pulls (carrera).
    youd have to try them out for yourself, but if your a beginner, id go for the GT. :D
    Carbon 456... http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/8854609/
  • trail jacker
    trail jacker Posts: 844
    look at this;
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12540401
    Carbon 456... http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/8854609/
  • jackw1208
    jackw1208 Posts: 8
    thanks, i'm going to try them this weekend, apparently the carrera has a good frame, but is quite heavy, but the GT is supposed to have a really good strong frame too.
  • trail jacker
    trail jacker Posts: 844
    yeh, i think to be honest that GT frames are particularly good. the triple triangle design transferrs some of the shock away from the seattube onto the toptube (so not as much goes to the saddle) therefore giving a slightly less harsh ride. also, due to the 3xtriangles, there are more weld points for the seatstays, so obviously it will be stronger too.
    Carbon 456... http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/8854609/
  • jackw1208
    jackw1208 Posts: 8
    thanks, i've had a look at some reviews and the GT sounds pretty good, tbh i've probably going to be swayed by the hydraulic brakes on the GT over the cable discs on the carrera, but i've heard in some of the reviews that the forks really let the GT down.
  • trail jacker
    trail jacker Posts: 844
    yep, but theyre just the same on the carrera. besides, its coming to that time of year when the new model forks are coming in, so if you wanted an upgrade, this years forks would be going cheap soon.
    Carbon 456... http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/8854609/
  • trail jacker
    trail jacker Posts: 844
    ive bought these for my gt, im still waiting for delivery ( :evil: ), but theyre a pretty good upgrade, perfect for a the avalanche (or the aggressor as ive got).

    http://chainreactioncycles.com/Models.a ... elID=18132

    theyre pretty cheap too!
    Carbon 456... http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/8854609/
  • jackw1208
    jackw1208 Posts: 8
    good idea, i'll probably end up doing that if they piss me off enough, i think i'm going to go for the GT, i just need to try it out a bit first.
  • Bazzowmb
    Bazzowmb Posts: 227
    Having a Kracken I thought I'd better stick up for it!

    I agree the wheelset is heavy (see the 2 reviews on this site), however I bought mine in Sept 06 at a discounted price of £265 prior to the new models coming in. This gave me enough money to change the wheels and tyres (Mavic XC717 with Panaracer Fire X Pros) which makes a massive difference to the weight and acceleration.

    Other point to bear in mind is that I believe the GT has more compact frame sizing, giving you a more upright position when riding, as opposed to perhaps a more stretched out position on the Kracken. At the end of the day try them both and see which one you prefer.

    If you choose the Kracken though, might be worth hanging on for a couple of weeks to see if Halfords come up with the same sort of discounts.
  • hednesfordxcer
    hednesfordxcer Posts: 208
    I wouldnt touch anything from Halfords, if things go wrong it can be hell trying to get decent repair under warranty, I should know, have Carrera Fury, been waiting nine months for new bottom bracket
    Where'd that bloody Deer appear from?

    My Bike plus Cannock Chase: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8222097@N03/492524919/
  • jackw1208
    jackw1208 Posts: 8
    thanks, does anyone think the giant XTC SX for £470 (from pauls cycles)is worth the extra money ontop of the carrera and GT? apparently its really light and strong, wondering if anyone has one?

    cheers.
  • jackw1208
    jackw1208 Posts: 8
    hey, i just found a place to get the GT for £300, so i reckon i'll try it out at the weekend at my local shop, then if i like it, i'll et it from here
    http://www.dalescycles.com/ProductDetai ... Code=14545
  • HJ1976
    HJ1976 Posts: 205
    Grr, mutter mutter!

    I paid £360 for my avalanche 2 about 2 weeks ago, only done a short loop on it so far at Dalby, but I still love it.

    Mine is a medium and I had trouble getting it as the UK imported (Hot Wheels) couldn't supply one to my LBS and Evans had 2 left.
  • jackw1208
    jackw1208 Posts: 8
    hey, just got back from pauls cycles, i ended up getting the GT and first impressions are good. its quite light, the brakes are good and its got a really comfy ride. look forward to many miles use of it. thanks for your advice people.
  • Stouty
    Stouty Posts: 6
    Hi all, am new here so be gentle :0)

    Been looking at picking up the 2.0 and while searchin the net spotted the forum. (what a nice set o chaps!)

    Anyhow looked at dales for the £300 deal and spotted that the brakes were mechanical not hydraulic as on other shop offers..

    is there much difference between mech and hydraulic?

    Cheers guys.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Hydraulic more powerful and modulated. You may be looking at the 3.0 or an older 2.0
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Stouty
    Stouty Posts: 6
    its the 2007 model but on evans site states "Tektro Aquila Hydraulic" yet when i google i find Tektro Aquila is mech..

    im confused
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The 2007 is hydraulic, misprint.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Big n Daft
    Big n Daft Posts: 418
    More than likely the Tektro 'Auriga' brakes.

    They are the hydraulic ones.
    Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia. ~H.G. Wells

    http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x42/ ... 3Small.jpg
  • Stouty
    Stouty Posts: 6
    Thanks for the help guys. i suspect you're right.

    There seems to be a few store sites with the same aquila description maybe pasting from the same info??

    Anyhow i decided to go for the £300 gt avalanche from dalescycles so fingers crossed...

    Will be arriving thurs i hope so will let you know..

    Oh just one more thing maybe i should've asked earlier...

    Im quite on the large side.. 6'4" and 19 stone.. got the xl frame, bit will it hold the stress of my frame? lol
  • Big n Daft
    Big n Daft Posts: 418
    It should do.

    I wouldn't recommend any serious drop-off's or jumping though!

    A) because the bike is really not designed to do them and,

    B) 19 stone landing from 3 feet is a huge amount of energy for any XC frame to absorb.

    Just as a point of interest, I'm the same height but a stone heavier and my Fury has never let me down yet, used for commute and mild XC.

    No jumps, no silly stuff, you'll be fine!

    Enjoy.
    Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia. ~H.G. Wells

    http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x42/ ... 3Small.jpg
  • Stouty
    Stouty Posts: 6
    HI,

    Thanks for all your help guys.

    the 2007 avalanche 2.0 was out so they offered me the 2008! :D for the same price!

    wel quite happy about tat. it came thursday and i decided to brave goin to work on it.

    A few sounds but guessing things need to bed etc..

    Wont be doin any daft jumps or drops on it im not that co=ordinated lol hopefull off round rivington on it next week wi a couple of mates.

    Anyhow thaks again guys.

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