Carrera 18" Vulcan - suitable for what size people?

daniel_b

Hi Guys,

a non biking mate wants to buy his first mountain bike, he's fairly short, around 5ft 8 at a guess, so I'm thinking a pretty small frame.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_240437_langId_-1_CarSelectorCatalogId__CarSelectorGroupId__varient__categoryId_106178_crumb_33980-33957_parentcategoryrn_106178

His budget is around £200, so do you think the Vulcan is the best bet out there for that sort of cash?

Bit of a bugger Halfords have dropped both their 10% offers, as last month this was available for around £180!

Does anyone out there own an 18" Vulcan, and if so, what is your inside leg measurement, and is the clearance suitable for you?

I notice the next model up is available in16" as well, but that is £299.

I know I need to get him into the shop to try some, but a bit of info beforehand won;t do any harm - and on countless occasions I have gone in with people to try a specific bike, and they either don't have it at all, or don't have it in the right frame size to sit on, and seem unwilling to build it....

Other options:
Trek 4300: http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70782
Hardrock Sport: http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70060

What do you reckon?

many thanks

Dan

Salsa

The Vulcan comes in a 16" as well even though the Halfords sites doesn't say it.
His best bet is to go in & try both although the 18" should be ok for him, if they don't have the 16" on display in that model maybe they have one of the others (Kraken or Fury) on display in a 16" & they all use the same frame geo so try one of those.
I used to work in a Halfords & my colleagues would go out of their way to build up the size you want to try, just don't go in at the weekend this near to Christmas & expect them to build it there & then, pop in on a weekday.
If you still can't get them to build it up then ask & again in my ex store we would sell you a 16" & if it felt to small when you came to collect it you can re-arrange a new date for build & swap it for an 18".

dave_hill

Forget what's good for other people.

Your mate needs to take his inside leg measurement and and deduct 14" to get a starting point for the correct frame size. When he's standing over the bike, he needs 4" to 6" clearance between the crossbar (top tube) and his crown jewels.

Then he needs to go and try the bikes for size, because even if the frame size measures up, the reach (i.e. distance from saddle to bars) may not be correct.

daniel_b

Thanks for the replies chaps, and the insider knowledge Salsa

We'll have to go in and see if they have any 16's to try, then we can order in store.

Would I be right in thinking the £224.99 price will also be instore, and not just online, or available va reserve & collect?

Dan

Salsa

Yes it's £224.99 in store at the moment Daniel.

daniel_b

Does anyone think the Kraken is worth the extra £75?

Improved spec that I can see is:
Better form with lockout facility
Better groupset/3 more gears
Butted main frame.

For a beginner I'm thinking probably not?

Dan

supersonic

Kraken easily worth the extra. Lighter, better gears, damped fork - if you can stretch to it, go for it! But as above, try before you buy.

canada16

Hey

Im 5, 10" and a 18" fits me perfect, but my leg length is 31" so quite short legs