Which of these bikes... newb needs some advice

extra_ice

Sorry, this is probably a real newb thing to be doing, but I have found some useful advice on these forums, but given my VERY limited budget (£250-£300 tops), I'm having a bit of trouble deciding which is the better bike here. The Carrera really has my interest because of the price (only £230), and it is the only one I've been able to sit on so far, although it wasn't this model, but I will endeavour to test whatever models come most recommended. But I'd like to know if I'm wasting my time with any of the below potentials. The whole brake issue has me concerned a bit for a start. I read that disc brakes are better, but is that always the case on lower end models? I would assume it's not as simple as disc brakes winning out all the time. And then there's the frame, tires and all the other components! No doubt some of these models below are more highly regarded than others.

Kona Lanai 2008
Carrera Vulcan 08
Mongoose Rockadile ALX 2008
Mongoose Tyax Comp 2008
Mongoose Tyax Elite 2008
Saracen Element 3 2008
Saracen Mantra 1 2008
GT Outpost Disc 2008
Focus Whistler 2008
Haro Flightline Sport 2008

Or any other recommendations welcome... thanks in advance... :-)

BlackSpur

Mongoose Tyax Elite 2007 - better spec than this year's and will be dirt cheap if you can find one!

extra_ice

I did see that one recommended elsewhere on this forum, but then I came across THIS site in which the user reviews aren't too enthusiastic, talking about poor brakes and tires.

365punter

I bought a 2007 Mongoose Tyax Elite back in August after seeing great reviews here and on other sites. It's a great bike, the fork is probably better than the forks on the other bikes on your list (it has rebound damping so doesn't pogo up and down like undamped forks).

The equipment is ok on it too. The brakes aren't that great but they do the job. Mechanical discs are better than V-brakes when it gets wet anyway. Tyres, wheels and drivechain all seem fine and haven't failed me yet (my bike gets me to work everyday as well as riding trails and cross country every weekend - done about 1500 miles on it now).

The linky that extra_ice posted has reviews which aren't from the UK and by the sounds of it the spec is a bit different on some of those bikes.

zero303

Yeah, problem with unmoderated user reviews is people have silly expectations of what the kit can do.

Example in case, I've seen some (obviously around 14 yrs old tops) kid dissing Tora forks because they broke within two weeks. Turns out he was using them as a jump fork and christ, the particular model was only £130 odd quid! Stick them on a trail bike and use them for what they are designed for and suddenly you have a lovely good value fork.

It just seems people are unable to consider the money they paid when reviewing something so don't over analyse internet user reviews. Sure the Tyax is a lot worse than say a Stumpy but you'd bloody hope so considering the price...

supersonic

The Elite for me too, spec wise and performance wise. The only bike their with a damped fork, and that makes a difference off road. Do try it though - the 2007 is slightly better.

extra_ice

Seems a bit illogical for them to make the 2008 model a worse bike then. Especially as I assume it's been a good seller for them, so seems like they're shooting themselves in the foot a bit.

supersonic

I think it was moving sales away fom the other models - a damped adjustable fork at rrp 280 is unheard of. Its still damped - but has lockout instead of a damping adjuster, and the brakes not quite as good. Still a good bike!

extra_ice

Not having much luck tracking a 2007 model down unfortunately. Everywhere sold out it seems. Was offered a 2008 model for £259 by one place I spoke to. Is that worth considering? Or is it really a big step down in quality?

supersonic

Thats a very god deal for the bike, no doubt about that.

extra_ice

Someone else has offered me the 2008 for £249! Makes me wonder though, given the RRP is £300!

supersonic

Cut throat market - once one starts dropping, the rest follow!

extra_ice

Mmmm... in an effort to confuse me even further, someone has suggested a Giant Terrago Disc 07/08 model to me for £300, down from £425. Bit more than I wanted to spend, but is it worth considering? Spec below;

FRAME: ALUXX aluminium, Fluid Formed
FORK: Suntour XCR 100mm travel, lock out
HANDLEBAR: GIANT Comp aluminium riser
STEM: GIANT Comp aluminium ahead
SEAT POST: GIANT Comp aluminium
PEDALS: Steel with resin body
SHIFTERS: Shimano Deore 27 speed
FRONT MECH: Shimano Deore
REAR MECH: Shimano Deore
BRAKES: GIANT MPH 3 hydraulic disc
BRAKE LEVER: GIANT MPH 3
CASSETTE: SRAM PG950 11-34
CHAIN: Shimano HG73
CRANKS: TruVativ ISOFlow 22/32/44
BOTTOM BRACKET: TruVativ Power Spline
RIMS: Aluminium
HUBS: Formula disc
SPOKES: Black stainless steel
TYRES: Kenda 26x1.95''

supersonic

That is truly excellent for that money. if it fits ;-)

Jazz Maverick

Hi Supersonic

Do you think a £300 Terrago is better than the Mongoose Tyax Super 2007 or the GT Avalanche 1.00 2007 for £300 we discussed in another post?

supersonic

Hard to say, all very well specced. Will come down to what feels/fits best.

bmxburner

GT Avalanche 1.0 for £300, what a bargain. I would have the GT first then Terrago then Tyax Elite.

extra_ice

Where is the GT Avalanche available for £300? I've only seen it around £400.

gotta_hurt

Try hunting about on e-bay...unwanted xmax presents , people upgrade...could be some bargins...

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1695431/

ride_whenever

I have to wonder how they broke tora's? I'm 100kg and jumped and did some pretty big drops on my air tora's and they were fine.