Worth £270?

garnett

I'm trying to decide on a bike (see my previous threasds!) and had hoped to get a Decathlon 5XC.

As I understand it the Decathlon Rockrider 5.2 is a decent buy for £200.

I went into Decathlon over the weekend and saw a Decathlon 5XC. Apparently this is like the 5.2 but with SR Suntour XCR lockout fork and SRAM SX5. For an extra £20 this seems like good value.

I called them up today and they said they had none in my size but that they did have a 5XC Ltd ed. with hydraulic brakes for £270.

So does this seem like a good buy?

papasmurf.

certainly Decathlon are often value for money as they have the buying power to upspec without the cost increases..can't really comment on the bikes themselves but htey get good reviews and if your budget goes to 270 then get the one with hydros

BlackSpur

Definitly worth the extra - what brand are the hydros? I would assume Deore or Tektro Auriga Comp.

garnett

Thanks for the replies so far.

I did some more research and apparently the specs are:

Frame: Hydroformed 6061 series alloy, apparently a more sporty profile than the 5.2 Rockrider Fork: Decathlon branded, SR Suntour XCR with lockout fork (either 70mm or 100mm travel – reports vary) Gears: SRAM SX5 27 Brakes: Hayes 9 Hydraulic

I don’t know about any of these specs. Apparently 6061 series alu is softer than 7005 seriesbut easier to weld, and BikeRadar’s review says the frame on the 5.2 is stiff and light, so hopefully this should be fine.

garnett

I've reserved this bike now, and I'm going to get it tomorrow unless anyone has any reasons why this is a bad idea. I've noticed the Mongoose Tyax Elite 2008 is £300 and at £300 the market looks quite competitive...

garnett

Anyone?

This thread seems to have loads of views but only a couple of comments - is that because it's a case of you pay your money and take your choice - most of the bikes at this price are pretty comparable, or is it a case of - look at the newb about to fork out for a rubbish fork and brake combo?

Any comments appreciated. If I do buy this bike (in my current financial situation) I'm going to need all the "but it was a bargain" defense I can implement against "She-who-must-be-obeyed".

BlackSpur

If it were me I would definitely go for the 5XC Ltd ed. - semme to be excellent value for money. The 5.2 gets excellent reviews, and for an extra £70 you're getting a ridiculous amount of upgrades which are worth far more with the Ltd ed.

jkbs1

Have owned a 5XC since June 2007 (v-brake model, I recently upgraded to hydraulic discs) which I chose in preference to the 5.2 because of 100mm forks over 75mm & 27 speed over 24 on the 5.2, otherwise the differences are mostly cosmetic. At the time the 5XC was £270, the 5.2 £200 but now the 5XC Limited Edition (hydraulic discs, different frame section) is £270 & the 5.2 £150 in my local Decathlon store. No complaints so far after c. 900 mostly off-road miles, I would recommend this bike because in my opinion it is good value for money against the big - name brands at the same spec. Some reports point to a weakness in the hub bearings, so far I have had no problem other than routine adjustment & greasing.

garnett

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. I'm now the proud owner of a new 5XC Ltd! Too early for any reviews but looking forward to giving it a good workout.

jkbs1

Enjoy! Do post any issues/questions you have regarding the 5XC. The hub bearings are covered by a rubber seal that doesn't fit too well so could allow ingress of dust & grit. It seems that Decathlon are clearing out their stock but so far haven't given any indication of the replacement range, I'm interested to see what replaces the 5.2 & 5XC in particular.