Just about to push the button on this bike. Is it a mistake?

xgeek
xgeek Posts: 117
edited September 2008 in MTB buying advice
Looking at spending no more than £660 on a MTB (including delivery) and I am about to push the button on an GT Aggressor XCR from Halfords. The bike is £575 with the online discount and I can pick it up today.

Been into the shop and the guys do seem to know their stuff and seem genuinely interested in bikes. Anyway the spec of the bike is below:-

GT Triple Triangle Aluminium frame with butted and hydro formed tubing
Rock Shox Recon 351 U-turn fork with 85?130mm of adjustable travel
Motion Control adjustable damping and lock out
Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc brakes 180/160mm rotors
Shimano Deore/ XT 27 speed gearing
Truvativ Firex GXP chainset with GIGA X pipe BB
Maxxis Ignitor 2.3 tyres
WTB Speed Disc rims
SDG Bel Air saddle
GT oversize bar and stem

I was also looking at the Combi Deluxe from Merlin and that is £570 with delivery. The GT seems to have the better gears and fork? I like the colour of the Combi but I have sat on the GT and had a quick go and I do like it.

Anyway is the GT XCR an okay bike or is there any reason you would steer me away from it. I am a big bloke 6' 2" and 18 stone if that makes any difference.

Many thanks
XG

Comments

  • Two people I know have invested in the GT Aggressor XCR and they've both pruchased them from Halfords
    One of the guys is also a shade over 6 Ft and must weigh at least 200LBS too.

    My sentiments on the GT Aggressor XCR is that is indeed a decent spec bike for the price. Halfords are a decent "LBS" to do business with too.

    Hope this helps
  • im sure the combi has the better forks
    not sure about the gears tho

    both nice bikes
    focus superbud
  • xgeek
    xgeek Posts: 117
    The Combi has RockShox Recon SL solo air forks. The GT has XT shadow rear mechs and the Combi has X7. I am new to all this so really want the thumbs up that £575 for the spec above is okay. :D

    Cheers
  • dombo6
    dombo6 Posts: 582
    Yes, that is a good spec. Chainset and bb are good - my £1,700 rrp Lemond roadbike came with the same bb and the SDG Bel Air was standard on my Kona mtb which retailed at £1,600 nine years ago. (Both were on SALE at Evans when I bought them for a grand apiece). All the rest of the kit is good too. If it fits and is suitable for the riding you intend then it sounds a good deal.

    In time once you've had the bike for a couple of years you may want to change things, but for now, go for it.
  • xgeek
    xgeek Posts: 117
    Thanks Dombo6. They are putting it together now and I can pick it up in 90 minutes. I hope the horror stories about Halfords I have read on here don't apply to the chap that is putting mine together LOL :?
  • Let me know what you think of it mate, I had looked at this in Halfords as well, waiting for cycle 2 work voucher coming and was going to get a cindercone but this seems to have a much better spec for a little bit more cash.
    GT Aggressor XCR
  • u got the GT then?
    focus superbud
  • xgeek
    xgeek Posts: 117
    Okay just got back home with the bike :D . The Halfords guy was really great. He spent an hour in the carpark going over how to index the gears and how to take off and re-fit each wheel.

    Done a few test rides and he adjusted the seat for my height. It never felt rushed I it seemed like he would of stayed there all day answering my questions.

    So far very happy. Just going to fit my lights and bottle holder and then may take it out for a spin :D

    Cheers guys for the advice
  • gthang
    gthang Posts: 293
    Glad the chap at Halfords did a good job, sounds like he went well beyond the call of duty. Do post some pics so we can have a look.