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Mtb for newbie wanting to do some XC/trails

arrybarryb Posts: 22
edited November 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi all, this is my first post so please go easy :)

I've been riding road bikes for quite some time now and am very happy with my current trek - however, there are a few guys on my uni course who have mtbs and often ride XC/trails and I'd like to join them so I'm looking for a mountain bike to join my road bike. I've been looking at Giants - mainly because of the cheapness of them here (although I am limited by the fact I'm a medium and most of the deals are for smalls):
http://paulscycles.co.uk/

I'm looking at hardtails purely because you can get a lot of bike for your money compared with full suspension bikes and have been told that I won't need a full sus for the sort of riding I'll be doing. I don't mind getting an older model i.e. 2007/2008 as long as the discount is good.

I'm looking at spending about £700ish, however I have been offered a Giant XTC Alliance 1 - 2008 for £950 (from £1100) by my LBS which was tempting.....however, does the carbon fibre/alu frame make it worth that much more over the XTC 1 or XTC 0 which can be found on the above link? The guy in the bike shop didn't seem to recommend alu framed XC bikes (something to do with them not taking hits very well) which got me a bit worried but I don't know whether that was because he was trying to sell me the above bike....?

Any help greatly appreciated and if something doesn't quite make sense, please feel free to ask, I'm not too clued up on mountain bikes.

Thanks, Arry

Posts

  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Guy in the bike shop doesn't know what he is talking about lol. If alu couldn't take the hits, they wouldn't make frames out of them, least of all DH frames! Slightly besides the point, as an XC frame is not designed to be jumped and thrashed anyway.

    One benefit of buying locally is trying for size. You say you are a 'medium', but the variation in MTB sizing is much greater than road bikes, with lots of different geometries even for the same listed size.

    Sounds like a hardtail is the way to go, and for that budget should be able to get a decent machine. Might want to look at Treks and GTs offerings too.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • arrybarryb Posts: 22
    Sorry, I meant for the bike I tried, I'm a medium - I'm assuming there won't be size variation between an XTC A1 and an XTC 1 so if I wanted to buy online, there wouldn't be an issue in me buying a Giant XTC in medium because I now know it fits....
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    I don't think there would be, but they can change year from year. Can aways check the geo at the Giant website anyway.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • WaterMonkeyWaterMonkey Posts: 62
    Go Giant... Great bikes with good components at good prices!!
    Giant XTC SX: http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1917763/

    Giant Trance 3: http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2673893/
  • OwenBOwenB Posts: 606
    Just bought my Mrs an XTC 3 and it's great, it fits me and when I've been out on it I've really enjoyed it (just don't tell her I've been using it)
  • stevieskinstevieskin Posts: 5
    I have a 2008 Giant XTC 2.5 I am selling if you are interested.

    Its done less than 100 miles total, is in excellent condition and has several upgrades.

    Upgrades are:

    Mavic crossride wheelset - less than 20 miles done
    Rockshox Reba SL (2008) withb poploc- less than 20 miles done
    Race Face Dues XC riser bars
    Kore race stem
    XT front mech
    XT cassette
    Race Face Evolve XC seatpost
    Hope seatpost clamp

    all other components are original spec.

    Bike is in absoluteley excellent condition.
    Looking for around £675 cash on collection. From North Notts area.
    Original receipts and manuals are included.
  • arrybarryb Posts: 22
    stevieskin wrote:
    I have a 2008 Giant XTC 2.5 I am selling if you are interested.

    Its done less than 100 miles total, is in excellent condition and has several upgrades.

    Upgrades are:

    Mavic crossride wheelset - less than 20 miles done
    Rockshox Reba SL (2008) withb poploc- less than 20 miles done
    Race Face Dues XC riser bars
    Kore race stem
    XT front mech
    XT cassette
    Race Face Evolve XC seatpost
    Hope seatpost clamp

    all other components are original spec.

    Bike is in absoluteley excellent condition.
    Looking for around £675 cash on collection. From North Notts area.
    Original receipts and manuals are included.

    Is that a better spec than the 2008 XTC 1?
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    It is, but the XTC 1 2008 seems poor value to me at RRP. Even on sale I wouldnt pay more than 600 for it.

    If selling bikes on the forum, please use the classifieds or PM the person who may be interested.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • arrybarryb Posts: 22
    The custom XTC 2.5 is a bit far away - I'm down in Bath. Paul's bikes are selling a XTC 1 for £730 - from £900 IIRC - does anyone have any experience with Pauls bikes and managing to get an extra discount over their advertised prices? Or am I better off going for the XTC A1 from my LBS for £950......? I'm confused :?
  • handfulhandful Posts: 920
    How about this one? Looks a very good price for what I believe is a well respected bike, 2009 model too. :D


    http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/products.ph ... 2286&rs=gb
    Vaaru Titanium Sram Red eTap
    Moda Chord with drop bars and Rival shifters - winter/do it all bike
    Orbea Rise
  • arrybarryb Posts: 22
    Update - Found the XTC A1 for £770 in my size so think I'm going to go with this - thanks for the advice everyone. I'm a bit of a sucker for carbon fibre :P
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