Mtb for newbie wanting to do some XC/trails

arryb

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

supersonic

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.

arryb

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....

supersonic

I don't think there would be, but they can change year from year. Can aways check the geo at the Giant website anyway.

WaterMonkey

Go Giant... Great bikes with good components at good prices!!

OwenB

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)

stevieskin

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.

arryb

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?

supersonic

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.

arryb

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 :?

handful

How about this one? Looks a very good price for what I believe is a well respected bike, 2009 model too.


http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/products.ph ... 2286&rs=gb

arryb

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