Help me chose - Decathlon, Specialized, Giant, Bainchi

Cottie

Help - having come from road riding the sheer number of options for mountain bikes is beginning to overwhelm me.

I've settled on the idea of a hardtail and set a budget of around £800 but the list is still too long.

I'd like a bike that gives me options, I'm not convinced by the scary downhill options but want something that can provide speed and control on cross-country trails but won't throw me over the bars if I do start coming downhill.

I've had a look at the following bikes. It would be great to hear from other people what they think the pros and cons of these bike are:

Decathlon Rockrider 8.2
Specialized Rockhopper SL Comp
Giant Talon 0
Bianchi Jab 7100

Thanks

nicklouse

which have you sat on and tried?

Cottie

I had a go on a mate's Giant and have sat on all of them in the shop.

With the exception of the Bianchi the riding position feels very different (much more upright) than on my road bike - but I guess that's the point!

The Big Cheese

You need to go into as many bike shops as you can, speak to the staff and explain your needs, sit on a few so that you can compare geometry. Also see if you can have a test ride if possible.

Asking on a forum is cool, but you have to remember that every rider wants something diferent, and like their own bikes for very different reasons. We have no idea what bike X Y or Z performs like unless we own one and cannot make any informed decisions for you. The only bikes I can intelligently comment on are the ones I own and ride.

Its entirely down to you, you have to ride this when purchased, and because I once read a review in a magazine doesn't make me qualified to make the decision.

That said, Specialized cover a very broad spectrum and they are a big player, and it's hard to go wrong with them. Decathlon make good budget bikes, but you have a healthyish budget, if you could stretch to £1000 you will open up even more doors!

Seriously, don't buy online unless you have tried the bike first.

Dgh

I have a Scott Aspect 20, hardtail trail bike. Costs £750. Nice bike, but if you're a roadie you might find the ride position a little upright. Looked at the Scale, more of a XC race bike, but was a bit long.

Unless you're a good mechanic, consider the after-sales service. I've not bought a bike from Decatlon, so this may be unfair, but I wonder whether you're gonna get the same after-sales service from them as you would from LBS.

mac_man

Only one I would discount immediately is the Bianchi... mainly as it's got a poorer fork than the others. It would look out of place on a £600 bike never mind £800!

My son has a Rockhopper 09 model and it seems a good general purpose hardtail... If it had a better fork I'm sure it would handle some heavier duty rides... the Dart 3 is a bit of a pogo stick compared to the Toras. But the bike is very light and rigid so goes, steers and stops quickly.

Have you considered the Boardman range at Halfords? Very good spec and nice n light. Ideal for trail centres and XC.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

EDIT: the Decathlon has the best spec out of all of them, which may help you decide. But has the lowest pose value.