Confused of Neath - help with new purchase please?!
gamath
Posts: 4
Hi all,
Firstly, a big 'thank you' to all the contributors who patiently answer the 'newbie' questions on these here boards.......can you guess where I'm going with this??
As a lapsed, but recently rediscovered cyclist, my 13 year-old Raleigh MTB gave up the ghost last w/e (it's actually been more like one of those bikes that clowns ride around on at the circus with bits falling off most journeys!).
I want to buy a new bike this w/e, but I'm keen to see it in the flesh first and to be able to try it out for size and comfort, so (avoiding Halfords) I'm almost certainly going to try out these guys (Swansea branch) :
http://www.tredz.co.uk/productlist.aspx ... y=2&PP=120[/url]
I have a meagre £250 - £300 budget, which seems to narrow it down to the following:
Giant Boulder 2010
Giant Revel 3
Giant Revel 2
Saracen Tufftrax 2010
Dawes XC 1.2 Disc 2010
Dawes XC 1.4 Disc 2010
Land Rover Experience Comp 2010
Ridgeback Advance 29er
Scott Aspect 60 2010
Bianchi Doss 4800 (possibly don't have my size)
Specialized Hardrock 2010
Claud Butler Mercury Silver
Any absolute stinkers in there, or conversely, any bargains?!
(the link above should take you to the list, and the bikes are all in the £250-£300 range).
I'm sure the guys in Tredz will give me good advice too, but I'd like a headstart if possible.
I'll probably be using it 60%(ish) on tow-paths/rough tarmac (commute to work) & 40% for easy off-road stuff (with the kids). I'm not sure why, but I'm not interested in hybrids. I'll be looking for a fairly large frame (I'm 6'1).
Any advice or thoughts greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Firstly, a big 'thank you' to all the contributors who patiently answer the 'newbie' questions on these here boards.......can you guess where I'm going with this??
As a lapsed, but recently rediscovered cyclist, my 13 year-old Raleigh MTB gave up the ghost last w/e (it's actually been more like one of those bikes that clowns ride around on at the circus with bits falling off most journeys!).
I want to buy a new bike this w/e, but I'm keen to see it in the flesh first and to be able to try it out for size and comfort, so (avoiding Halfords) I'm almost certainly going to try out these guys (Swansea branch) :
http://www.tredz.co.uk/productlist.aspx ... y=2&PP=120[/url]
I have a meagre £250 - £300 budget, which seems to narrow it down to the following:
Giant Boulder 2010
Giant Revel 3
Giant Revel 2
Saracen Tufftrax 2010
Dawes XC 1.2 Disc 2010
Dawes XC 1.4 Disc 2010
Land Rover Experience Comp 2010
Ridgeback Advance 29er
Scott Aspect 60 2010
Bianchi Doss 4800 (possibly don't have my size)
Specialized Hardrock 2010
Claud Butler Mercury Silver
Any absolute stinkers in there, or conversely, any bargains?!
(the link above should take you to the list, and the bikes are all in the £250-£300 range).
I'm sure the guys in Tredz will give me good advice too, but I'd like a headstart if possible.
I'll probably be using it 60%(ish) on tow-paths/rough tarmac (commute to work) & 40% for easy off-road stuff (with the kids). I'm not sure why, but I'm not interested in hybrids. I'll be looking for a fairly large frame (I'm 6'1).
Any advice or thoughts greatly appreciated.
Cheers
0
Comments
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Hi gamath and welcome!
I would say it's worth considering the Carrera Subway and Vulcan at this price range - i know the Llansamlet branch would have them on display for you to try.
Where you going to be riding? I wish i was in the local woods above Cadoxton right now!
Ta0 -
I wouldn't discount Halfords if you can, we got a great deal on a Carrera Fury for the wife, and all was well with the build, they even let us both test ride it in the car park. You can get some good deals from them Orange 2010 P7 - Custom Build - My New Bikey Poos
Click Here for FREE Cashback on purchases inc. Wiggle/CRC/Evans & Halfords0 -
Thanks for the quick replies.
M.Cole - For the commute, I'll be going down the canal towpath (part of NCN47), and then onto NCN4 into Swansea. It's a good route and nearly all off road. Other than that, yes, Cadoxton woods occasionally (very local for me), the canals round Neath, lazy jaunts around Swansea Bay, and the easier stuff at Afan Forest & Margam Park.
We always get the kids bikes from Halfords, and have always been pleased with the service, but for more serious, adult bikes I'd read so many 'iffy' reviews on assembly quality and service that I'd kinda discounted them - hence trying Tredz instead. Happy to consider Carrera's if they're that good (within price range).0 -
The Carreras are just about the best bikes you will find at all their price points.0
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I've heard some say, go for the bike with the best frame at this price range and then you cn upgrade the parts as they break and always have a good frame. The Specialised porbably has the best frame so maybe that. I went for a Carrera and I like it, but I will never upgrade it, if something breaks, it'll be in the bin and get something else so I think best way to go is the spesh.0
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Thanks again for the advice.
I went to see (and have a sit on) the Carrera Vulcan last night. It's a very nice bike, and miles better than what I had previously, but I didn't get any 'WOW' factor from it (maybe I'm expecting too much for a bike in my price range?).
Interesting to hear JonBonJovials comments about the Specialized as it's the one I seem to keep coming back to! Across all sites, the positive reviews seem to far outweigh the negative. Also, it looks fantastic, and whilst I'm no brand/badge addict, let's face it, how it looks is still important.
Going to test drive the Hardrock tomorrow after work......0 -
Found the boys in Halfords in Llansamlet very good especially with after sales care.
If your interested and dont mind second hand i have a Boardman hanging up in my parents garagie in Skewen i have been thinking of selling. Let me know and i'll send you some details of it.0
