Yet another undecided beginner... GT or Dawes or Mongoose?

guveture
guveture Posts: 8
edited October 2010 in MTB beginners
Hi all,

I'm new to the forums and to mountain biking as well... I would like to get a decent entry level bike (18" frame) that I can use for a couple of years to improve my riding skills. I will be doing some XC and light single track as well as on road use. I will probably upgrade to a better bike in a few years or change parts if/when I feel that I can really take on more challenging trails.

I have a budget of around £300-350. I have been doing some research and shortlisted some alternatives. However, just as I think I made up my mind, I read another review and it throws me completely. Could you please help me out here? Below are the bikes that I've been considering (not necessarily from these suppliers though). I quite like the design of GT bikes (partly because they have my initials written all over!) but saw some reviews about parts being less-than reliable and rubbish basically!

Any feedback is much appreciated!

GT Avalanche 3.0 2010: http://www.justmountainbikes.co.uk/prod/gt_avalanche_3_disc.html

GT Aggressor XC 3: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_512541_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

Mongoose Tyax Elite 2010: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Mongoose_Tyax_Elite_2010/5360045389/#more

Dawes XC 1.8: http://www.rutlandcycling.com/27141/Dawes-XC-1-8-Disc-Alloy-Mountain-Bike-.html

Comments

  • Slamdunkin
    Slamdunkin Posts: 355
    Carrera Kraken is well spec'd for the current price of £379

    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... r&istBid=t
  • guveture
    guveture Posts: 8
    Carrera Kraken is well spec'd for the current price of £379

    Thanks for that... However it is a little bit out of my price range. Would you choose the Kraken over the Dawes I have mentioned above?
  • guveture
    guveture Posts: 8
    http://www.ashcycles.com/site/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4118&language=en

    Just found this on the internet for the new version of Dawes above. It's at the same price as Carrera Kraken at Halfords. I reckon this is a better bike, but is it really?
  • trailpuppet
    trailpuppet Posts: 381
    Quote:
    Carrera Kraken is well spec'd for the current price of £379



    Thanks for that... However it is a little bit out of my price range. Would you choose the Kraken over the Dawes I have mentioned above?

    Yes. You want the best frame, forks and brake combo you can afford.

    Go round some of your local shops/Halfords etc and see what they have on offer. It is the end of the 2010 "season" and next years bikes are starting to filter through and 2010 bikes will be more readily available for your lbs to do a deal on.

    Buying via internet is good & bad. Buying blind without having sat on the bike is just plain daft, you need to know if the bike fits you properly. Different brands will fit differently due to the differences in geometry and sizing method.
  • guveture
    guveture Posts: 8
    I have just ordered some Halford vouchers (discounted), so I'll be buying the bike from Halfords. I guess the decision is down to either Carrera or GT. I'll go down and have a look if they have any offers. Thanks for your help so far!
  • Slamdunkin
    Slamdunkin Posts: 355
    The kraken is better spec'd than the GT3....it's more on par with the GT2
  • guveture
    guveture Posts: 8
    The guy at my local Halfords said that GT are marking the same bike as Aggressor for Halfords and Avalanche for other retailers. Basically he said they were the same. As far as I am aware they are not, and Avalanche is a fair bit dearer than the Aggressor. Anybody know about this?

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