Newbie after some "which bike" advice

Robinho78

I bet this has been asked a thousand times but here goes. I am looking at buying my first mountain bike since my teens. I'm 32 now. I am gonna use it over cycle tracks in the local area and cross country long distance riding. Obviously because im new to it all and inexperienced I wasnt planning on downhill jumps and trails... yet. Ive decided on getting into the hobby because the suns out and I need to get fit and shed a few stone so along with regular running I intend to get into shape.

Anyway, from a small amount of reading online am I right in assuming for my needs a "hardtail" bike is what I am after? My budget is sort of anything up to £400 which I know doesnt provide me with endless options. I dont mind buying second hand because I might find myself getting a better bike for my money. However after looking in ebay and the local adtrader I havent seen much for sale in the local area an I would like to get a bike soonish. If I do go down the new bike route what does everyone recommend? I have looked at the GT Aggressor and also the Specialized Hardrock. Which of these two bikes is preferred? I notice the Aggressor is graded 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 is there much difference? Also is the GT Avalanche another option worth considering or is the Agressor a better bike? A mate told me that as a beginner one of the Halford Carrera bikes would be fine as a good starter bike. I have heard mixed reviews on these bikes online about their build quality etc so am unsure. What are peoples thoughts?

Sorry to blabber on. Hopefully ive made some sense in all of this. Appreciate any help you can give me.

diy

keep looking at used bikes expand your search to include boardman, cube and trek. at 400 you might get yourself a used rockhopper a couple of years old and it will be a better bike than a 400 quid new bike.

Robinho78

Thanks mate. After reading reviews/guides from another site the Rockhopper was a bike that came highly recommended but was out of my price range. Ideally if I could find one second hand in the local area (South Wales) for sale that would be great!

supersonic

GT Aggressor XC 2.0 is a superb bike for the money, as is the Carrera Kraken. I'd take a look at both. The 1.0 sports some better kit, but the 2.0 still gets useful stuff that works.

Robinho78

supersonic wrote:

GT Aggressor XC 2.0 is a superb bike for the money, as is the Carrera Kraken. I'd take a look at both. The 1.0 sports some better kit, but the 2.0 still gets useful stuff that works.

Are all these bikes upgradable so I can improve parts as I get more and more into it?

macky1

Carrera Kraken is not bad for the money, but 120mm fork might not suit your riding style.

100mm would be more suited for general cross country usage, and easier uphill due to a lower front end.

Also consider the Decathlon Rockrider 8.0 at £400.
Its also got Avid Juicy brakes which are good.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-8-0-2010-118887462/#INFO-DETAIL

cooldad

Both have decent frames and would be easily upgradeable.

Robinho78

What about the Specialized Hardrock Disc? Again has this got a decent enough frame to upgrade from?

nickel

Although the hardrock has a good frame which is worth upgrading the standard hardrock disc spec is pretty poor compared to that of the GT or similarly priced carrera bikes.

supersonic

I agree, the basic Hardrock has a good frame, but god awful spec.

Robinho78

So this would be a better option to the Hardrock?

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b1s2p3346

Sorry for all the questions guys. The spec means nothing to me yet.

And of the 3 Aggressor bikes this model (1.0) being the dearer between the 3.0, 2.0 and 1.0 has better build quality and better brakes/suspension/forks or whatever hence the price?

Thanks in advance

supersonic

Ah, there are two different 'aggressors': the one in your link (which is terrible), and the numbered ones that Halfords sell (which are better). The 1.0 tops the range. The 2.0, as above is very good value, while the 3.0 drops away with a bad fork.

Buying mail order is not the best idea if you are a novice - a local shop will set the bike up, ensure you get a good fit and offer a free service and aftercare.

Robinho78

Thanks Supersonic. I see now. I wasnt thinking mail order was the way to go mate. There are a couple of good bike shops in my area (South Wales) and Halfords are a short drive away. It was just a link I came across via google.

In a nutshell then its personal preference between the agressor 1.0 and the Specialized hardrock disc??? From searches online there seems to be only £10 between the two so on paper which is the better bike?

supersonic

The Hardrock Disc I would avoid. The GTs have them beat in just about every area.

Robinho78

Thanks for all the replys everyone. I apprecate it must be a pain when someone new comes along with questions that have been asked hundreds of times. But seriously, thanks. Its important not to waste a few hundred quid on something poor.

One last question for you, does the GT Aggressor 1.0 come in any other colours? Links across the web only show the white version. I dont mind it but if it is available in black for example i'd like to see it to compare the two before purchasing.

Robinho78

Was in Halford earlier they had the GT Aggressor XC1 for £549.99 is that another higher spec bike again?

supersonic

Yes, good bike, as good if not better than an Avalanche 1.0.

Avalanche 1.0, 2.0 3.0

Aggressor XCR, XC1, XC2, XC3

The lower the number the better spec. The Aggressors tend to be a little better specced than the equivalent Avalanche.

Robinho78

Bit confused now lol. What is the difference between the GT Aggressor 1.0 here selling for £369.99...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b1s2p3346

And the GT Aggressor XC1 that Halford are selling for £549.99?

Am I missing something? They are both Aggressor 1 bikes. No mention of Avalanche.

Thanks for your patience Supersonic.

supersonic

Seems there is a third range for 2011. Go for the XC series from Halfords, or the Avalanches. Ignore that one from Paul's.

Robinho78

Ok mate, and thanks for your help. It seems the XC2 is within my £400 budget. If I did wait a while to raise the extra £150 to get a XC1 would it be worth my while? Is there a difference is build quality worthy of the extra price or can I upgrade the XC2 gradually myself as and when?

Does that make sense?

Flyguymyeye

Check hotukdeals, they had link to half price carrera vulcan at halfords. Good bike by all accounts!

Does your work do cycle to work scheme? I got a cube ltd comp as I'm
Starting cycling too, perhaps early midlife crisis at 30!

sc999cs

Robinho78 wrote:

Ok mate, and thanks for your help. It seems the XC2 is within my £400 budget. If I did wait a while to raise the extra £150 to get a XC1 would it be worth my while? Is there a difference is build quality worthy of the extra price or can I upgrade the XC2 gradually myself as and when?

Does that make sense?

I think that the frame on the whole (Halfords') aggressor range is the same, so you would have the same frame build quality. From my point of view the fork is better on the XC1, and upgrading forks can be expensive. To get the same forks as supplied on the XC1 you would need to pay between £165 and £225 (according to Google). The rest of the components are generally better on the XC1 but that doesn't mean that the XC2 has bad components.

I think that I'd personally go for the XC1 for the better forks. However if you do go for the XC2 everything is easy enough to upgrade as your finances allow, and you may decide there are other things you have a greater need for - padded shorts, gloves, a track pump etc.

I also have to agree with supersonic - avoid the aggressor from Pauls - it really does not seem a good buy in comparison.

70s_kid

I'd suggest checking availability before you set your heart on anything mate - GT/Halfords don't deal with each other any longer so they only have end of line stock.

If you want my opinion, if there's any way you can get the XC1 now then go for it, if finances simply won't allow it then get an XC2. Waiting while you save up for the XC1 may well mean you end up with neither.

Robinho78

That is the case it seems 70s kid. XC1 out of my budget, XC2 out of stock in my local store. I can try others stores in the area for the XC2.

What are other options? I picked up the ad trader today. Specialized Hardrock 2010 used 3 times £175.

Robinho78

What is the Cube 2011 Aim like?

sc999cs

No direct experience with Cube bikes but a colleague has one and he loves it.

Halfords' website has a 50% sale on Carrera bikes. These aren't bad for starting off on and you could get a bargin. BTW can't your local store get an XC2 in for you?

70s_kid

I was in the same position as you, £300-£400 to spend, wanted a GT XC3/XC2, no stock available locally.

They very helpfully got one sent by courier from another store, but unfortunately the other store didn't pack it properly so the frame was damaged in transit, it looked like someone had taken a cheese grater to it!

Gave up on a GT at that point and got a favourable deal on a VooDoo Bantu instead. I've been really impressed with it so far for a budget bike, the hydraulic brakes in particular are great.

If you manage to save some more cash before the current offer ends (whenever that might be) to take you to XC1 sort of money then the Boardman Comp looks like a cracking deal at £560.

Robinho78

Yeah, Ive been thinking it would be a wise move if I didnt spend all of my £400 budget on the bike itself. I need to consider that the cost doesnt end there. I need a hat, possibly gloves, shorts and glasses. Water bottle, pump etc. Possibly buy something that will suit me for the stuff I want it for now and then in a year or two look at spending real money as I progress through the hobby.

What about this Carrera Vengeance are advertising 50% off at £275? I also saw a Specialized HArdrock 2010 advertised locally for £175 used only 3 times.

Whats the verdict on these two? Im assuming the hardrock 2010 is the same bike as the one for sale at hte moment for £370 just last years model/colour?

70s_kid

With my limited knowledge the only thing that would put me off the Vengeance is the Dart 1 forks, I haven't read many positive things about those. Having said that the bike is probably worth every penny of £275 - but nothing like £550!

If you're just sticking your toe in the water and not really sure how much you'll get into it then maybe the Vengeance would suit. If on the other hand you know you'll be getting alot of use out of it, getting the best bike you can possibly afford would be a good idea.

I'd only buy 2nd hand if you've got a good technical knowledge yourself or can get someone who has to check it over before you buy. Even if the "only used 3 times" thing is true, bear in mind it's possible to do a lot of damage even if used only once.

Don't know much about Specialized bikes but I get the impression that Hardrock is to Specialized what Dart 1 is to RockShox (ie low end, for people who want the 'right' brand names but on a budget). I'm sure somebody will be along soon to put me right if necessary.

Robinho78

Just to let everyone know. I made the decision to got for a 2nd hand HardRock. IT was in really good condition. I have been out on it for the last 3 days since I bought it. Did a 10 mile route Friday and yesterday and today I cycled 20 miles along cycle tracks. Building it up slowly as I try to regain some fitness.

Really enjoyed myself and look forward to get out each day. Thanks for everyones advice. Might not be everyones choice but as a starter bike for what I want I hope it'll see me through until I get more into the hobby and need something better. Cheers in particular to Supersonic and 70s kid.

Anyone know if the milage im covering is sufficient to start off to help me lose weight and get fit etc?

Robinho78

Another 10 miles this evening. Anyone know if there is an online counter for working out calories used over distance cycled etc just to give me some idea. I know it would be very vague due to up hill / down hill sections etc would need to be taken into consideration.