Advice on new bikes required

ironiv
ironiv Posts: 10
edited March 2012 in MTB buying advice
Hello All

Admittedly, I am not the most experienced cyclist in the world. In fact, I am looking on buying my first mountain bike in 15 years.
There are fantastic bikes to buy nowadays, made from super aluminium allows and fancy ultra light components. It is difficult for beginner like me to make a choice between them.
I have been looking for the best bike under £500 for weeks, my research so far narrowed down to six mountain bikes, all complete with Hydraulic Disc brakes and front adjustable suspension.
On paper, there all look good to my amateur eye.

Which of those six is the Best Buy and why?
Material Fork (mm) Brakes (Front/Rear)
1 Land Rover Experience Hydro 2011 £349.99 Al 7005 100 Hydraulic Disc (160/160)
2 Claud Butler Shamen 2012 £359.99 Al 6061 ? Hydraulic Disc (160/160)
3 Carrera Vulcan 2011/2012 £379.99 Al 7005 120 Hydraulic Disc (???/???)
4 GT Avalanche 2.0 Hydro £409.49 Al 6061 100 Hydraulic Disc (180/160)
5 Carrera Kraken 2011/2012 £449.99 Al 7005 120 Hydraulic Disc (???/???)
6 DECATHON 8.1 2011 £499.99 Al 6061 100 Hydraulic Disc (160/160)
You could find them all at (16/03/2012):
1 http://www.damianharriscycles.co.uk/pro ... ntain-Bike
2 http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Claud-Butler-Sh ... _52057.htm
3 http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499
4 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-avalanche-20-hydro-2011/
5 http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65499#tab2
6 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2011-id_8168695.html


Thank you very much,
ironIV

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The Rockrider - it has the better fork (by a considerable margin) the best drivetrain (by a long way), great finishing kit and is the lightest.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • ironiv
    ironiv Posts: 10
    Hello All,

    I would like to make something clear, I didn't ask which is the best bike.
    I asked which is the Best Buy
    for example:
    The Vulcan is about 3/4 of the Rockrider's price. Does the Rockrider worth the extra £120?

    Regards,
    ironIV
  • EyesintheSky
    EyesintheSky Posts: 183
    Well you can buy the Vulcan and wack the same fork on as the decathlon with your £120 saved, but the Vulcan will still be heavier and have worse everything else.

    You won't regret spending the extra cash now, you buy cheap you buy twice as they say.
    Very funny Scotty, now beam me down my clothes.
  • ironiv
    ironiv Posts: 10
    Well that make sense, thank you!
    What are your feeling on the Kraken?
    The nearest DECATHON to me is 80mls which is a bit far compared to the nearest Halfords which is only 7mls.

    Thx,
    ironIV
  • EyesintheSky
    EyesintheSky Posts: 183
    The same principle as the Vulcan, for the extra £50 for the RRider your upgrade in specs is brilliant. I do like the colour on the Kraken though 8) The Rock Rider is the best by a long shot there. You won't be disappointed and things won't fall off it as you ride. Decathlon can send it to your home. I'm sure they will take a refund as well if it doesn't suit your stature?
    Very funny Scotty, now beam me down my clothes.
  • ironiv
    ironiv Posts: 10
    Great advice EyesintheSky
    Thank you
  • martin_ek
    martin_ek Posts: 1
    Hello
    I need bit of help as well ,just started looking for a bike. My list is similar to yours Ironiv

    Carrera Vulcan
    GT Avalanche
    Decathlon 8.1

    or what do you think about

    Carrera Fury
    Scot Aspect 40(mechanical discs??) or maybe any higher scot model with hydraulic discs
    Cannondale Trail SL 5

    Thanks for any suggestions

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