Rockrider 5.3 or Voodoo Bantu?

Nieo

Hi there. After very briefly owning a Decathlon Rockrider 5.3 last year (stolen after 2 weeks) Ive decided to purchase a new bike. Its mainly to be used for cycle trails and similar, nothing too crazy as it will often have a chid seat attached ;-). I do want the option to have some fun on it though when im not transporting the youngster, so thats why I want a hard tail.

After reading up it still seems Rockrider is one of best buys for £350. But I see today Halfords are selling the Voodoo Bantu at £360.

Rockrider 5.3 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-53-2011-id_8168118.html
Voodoo Bantu http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_786839_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

Im not an expert but the specs seem pretty similar on these bikes to me. What do you guys think? Which is the better bike/ spec and why please?

Ive also see that there is a lot of love for the Rockrider 8.1 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2011-id_8168695.html . Is it worth me spending the extra £150? Will i notice a difference on bike trails really?

Thx in advance for the help, much appreciated.

P.s. I noticed you cant see the Rockrider 5.3 through the homepage now? Only by a google search. Hhmm discontinued maybe?

supersonic

I'd go for the Voodoo over the 5.3 as it sports a better fork and brake system. It however worth saving for the 8.1 - this has quite a few better parts, not to mention is much lighter.

Nieo

OK sounds good. How about the Voodoo Hoodoo http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_786865_langId_-1_categoryId_165499 compared to the Rockrider 8.1? Voodoo is £50 cheaper at the moment.

Thx.

The Rookie

The Voodoo isn't as good as the RR, for the £50 you save it gets close though, for the usage you say it would be more than adequate, but if you want to take your riding further the RR will be the better bike.

Nieo

Ok so it appears the Rockrider has the lighter (better?) frame but how about the forks? A recent voodoo hoodoo review on this site said the hoodoo forks were the best they have seen on a £500 Bike. How do they differ from the rockriders?
Sorry to pester you guys with these questions, I just want the get this choice right first time. Thanks.

supersonic

We haven't reviewed the latest Rockrider - but I have ridden and tested the forks on both bikes and the Recon Silver TK is the better fork. Is a little smoother, more reactive and stiffer steering.

Nieo

Ok thx again for the wise words. I've been to look at all these bikes and I think my heart is set on a Rockrider 8.1. It is noticeably lighter and as you have said its got the better spec.

Just a couple of niggles. I'd have to put some "normal" pedals on it as I'm not investing in some riding shoes yet. Also how quick do you adapt to there being no indicator of what gear you are in. Is it something you can pick up really easily?
Finally are the tyres on it really bad for a bit of road usage. Would I be better of replacing them for road/ light trail trips out?

Thx.

supersonic

Gear indicators are pretty useless, you soon get a feel for it.

The pedals may be replaced FOC by Decathlon.

New tyres are always a good investment, ie folding ones.