Boardman MTB Pro - Carbon or Alloy?

RedInTokyo

I'm looking at the Boardman MTB Pro at £999 or the carbon Pro for £1299.

Is the spec for the carbon Pro better value for the additional £300 (as there are a few differences in spec over and above the carbon frame)?

Boardman MTB Pro Carbon
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_777751_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#tab2

Boardman MTB Pro
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_777831_categoryId_165499_langId_-1?cm_sp=Intelligent_Offer-_-Product_Details_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PDPz1#tab2

Should I be wary of going for a carbon bike (is the weight saving a good trade off versus maintenance/care)...I'm not sure if carbon is the best material for MTB frame?

I'm relatively new to MTB so I'd welcome the collective expertise of the forum to help enlighten me.
Thanks

Greer_

For £300 you get a far better fork, better brakes, yet the same drivtrain and wheels, but you get a carbon frame. That makes it about a kg lighter. What do you want to use the bike for? Neither will be bad buys.

Carbon frames are strong, no need to worry about it snapping etc. End of!

Greer_

And you linked the same bike twice, try http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... PDPz1#tab2

The Northern Monkey

Get one without BB30...

worst.
design.
ever.

YeehaaMcgee

The Northern Monkey wrote:

Get one without BB30...

worst.
design.
ever.

Last time I was at the bike shop, I somehow ended up listening to one of the mechanics moan about the stupidity of BB30-style setups for about 10 minutes
He seemed to miss the brief period when everything was basically HTII compatible.

thelonegroover

They won't last long (in the shops) at that price. Good value even at the normal price, never mind £300 off!