Vulcan vs Bantu

jakek9

Hi All,

First post in here, and I apologise ahead of time if this has been asked before, but I just can't seem to find the answer to this direct comparison. I think both the Voodoo Bantu and the Carrera Vulcan are highly regarded here, but there doesn't seem to be a consensus on which of these two is best. I'm leaning towards the Vulcan at the moment, as it is given 5* here on bikeradar and is in the What Bike 2012.

I should say, I've singled these two out because I'm looking to get my first mountain bike soon, looking under £400, and both of these come in there, given the Halfords deal.

I've been to Cannock and loved it, and a mountain biking weekend to Wales (loved that too) - I rented on both occasions. I'm 87kg, 5'10", and have done a reasonable amount of road cycling and when I've been mountain biking I've gone at it pretty hard, or at least it feels that way! (I love going fast! )

Thanks in advance for your help!

Cheers,

Jake

supersonic

Not too much in it: the main difference is the fork, unusual to see an air fork at this price. This makes it lighter and more adjustable.

thelonegroover

They are very similar, just ride around the shop a bit and choose the one you like. Seems strange the Carrera has Sram shifters and Shimano mechs though.

chez_m356

Thelonegroover wrote:

They are very similar, just ride around the shop a bit and choose the one you like. Seems strange the Carrera has Sram shifters and Shimano mechs though.

it doesn't, only the front is shimano, rear is sram
Front Mech: Shimano FD-M190
Gear Shifters: SRAM X4 trigger shifters
Rear Mech: SRAM X4 rear mech

Shooting mike

I Love my 2012 Vulcan. Compared to other bikes I've ridden, in particular specialised rockhoppers and hard rocks, I much prefer the Vulcan. It just felt instantly right when I sat on it. It rides really nicely and feels positive. It's not the lightest bike but so far I'm loving it and fully agree with the comments in the Mbuk review.

Can't comment on the voodoo, it was too expensive when I did the deal....

jakek9

Thanks for the advice all! At the moment I'm still leaning towards the Vulcan. Maybe it's the looks - I don't know!

One thing I have thought about is second hand. I've seen a few carrera fury bikes for just north of 400 second hand, the 2010/11 models, which I gather have better forks and brakes. Is it worth the risk of second hand for the price and increase in quality?

Cheers,

Jake

waby1234

If you can find a well looked after, lightly used Fury then it's a great bike (I am biased though!!).