£5-800ish budget, 1st bike, so many options!

amigomatt

Hi,

I'm in the market for getting myself a mountain bike. I haven't ridden for a while, but used to do lots as a child and in my teens, so excited about getting back into it!

I won't be commuting, just riding for fun, with nothing really dangerous to begin with, but would like to get a bike that gives me the option to do more hardcore riding in the future, if I'm feeling courageous!

I've done lots of research in the past few days and have ended up closing in on (surprise, surprise) :

Voodoo Hoodoo Decathlon Rockrider 8.1

My first thought is that I prefer the look of other bikes more than the ones listed above and would wonder whether I would notice and significant difference if I went more with my heart on something such as the 2012 GT Avalanche 2?

Also, since posting up for advice from friends on Facebook, I have had 2 offers of used bikes and wondered whether you guys might chime in with your more learned opinions on these?

2010 Cannondale Bad Boy for £250 2007 Giant Trance 3 (still awaiting sale price)

Both those bikes are great, I believe? As I'm just getting back into it would this be a wiser (and cheaper) decision?

Obviously, I'm excited about the thought of a brand new bike, but given that my previous mountain bike was a 1995ish Scott Timber, I'll feel the benefits of any of these machines anyway, won't I?

cooldad

The Canondale isn't a mountain bike, and the priceless Trance is priceless, so the Voodoo or Rockrider.

amigomatt

Thanks for your reply. I'm presuming the Giant will be within my price range, as the person offering it (on behalf of her husband) knows my budget. To ask in another way, how does this 2007 Giant stack up against a brand new Voodoo or Rockrider?

lostboysaint

Older, more tired, uglier.

On the plus side it may be cheaper.

supersonic

I'd go for the rockrider for a general trail/xc bike.

cooldad

Bit difficult to say without knowing the full specs of the bike you are looking at, as well as the condition. Originally was Tora/Float R/LX, so decent stuff, as long as nothing needs a service as doing fork and shock would be about £200.
The Trance is a nice bike, but unless you know what you are looking at and can sort out any problems yourself I would go for a new one with guarantee etc.

And obviously depends on the price......

amigomatt

I've still not got a price back for the Giant, but I'm really leaning towards getting a new machine, with all the benefits that go with that. Someone has just thrown this idea into the mix -

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... -only.html

It looks very good for the money, but slightly under spec of the other bikes I've been looking at. I've also been advised to check out the Cannondale SL4. Does anyone have any experience with these bikes? I've heard they are pretty upgradeable for the future by having great frames?

waby1234

The Merida is decent, but the fork isn't great. Link to the SL4?

cooldad

supersonic wrote:

I'd go for the rockrider for a general trail/xc bike.

amigomatt

Cannondale SL4 - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec031493

Yeah, I'm very aware that everything points to the Rockrider, but (and shoot me down in flames for this) I went to check it out at Decathlon yesterday and I really didn't like how it looked. It's not going to stop me from buying it, if that's the best option in the end, but I really didn't warm to it aesthetically. In fact, I'm keen to see when the 2012 model comes out. I can't find any info on it, but I gather that it's around this time of year when manufacturers bring out their new lines? It would be great if anyone could chime in on this too!

cooldad

That is the 2012. Next will be 2013.

amigomatt

I was talking about the Rockrider 8.1 2011.

amigomatt

Ok, I'd finally settled on a Rockrider 8.1, but I'm not happy with the 2011 paintjob and Decathlon have told me possibly September before the 2012 model is in stock (with it's far more fetching paint job - http://www.btwin.com/fr/vtt-cross-count ... -2012.html). I'm feeling rather impatient now and don't want to wait it out indefinitely whilst the opportunity for good weather riding passes me by, so I've continued my search and have come up with these other options. Does anybody have experience with these bikes?

Canyon AL 6.0 (my favourite so far, but a fair whack up in price) - http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes ... tml?b=2539

ZR Team 6.0 - http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1830/ ... m-6-0.html

Vitus Bikes Escarpe 2 (on sale, great deal?) - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=67803

Boardman MTB Comp - http://bit.ly/pYS5n6

Rockrider 9.1 - http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-91-id_8170096.html

I don't know anything except a few great but isolated reviews about the Vitus, ZR and Canyon bikes, but there's a lot of good info on the Boardman Comp, it just seems a little under spec against the others.

I realise that my budget is creeping up now, but these are bikes with the same sort of spec (or a little better) to the Rockrider 8.1 I initially wanted, so I didn't really want to look below that. Also (as you may have noticed), it is important to me that I like the bike aesthetically, and I love the look of all the above bikes.

To recap my biking aims, I want a good all round bike that will be suitable for on and off road use that I can use to try more adventurous stuff on as time goes by.. I did a lot of reading about the pros and cons of FS vs HT, but didn't find any definitive answer for myself. I mean, comfort is important, but all round spec and reliability is too...

Any thoughts?

jeannot18

Talking about your budget, did you include also everything else that you will need to ride the bike. Helmet, gloves, glasses (maybe), pump, and tools, spare tubes etc. Even going for some of the cheapest stuff you will have to spend a few quids on those.
Talking about the bike I have myself the RR8.1, this was my first proper MTB, I know it is an entry level one, but it does exactly the same as others with more expensive bikes. Another thing to bear in mind is the warranty, Decathlon offers 2 years warranty on components and 5 years on frame. From experience, they never argue when something need replacing. So far in 12 months I have had a rear derailleur (upgraded to X9 for nothing), complete back brake (from handle, cable, housing etc) and a rear cassette. I can't talk about normal LBS but would they offer the same service? Just facts to bear in mind when making your decision
JC

70\ʹspenguin

This: http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p2231

Nice components, a good fork that will allow you to go up to 135mm travel for when you "get more adventurous" , and within your original budget. Rock solid bike!

amigomatt

jeannot18 wrote:

Talking about your budget, did you include also everything else that you will need to ride the bike. Helmet, gloves, glasses (maybe), pump, and tools, spare tubes etc. Even going for some of the cheapest stuff you will have to spend a few quids on those.
Talking about the bike I have myself the RR8.1, this was my first proper MTB, I know it is an entry level one, but it does exactly the same as others with more expensive bikes. Another thing to bear in mind is the warranty, Decathlon offers 2 years warranty on components and 5 years on frame. From experience, they never argue when something need replacing. So far in 12 months I have had a rear derailleur (upgraded to X9 for nothing), complete back brake (from handle, cable, housing etc) and a rear cassette. I can't talk about normal LBS but would they offer the same service? Just facts to bear in mind when making your decision
JC

Yeah, I've got this Wishlist ready to go on Amazon when I get my new bike - http://amzn.to/MXJ8B4 - Have I missed anything out, except you said spare tubes?

You see, you're selling me on the RR 8.1 and that's fine because I'm already sold! I just want the 2012 paint job, as I really don't like this 2011 one and am getting impatient waiting!!

Thanks for your input though, as after sales service should rank high for me with me being a newcomer etc. Also, the RR is cheaper than anything else on my list! I might just have to wait it out...grrrr...

amigomatt

70\'sPenguin wrote:

This: http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p2231

Nice components, a good fork that will allow you to go up to 135mm travel for when you "get more adventurous" , and within your original budget. Rock solid bike!

You know, this exact bike was on my shortlist too, I just strayed away from it because I couldn't find any decent info on it. I love the look and spec of this bike. Would it outperform a 2011 RR 8.1? I just don't know... Thanks for reminding me of this again, I've put it back on my shortlist (just to confuse myself even more!)

MCWolves

I'm currently looking to get a first Mountain bike within that price range, I have visited Decathlon today and feel the same I am just not keen on the paint job on the RR 8.1

I went into Halfords to look at the Voodoo Hoodoo looks like a real nice bike as does the slightly more expensive Carrera Fury.

I just cant bring myself to buy from Halfords. A friend pointed me in the direction of Specialized there is a 2013 Hardrock 29er model

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.u ... k/Hardrock

The forks are Suntour instead of the Rock Shox on the RR but I'm not sure how different the two are at this price range??? Or at least at the novice level if I would notice??

Going over to the store tomorrow to check it out.

waby1234

Why can't you get beyond buying from Halfords?

You are buying a bike, you won't be thinking about the store once you're hurtling along a trail.

70\ʹspenguin

Halfords stock the bikes, they dont make them. Id get over the shop snobbery , wake up and smell the cycling roses. The reason people recommend the bikes sold in Halfords is because more often than not they are the best Value for money.

That specialized is just bad for the money. Cheap components and a poor fork. Unless you are opening up the budget to nearer 1k i wouldnt recommend a specialized as they simply can not compete on price with other brands.

If you like the Voodoo or the Fury then you will have something that is well built, has good proper mountain bike parts, and something that should last the test of time.

FWIW not many would recommend Halfords as a shop as the stores can be very hit and miss regarding customer service, but some of the brands they sell are really rather good with the Boardmans being superb!

cooldad

MCWolves wrote:

I'm currently looking to get a first Mountain bike within that price range, I have visited Decathlon today and feel the same I am just not keen on the paint job on the RR 8.1

I went into Halfords to look at the Voodoo Hoodoo looks like a real nice bike as does the slightly more expensive Carrera Fury.

I just cant bring myself to buy from Halfords. A friend pointed me in the direction of Specialized there is a 2013 Hardrock 29er model

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.u ... k/Hardrock

The forks are Suntour instead of the Rock Shox on the RR but I'm not sure how different the two are at this price range??? Or at least at the novice level if I would notice??

Going over to the store tomorrow to check it out.

Your friend is wrong about the Spesh and you are wrong about a bike from Halfords, or Decathlon.
Simple as.
Two are very good bikes, one is not. Two have excellent spec for the money, one doesn't.

jeannot18

amigomatt wrote:

Yeah, I've got this Wishlist ready to go on Amazon when I get my new bike - http://amzn.to/MXJ8B4 - Have I missed anything out, except you said spare tubes?

Wow that's another £260, you could save a few quids by shopping around. Aldi and Lidl do bike stuff once in a while. Not the greatest but very good for the price, not sure about the Bullet Adult Knee/Elbow/Wris​t Protection Pad Set - Black, look for sale on CRC or Wiggle. I picked up for example a while ago knee protection (proper MTB ones) for a tenner. All the cleaning products are a bit of an overkill, set of brushes are very good, have a look at Wiggle they sometimes have them for half-price (paid myself £12). Drink bottle is nice but you can get a cheaper one, look at the Decathlon ones. How are you going to carry your stuff, back bag, could be worth buying a Camel back bag type, again Decathlon does some reasonable one (bottles are good in dry weather, but when it is really muddy they get really dirty and can be awkward to drink from). Glasses are good but make sure that they don't mist, Bolle glasses on Ebay are really good (under a tenner).
Welcome to the world of MTB where bottomless wallet are needed
JC

amigomatt

jeannot18 wrote:

amigomatt wrote:

Yeah, I've got this Wishlist ready to go on Amazon when I get my new bike - http://amzn.to/MXJ8B4 - Have I missed anything out, except you said spare tubes?

Wow that's another £260, you could save a few quids by shopping around. Aldi and Lidl do bike stuff once in a while. Not the greatest but very good for the price, not sure about the Bullet Adult Knee/Elbow/Wris​t Protection Pad Set - Black, look for sale on CRC or Wiggle. I picked up for example a while ago knee protection (proper MTB ones) for a tenner. All the cleaning products are a bit of an overkill, set of brushes are very good, have a look at Wiggle they sometimes have them for half-price (paid myself £12). Drink bottle is nice but you can get a cheaper one, look at the Decathlon ones. How are you going to carry your stuff, back bag, could be worth buying a Camel back bag type, again Decathlon does some reasonable one (bottles are good in dry weather, but when it is really muddy they get really dirty and can be awkward to drink from). Glasses are good but make sure that they don't mist, Bolle glasses on Ebay are really good (under a tenner).
Welcome to the world of MTB where bottomless wallet are needed
JC

Yeah, looking back over that list, I don't necessarily need everything on there. When I was compiling the list, I did a bit of research on possible accessories and then made the wishlist as a reference point that I could do further research on each item. I just didn't want to forget anything, but the Fenwick's cleaning kit looks good from reading this review - http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... t-12-46313

Still, can anyone chime in yet on opinions between:

Decathlon Rockrider 8.1 - http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2011-id_8168695.html
This good deal on a 2009 GT Avalanche Expert (which I prefer the look of by miles!) - http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p2231

I can already see my wallet expanding and emptying and I haven't even bought anything yet! Mind you, I'm into audio/studio/video gear too, so I know how these things can escalate..