Just bought carrera Vulcan 2012 model. What next?

Martin_col
Martin_col Posts: 14
edited August 2012 in MTB beginners
Hi all, I'm new to this mountain bike lark and have just bought the carrera Vulcan based on rave reviews I've read from magazines and the net. Apparently it's a great entry level bike? Anyway I've enjoyed the pursuit for gettin this bike and was wondering if anybody had any good ideas on what would make good upgrades eventually? I always like to have my eye on somthing new. I plan on riding on and off road equal amounts if that helps with suggestions. Cheers!

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Ride it and work out where it falls short, if anything.
    Obvious initial things would be saddle (a personal comfort choice), pedals because OEM ones are generally rubbish and grips (per saddle).
    Decent tyres can also make a big difference.
    But until you ride it you won't know.
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  • bartimaeus
    bartimaeus Posts: 1,812
    A saddle that's comfy... though the one it came with may be fine. Some decent pedals - spds or decent flats (join the MG1s, Superstar Nanos, CarbonCycles nanos debate). You may want to get some suitable shoes, some comfy shorts, and a hydration pack if you ride any sort of distance.

    Otherwise ride your bike till you break something, or until you feel some part of it is letting you down.

    And get some lights... it's starting to get dark in the late evenings, but with lights you can ride through the winter. See the What Lights? sticky at the top of MTB Buying Advice.
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  • Cheers guys that should keep me busy for a while. Regarding tyre upgrades I plan to ride an equal amount of on and off road on my bike. Would there be any tyres avalible that offer the best of both worlds or is that asking a bit much? Thanks again for the info!
  • waby1234
    waby1234 Posts: 571
    It's always a compromise - you'll want something with low ish rolling resistance but also lots of grip off road. You can try pumping up your tyres a to a higher psi when on road.
    2011 Carrera Fury

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  • ali4390
    ali4390 Posts: 106
    I've recently put some Maxxis High Roller (2.35, 60a compound) on my Carerra, and whilst the off road grip has been transformed, they offer noticeably more resistance on the road!!