Rockrider 8.1 or should I spend a bit more?

Minty88

I was thinking of going to Decathlon this week to get the 2012 Rockrider 8.1 but I've noticed my local bike shop have a few bikes with pretty decent discounts.

I know the Rockrider has great specs for £500 but a couple of these bikes are nearer a grand at rrp.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/diamondback-apex-mountain-bike-id70336.html
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/kona-cinder-cone-hardtail-mountain-bike-id67779.html
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/cube-acid-mountain-bike-grey-blue--id65909.html
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/focus-fatboy-mountain-bike-id65662.html
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/kona-blast-hardtail-mountain-bike-id67778.html

I've included the Cube because I really like the way it looks but it's not as heavily discounted as the others. Are these bikes actually much better or are you just paying alot more anyway for the name?

70\ʹspenguin

The focus is nasty for a start.

In answer to your question - quite frankly - NO! The RR is really that good part for part.

If you like the look of the RR then get it and spend the rest on gear like helmet, pump, gloves, tookit and a few spare tubes

Belmont1884

Before going to the Decathlon store, check stock levels online as I believe the RR 8.1 is currently out of stock.

Adotparker

Call me stuck up........ But Cube for me...... German engineering.... good spec.. ... B'twin are like daewoo .......... good value, good guarantee... but hey...... it's a daewoo......... maybe i'm just a snob..... and think further a-field to Halfords and Decathlon..... but come on...... we like to look good as well as having good machines don't we?

cooldad

Adotparker wrote:

Call me stuck up

OK.
I could think of other things but it's a start.

Adotparker

cooldad wrote:

Adotparker wrote:

Call me stuck up

OK.
I could think of other things but it's a start.

Paper boy bikes are paper boy bikes...regardless of some forum geek, trying to be witty.......

Minty88

I think I'm going to rule out the Cube, as much as I like the look of it I just don't think its good value, what do people think of the Diamonback Apex and the Konas specifically? They're massively discounted but are they are decent value at that price?

cooldad

Adotparker wrote:

cooldad wrote:

Adotparker wrote:

Call me stuck up

OK.
I could think of other things but it's a start.

Paper boy bikes are paper boy bikes...regardless of some forum geek, trying to be witty.......

You seem to forget that not everyone is loaded like you, and making someone feel like a cnut because they can't afford what your somewhat misguided sense of values suggests they should is the work of a cnut.
IMHO.

Adotparker

Minty88 wrote:

I think I'm going to rule out the Cube, as much as I like the look of it I just don't think its good value, what do people think of the Diamonback Apex and the Konas specifically? They're massively discounted but are they are decent value at that price?

It's more expensive as it has better spec...... no exprience in Diamondback, Kona make some decent high end bikes.... toug, rigid frames........ all about the money brother!!...........can't take it with you!!!

supersonic

They are all decent bikes, except the focus. The DB Apex has the best fork (if you don't need a lockout - but saying that it looks like it does have one), and is especially suited to harder riding (should that float your boat).

Adotparker

cooldad wrote:

Adotparker wrote:

cooldad wrote:

Adotparker wrote:

Call me stuck up

OK.
I could think of other things but it's a start.

Paper boy bikes are paper boy bikes...regardless of some forum geek, trying to be witty.......

You seem to forget that not everyone is loaded like you, and making someone feel like a cnut because they can't afford what your somewhat misguided sense of values suggests they should is the work of a cnut.
IMHO.

jeepers...... it's only a forum a Halfords/Decathlon Biased one. granted!!.... no need to be a big baby...... just keep peddling that paper boy bike and everything will be fine!!

supersonic

Let's quit the silly arguments and get back to the topic.

Chunkers1980

Adotparker wrote:

cooldad wrote:

Adotparker wrote:

Call me stuck up

OK.
I could think of other things but it's a start.

Paper boy bikes are paper boy bikes...regardless of some forum geek, trying to be witty.......

Take the frame away and almost everything will be made by some else and be available on any make of bike.

So you are just wrong.......... ....... .. . .. ... ...

.... .... Wrong... .. . .

70\ʹspenguin

Minty88 wrote:

I think I'm going to rule out the Cube, as much as I like the look of it I just don't think its good value, what do people think of the Diamonback Apex and the Konas specifically? They're massively discounted but are they are decent value at that price?

From a purely aesthetic POV i like the Konas and especially the Cinder. Decent Kit on them both and Kona make lovely frames. The cinder being the better of the two bikes spec wise. The Blast is more basic with the Entry Rs fork. The DB is more trail oriented and has a nice fork but some of the components look a little ropey to me. I am guessing the DB would be the heaviest of the bikes also.

Thats just my opinion from looking as ive not ridden any of them, but again, the RR is a cracking deal.

Adotparker

yeah lets take the frame away......... 85% of the bike :S .......... different manufacturing practices. different grades of welding.... different grades of material... different heat treatment methods....... none of that's important...... an engineer like myself appreciates such...... and to ''Quit the silly arguments''.......... The cube is the winner

70\ʹspenguin

Adotparker wrote:

yeah lets take the frame away......... 85% of the bike :S .......... different manufacturing practices. different grades of welding.... different grades of material... different heat treatment methods....... none of that's important...... an engineer like myself appreciates such...... and to ''Quit the silly arguments''.......... The cube is the winner

If what you are saying is correct from an engineers POV then can you shed some light on the frame building practices of B'twin compared to Cube et al so that both members and Moderators can advise others on the risk of buying these frames.

supersonic

I can tell you exactly about the Decathlon frame - it is made by Specialized parent company in the same factory, by the same machines, to the same standard. In fact Merida make quite a few here.

The silly arguments refers to Cooldad and Adotparker's slanging match - no more.

There is no winner here, these are mostly good bikes with slightly varying specs.

dynamiccoins

I am checking out the 8.1 this week (I checked and it says its in store). I've checked the Voodoo Hoodoo which was cool and want to compare.

But I am considering getting a 29er and I wonder if I could do this...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-nine-race-29er-2012/

Price 840.00
-10% pizza express voucher = 756.00
then use a refer a friend which get another 10% voucher to spend at Wiggle - so £75

Which works out not bad for a bike with a RRP of 1399.00.

The risk is I cant ride the bloody thing and the bike isn't valid for the 30 test ride Wiggle do.

Has anyone ridden the Felt Nine Race 29er ?

70\ʹspenguin

supersonic wrote:

I can tell you exactly about the Decathlon frame - it is made by Specialized parent company in the same factory, by the same machines, to the same standard. In fact Merida make quite a few here.

Oh SS you spoilsport!

Adotparker

Risks? we're talking about how much people want to spend.... Cube generally use 6061 graded alu, across their range, as do b'twin.... obviously your aware of all the hydro-forming disadvantages of some materials and corrosion resistance as with cheaper frames 7005 alu is used... heat treatment and welding is more specific to the manufacturer.... and upon inspection if you looked at cube and b'twin you will see large differences, but b'twin frame quality isn't an issue..... carrera and voodoo with butting...... and single sweep welding. it's common sense to realize short cuts will be taken, on those such bike frames that are cheaper...... as long as they pass the safety tests they're happy........ for Quality Aluminium frames look at Orange 5's or cannondales ... not my cheapo orange crush...... taiwan crap...... but hence why it was cheap

Chunkers1980

It's not a rocket you know.

cooldad

............waffle............waffle........waffle....... ad infinitum......

Adotparker

70\'sPenguin wrote:

supersonic wrote:

I can tell you exactly about the Decathlon frame - it is made by Specialized parent company in the same factory, by the same machines, to the same standard. In fact Merida make quite a few here.

Oh SS you spoilsport!

Being born in a stable, doesn't make you a horse!

Chunkers1980

Yes, you could be baby Jesus.

Adotparker

cooldad wrote:

............waffle............waffle........waffle....... ad infinitum......

please.. what are you?? like 11 years old?? ....... ooooh no you can't be you added latin, you probably googled for..... :S

supersonic

Stay on the topic, for the last time! Or I WILL start issuing warnings, too many threads lately have derailed into farce and people are complaining to me about them. A lot.

To the OP: rest assured that all the frames here are of a good standard and will serve you well. The fork quality varies, which lets the Focus down. If you can try the bikes, I would do so.

Edit: feel free to start a topic on frame quality in the General section if you want to take that (general) discussion further.

Chunkers1980

He will not. He's just here to say that Deathlon and Halford's stuff is poor. Hope he does though and has some good evidence to support or not.

Mtaylor2012

I started a similar topic and was advised to look at the decathlon 8.1 due to its spec and what im looking to pay (£500 max) and the same goes for the voodoo, i dont want to get a bike from halfords, its too common! The spec agreed does look great but im really not keen on the frame, i wouldnt say im a snob but i like to know what im riding looks good as well as feels good.

This is why im swayed more to something like a Norco or Specialized, If you do try out the decathlon though let me know how it rides as i would be interested to know your thoughts on it.

Chunkers1980

It's your money spend it how you like.

Around £500 for a whole bike is not much (in the grand scheme of things), go above and yes there are more worthy contenders at each price point.

RR and Halford's bikes get good reviews and recomendations (around £500) as they come with the best forks, brakes and drive trains, these are the things that will make the most difference to the people who buy them, not the frame, they are mostly these days pretty damn good and as pointed out are likely to be made in the same place with the same machines as the bigger brands.

felix.london

Mtaylor2012 wrote:

i wouldnt say im a snob but i like to know what im riding looks good as well as feels good.

It's gonna spend most of it's time covered in mud if you're in the UK. Go for the one with the best fork I'd say

mrmonkfinger

Chunkers1980 wrote:

as pointed out are likely to be made in the same place with the same machines as the bigger brands.

they might have different alloys & quality control standards

BUT

that kind of thing will naturally affect heavier/harder/faster riders more than beginners


So for beginners, I suspect all that stuff about who makes the frame, is pretty much irrelevant. I have no facts to back this up, just an unjustified opinion.