Specialised rockhopper v giant talon 2 v suggestions

saddler1962

Looking for help /advice on a decent bike. Currently dragging a carrera kraken around Cannock chase. At present have been riding fire trails and simple off track routes basically as bike don't seem capable of anything more(or is it me lol).
Have around £800 to spend want to go on bit more testing trails without fear of bits dropping off or breaking on me ala carrera.
Advice 29 or 26?
Have seen both the rockhopper and talon 2, both feel good to ride (not difficult comment after riding my kraken), am totally confused. Getting more confused every time go cycle shop. So anyone got any advice or recommendation

The Rookie

The Rockhopper is almost certainly no better than your Kraken, wouldn't be any more reliable either.

Most of us don't memorise spec's so links are really helpful.

A fork service will help the Kraken no end, better still get decent forks on it with good tyres and lighter tubes and it will be better than a 'hopper (assuming it's a relatively recent Kraken).

Check link in my sig for what you can do to a Kraken, my total spend is less than your budget and includes getting the bike you have to start with!

chez_m356

these are pretty hard to beat for spec/price http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1830/ ... ml?mfid=52

paulneenan76

Only time I ever had to drag my Kraken around anywhere I had a hanger go and didn't have a spare to hand.

If you're kraken is pre 2006 then it might be worth changing but after that I'd take The Begginners advice and give it an overhaul, decent tyres, Deore brake set, good service etc. difference will be huge in comparison to buying a new bike at your price point.

Paul