Which is a better bike?

cava30

Hello all.

I am in the process of buying a mountain bike.

The reasons are I could do with the extra exercise and want to take my 22 month old boy in the back with me for some rides.

Currently I am looking at two and these are;

Specialized Hardrock 29er 2013 size 17 at £500.00

Dawes XC27D 2013 size 20 at @550.00

I like the specs in booth of these but as a for the make I don't know which is more reputable and or which of these two bikes is the winner.

To start with there is no off road to go to at least at the moment. It just happens that these are my type of bike.

Please send your honest opinion regarding these two bikes.

Many thanks.

Albert

supersonic

Size wise you need to sit on them, sizing varies enormously.

Not going to beat about the bush, the Hardrock is dire. Very poor fork, basic drivetrain found on bikes half the price and some basic parts.

The Dawes has some nice parts but is still not great. What other options do you have?

cava30

These are the two I have seen an got quotes for.

Any thing up to £600.00 please mention it.

Thank you.

supersonic

Have a look at the Decathlon Rockrider 8.1. Is an amazing bike.

thelonegroover

At that price point, you'll find Halfords hard to beat. You may also be able to find some 2012 models with good discounts.

The Rookie

Decathlon beats Halfords, but their coverage is not as good.

johnas7

defo wouldnt bother with the dawes. I had one a few years back and had nothing but trouble with the gears, brakes. Had to keep taking it back to the shop. Ended up getting a specialized rockhopper. Had it 2 years and its been an excellent bike. Not had any problems with it at all and done over 4000 miles on it.

supersonic

'A few years back' is not relevant at all - this is a 2013 bike.

thelonegroover

The Beginner wrote:

Decathlon beats Halfords, but their coverage is not as good.

Quite, I'd probably go to Decothlon if there was one anywhere near me. Several Halfords though.

The Rookie

johnas7 wrote:

I had one a few years back and had nothing but trouble with the gears, brakes. Had to keep taking it back to the shop.

No doubt the self same gears and brakes fitted to hundreds of thousands of other bikes, magically rendered defective by being used on yours....or just an incompittant shop who couldn't set it up right, or owner who fiddled it back wrong.

cava30

Have a look at the Decathlon Rockrider 8.1. Is an amazing bike.

I would like this one better but couldn't find a store that sells hem anywhere near Norfolk.

Thanks for all comments.

Albert

Shackster

There's a Decathlon in Thurrock. Not too far to go to get a decent bike!