Bike Choice

CptMuppet

Hi There,

Before you say read sticky thread, I have. What I would like to know is it worth spending just that little bit more or not?
I had a Carrera many years ago before someone decided to help themselves to it, and loved it.

So with that in mind I have looked at:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499
and
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

I have also looked at;
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuj ... 4#features
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Mens_Bike
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2013_Bike
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2012_Bike
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2013_Bike

Now to me a complete novice that has never used his bike other than to get to and from work, then I would imagine I would love all of them. However this year I would like to use my bike for a bit more.

If you have an opinion, could you please explain to me why and what so I can learn something. I dont have much disposable cash so wont be looking to upgrade any components for a good while and the bike is being brought for me so I cant really look at second hand
Any help would be very welcome and I cant wait to get my new bike!!!

paulneenan76

My 2p is thus. The centos is poor and not even close to being a bike that would have retailed at the price they say it did. The Vulcan is good-ish for the money but suggest a bit more cash would put you on a voodoo - this is a bike that'll not need upgrading if you look after it and get in to mtb'ing more seriously.

The Evans and Winstanleys bikes I'd avoid.

Worth checking out the Decathlon RockRiders - great spec, great value.

Is it worth paying more for more bike? Not all the time but at this entry point, I'd say yes.

CptMuppet

Thanks for your input, its very much appreciated. I do like the look of the Voodoo Bantu to be honest but not sure I can really stretch that far. I was pushing it for the Vulcan.
My worry is that as I have no experience are the differences going to be noticeable to me? Apart from my Carrera I had a good few years ago( which I had for 2 weeks only) i have nothing to compare to.
Granted I don't want something that is going to leave me in hospital on my first run and a huge repair bill, so if i discount all the others then , is it still better to get the Rockrider 5.3 over the Vulcan? And why? And if I can stretch is the Voodoo worth the extra over the rockrider?
I don't want to be a pain, I just would like to understand why?

The Rookie

At that price point, the Bantu is really good value for money, the frame and forks and a few other bits would not be out of place on a £500 bike, sure there are a few compromises but they are very liveable with, otherwise the RR 5.3 just pips the Vulcan for me, but the Vulcan is by no means a bad choice.