New £500+ MTN Bike advice - is this a good deal?

wabznasm

Hey all,

Sorry to be this guy, but I'd really appreciate your advice.

I'm about to buy a new bike, my first in many *many* years, as my ancient but reliable Ti bike was stolen - now i have a good excuse to buy a new one! its been such a long time since i looked at any of this stuff, and its a bit overwhelming, so thanks in advance for your help!

I used my bike for trail riding and XC up on the South Downs, but also as a primary mode of transport around my very hilly town. I think I'm settled on a mountain bike for the versatility, and the option to get a bit more extreme if i want to (I'd love to.)

I've been reading the various guides on this site and forums, and around the web for best bikes under £500
i started here:
http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/artic ... 500-29451/

and shopped around a ton, but after much deliberation, the Voodoo Hoodoo seemed like the only real choice.

(http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499)

Also considered was the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2013.

(http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... RRWidgetID)

However, I stumbled upon this - Charge Duster Hi 2011 for £850 (reduced from £1700)

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p345 ... %282011%29

That seems like a rather good discount….. also, on top of what appear to be pretty good components that skinny frame is really appealing to my retro sensibilities anda desire for something potentially speedy and lightweight.


It's really hard to find many opinions online about this bike - Does anyone have any?
How does it compare to the Hoodoo?

Seeing as it appears I'm happy to stretch the budget a bit, would anyone have any suggestions for upgrades from the Voodoo that might best that Duster?




http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes ... tml?b=3005 ?

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtb/ht_comp.html ?

Thank you so much

supersonic

Avoid the Hardrock, has a suspension unit stone age people would find primitive.

The Duster looks good for £850 - but was never worth £1700. Has a good steel frame (very compliant), and a mixture of decent components.

If you are upping your budget to £850 though other bikes come into the fold.

wabznasm

Thanks

Hmm, yes i guess there are, like this Boardman perhaps?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65499#tab3

The Voodoo Bizango looks intriguing too, although Halfords only lists a 20" frame though...

chez_m356

something different ? http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2012_Bike

wabznasm

Ooh interesting! Thanks

oliverhammonds

I'm in the same boat. Been doing a ton of research over the past 3-4 weeks and also.. like you... I'm drawn towards the voodoo hoodoo (I'm no Halfords snob which helps).

I'm worried I'm missing something though as it seems better in every way than most other bikes similar price (and some even a tad more expensive). I assume Halfords can keep the price low as they are a large retailer?

oliverhammonds

Also its currently got 10% off... so its at £449.99.

nicklouse

oliverhammonds wrote:

I assume Halfords can keep the price low as they are a large retailer?

dont assume anything. they raise there prices and then have "sales"

oliverhammonds

nicklouse wrote:

oliverhammonds wrote:

I assume Halfords can keep the price low as they are a large retailer?

dont assume anything. they raise there prices and then have "sales"

Sorry I may have been misunderstood.

I was curious as to how other bikes from companies like GT, Specialized etc have bikes at the same price point but part for part the voodoo is better. I was assuming that due to the quantity of bikes produced by Halfords.. lets say 1000 per month as a random figure... the similar GT might only be making 200 due to demand/ outlets.

To me... from a level entry buyers point of view with limited mountain bike knowledge (I've come from road cycling) the Voodoo Hoodoo seems best for my money.

wabznasm

For not very much more the Bizango also seems to be great, but I'm not sure what's going on with the frame sizes - they did list 18" but it's gone. Similarly the 29er Hoodoos have vanished from the website.

kevinharley

If you want a 'mainstream' bike, and your budget is up to 850ish, then I'd second the Boardman based on my experience of having owned one over the last 18 months; its a great spec (certainly at the current £765); its the only MTB I have, and I find it very versatile and capable .. from 'easy' local trails, CdB 'The Black', and it even managed a day's uplift & DH at Antur Festiniog without too much complaint!! (Ok, not the ideal tool for the job on the latter!). I run it SS most of the time ... makes it a good, light xc bike ... and run some larger volume tyres (2.25) for the more nadgery stuff!

I've been very pleased with it! :P

Not to say I wouldn't choose something different now ... not becasue I have any complaint, but the Genesis / Charger options look appealing on the basis of being 'something different' / more quirky than the mainstream ...

The Rookie

oliverhammonds wrote:

I was curious as to how other bikes from companies like GT, Specialized etc have bikes at the same price point but part for part the voodoo is better.

Your paying for the name, to pay for race teams, for development of 'new stuff' and also they are charging waht people are silly enough to pay.

Voodoo is independnant of Halfords, just halfords have the sole right for UK sales, wheresa Carrera is 'owned' by halfords.

The Voodoo frames aren't quite as good as their price point competition, this saves them money to use on components, certainly makes it a better bike as sold, but less good for extensive upgrades on the cheaper ones.