what bike to get

grumabeth
grumabeth Posts: 8
edited May 2013 in MTB beginners
Hi all iv just started mountain biking and am absolutely loving it. i ride a beat up carrera kraken. (was a freebie from my boss) however we all went out for a bike ride. my first proper trail that wasn't just flat lol. now the start went very well but as soon as we started to hit tight beams my bikes failings (or mine) started to show. every time i hit the rear brake even slightly the back wheel was slipping out. my gears were knackered on the inside ring they would hit the tyre and the middle ring just jammed up every few rotations. so was really struggling to ride it. I didnt want to sink any more money into it as im only just starting out but was wondering what sorts of bikes are good rides. im looking at the voodoo bantu and carrera centos. or should i look at something else entirely so apart from the bike issue (or rider am really out of shape) was fantastic!

Comments

  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    Voodoo bikes always seem to get really good reviews and I dont think you will go wrong with one.
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  • 97th choice
    97th choice Posts: 2,222
    The carrera kraken is a tremendous bike, it may just need a service, a few new parts and better tyres.
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  • grumabeth
    grumabeth Posts: 8
    it just concerns me because i know the history and its pretty beat up. Its come off a bike rack and been generally bashed around. iv had it serviced by a freind whos a bike mechanic and hes said without spending loads its not really worth doing so id rather go out and buy a brand new bike :)
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    If the frame is all straight you'll probably be best off repairing and replacing
  • grumabeth
    grumabeth Posts: 8
    ill take it in tomorrow and get halfords to have a look at it. I also need to know any advise for tight beams after jumps. just s**t myself and mess it up each time.
  • unquestioned
    unquestioned Posts: 172
    grumabeth wrote:
    ill take it in tomorrow and get halfords to have a look at it. I also need to know any advise for tight beams after jumps. just s**t myself and mess it up each time.

    No, go to a proper bike shop.
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Better still, get your mate to do it.
  • grumabeth
    grumabeth Posts: 8
    every independent bike shop i go to are full of dicks who talk down to you because your not a pro like them it may be different elsewhere but its the reception iv received. . my mate is a bike mechanic at halfords and really knows his stuff.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I find this a lot in many bike shops - staff who are far up their own ar$es, and look at you like you are thick. Stick with what you know.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

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  • bennett_346
    bennett_346 Posts: 5,029
    I've met some characters in bike shops before. One guy at my local bike shop didn't seem to understand what a warranty was. Apparently my warranty was voided when i serviced my float air can at home.

    He also seemed confused when he asked what the spring rate on my air shock was when he was filling in the service sheet and i said i didn't know...
  • Kowalski675
    Kowalski675 Posts: 4,412
    97th choice wrote:
    The carrera kraken is a tremendous bike, it may just need a service, a few new parts and better tyres.

    Mine got me round Gisburn 8 red route (plus some black sections and the Hope Line descent) yesterday and it's standard apart from bars and stem and on the original tyres. I would've liked plusher, better controlled forks up front, but I was the weak link, rather than anything on the bike.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Does depend how old it is, started in 2001 ;-)
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Kowalski675
    Kowalski675 Posts: 4,412
    Mine's 2007. It's nothing flash, but I'm a complete newbie, so it's good enough for my (lack of) skills. I'd feel a fraud on a fancy expensive bike.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Going back to your first post, use the front brake.
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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    But not too hard or you'll drop it.....
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • grumabeth
    grumabeth Posts: 8
    Well I stuck with it I got a new tyre (I got it with a semi slick cheap tyre (front) and a trioga chunky rear. Bought myself a specialised ground control to replace front couldn't find the tioga to match. Went for a quick ride fell in love with the bike going to use the 300 pounds I was going to spend upgrading the forks and getting some kit that I need :) any advice on good entry level forks I have suntour XCT V2 on at the moment
  • EH_Rob
    EH_Rob Posts: 1,134
    recon silvers from on one are excellent value.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    For £50-70 delivered you'll get a decent air fork second hand.....

    For some inspiration check out the links in my sig to my 2006 Kraken and the Carrera HT thread...
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.

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