Torn between 2 rocks.

jamesgant
jamesgant Posts: 9
edited July 2013 in MTB buying advice
So, long story short I am using the Cycle scheme and getting my certificate in a couple of weeks and I was set on getting a Rockrider 8,1 (http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-81 ... 68918.html) even though I'd have to go take an hour plus trip to lakeside at least twice to sort it out. Now I find out I have a 'Specialized' (Hardrock sport disc 29'r - http://www.specialized.co.uk/us/en/bike ... portdisc29) reseller literally on my doorstep and even though the bikes aren't as good at the same price point I'd be saving a small fortune in time and money if I had any warranty problems, plus the shop owner is meant to be really good for advice/repairs as well.

So the question is assuming light to medium trails use once a week and a little commuting maybe 10 miles a week am I really going to be that much worse off with a Specialized Hardrock 29'r to justify the extra hassle involved

Comments

  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    The RR.

    Sort it out on the phone, email or website ect and make one trip.

    First services are pretty pointless - best to learn the stuff they'd do as it'll serve you well.

    This is assuming you don't want a 29er.
  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    Does your 'doorstep' lbs only do Specialised? Most shops sell two or three makes. Having said that, I don't think it's going to make a lot of difference which you get.
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  • jamesgant
    jamesgant Posts: 9
    They do Specialized, Saracen, Ridgeback (scheme voucher is for £550)

    Oh and I am not really specifically after a 29'r but as I haven't done any biking for 10 odd years I don't have a bias towards either size due to habit or skill.
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    There is no contest. The RockRider everytime.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The Hardrock is awful, really poor fork.
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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    Do not get the Lardrock......
    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.
  • pesky_jones
    pesky_jones Posts: 2,890
    The Beginner wrote:
    Do not get the Lardrock......

    I don't understand - because it's heavy?
  • jamesgant
    jamesgant Posts: 9
    I got vaguely excited by seeing the 2014 line previews for Specialized thinking maybe they took on board the criticisms of the Hardrock and changed it up for the better but no.... theres like 3 things different and the fork isn't one of them.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Dont buy the Specialized. I had one, its a real turd of a bike. The Rockrider is massively better.
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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    Pesky Jones wrote:
    The Beginner wrote:
    Do not get the Lardrock......

    I don't understand - because it's heavy?
    It's heavy and about as much fine as riding a lump of lard.....It is a cynical marketing ploy, get people to pay £400 for a £200 bike by putting the Spesh name on the side.....
    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.
  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    The Saracen Mantra isn't bad.
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  • jamesgant
    jamesgant Posts: 9
    Why is it never easy to choose lol, I could get the Mantra Pro http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/trail/mantra-pro for same as the Hardrock and It looks like almost every component is upgraded from the base Mantra.

    Maybe I could just convince Decathlon to build a new store nearby ;) then got nothing less than an hour from me the gits.
  • jamesgant
    jamesgant Posts: 9
    Got an email in to Decathlon to find out if I can do the cyclescheme quote over email and just visit to pay/pickup the bike which would save travel cash.
  • Good Old Bakes
    Good Old Bakes Posts: 89
    When you consider the hours you'll spend on the trail riding the thing, an hour's return journey by car is absolutely nothing if it means getting the right bike. :wink:
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Good point.
    I don't do smileys.

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  • jamesgant
    jamesgant Posts: 9
    Update:

    Well, got official quote from the store via email and my voucher is due in the next few days so it looks like a drive upto lakeside on sunday to get one.
    Just as the weather turns ;)
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    Good choice....

    Weather turns? Bikes don't dissolve* in the rain, and humans have been waterproof for about 2million years!

    *Except carbon frames of course which CD will tell you do!
    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.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    I did read on the internet that carbon dissolves in water.
    I don't do smileys.

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  • Thewaylander
    Thewaylander Posts: 8,593
    i heard carbon goes soggy, like paper.. then you have to dry it with a hairdryer :lol:
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    What is this 'hairdryer' thing, is that like a towel? Perhaps I should ask a Roadie.....
    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.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    What is this 'towel' thing. Real men use evaporation.
    I don't do smileys.

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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    Rules you out as a real man then!
    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.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    I am, at least until I've had the final operation.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    cooldad wrote:
    I am, at least until I've had the final operation.
    Does that mean you going to change your name to coolmum or hotdad?
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  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Thelonegroover wrote:
    cooldad wrote:
    I am, at least until I've had the final operation.
    Does that mean you going to change your name to coolmum or hotdad?
    Andy
    I don't do smileys.

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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    I thought that was you 'partner's' name?
    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.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    It's the 21st century. No need to be coy. Shagbunny is acceptable.
    I don't do smileys.

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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    No I meant 'your Andy'.......
    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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