Cannondale sl5? Carrera Vulcan?

RussNicholls9

Hi,

I've just invested in a car and sold the road bike, but I love cycling and dont want to get too fat! So I'm going to invest in a Hardtail and start doing some local rides, Go to Staffs Uni so Follow the Dog in Cannock is very local

I can only really afford £500 so was thinking either the Carrera Vulcan or a SL5? Just wondering which you guys would go with or would recommend others? Reviews etc.

Thanks for reading guys!

supersonic

The Carrera Kraken:

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

Still under your budget - thye SL5 has a nasty fork, the Vulcan's is better, but the Kraken is an all round better bet.

zx6man

decathlon rockrider 8.1 at around 500, blows the vulcan out of the water I think

RussNicholls9

Thanks for the input!

I know the Rockrider 8.1 is a little more than I wanted to spend but is it worth it over something like the Carrera Kraken?

supersonic

I would have it over the Kraken. Then there is the Vodooo Hoodoo in between. All good bikes, and certainly worth it over the first two you list.

RussNicholls9

Decisions decisions!

This is much tougher than I thought! Has the Rockrider got a better fork than the Voodoo?

Thanks for the help

supersonic

If the spring is the rigth weight for you, definitely. But the air spring in the (older) hoodoo makes it easier to set to your weight, though the fork is not as smooth or well damped.

I tested both last year for What Mountain Bike, the Recon scored 4/5, the Raidon X1 air was 3/5 I think.

RussNicholls9

Thanks for all the help.

Think I'm leaning towards the Rockrider now, lets hope I feel the same when I get chance to sit on one

RussNicholls9

What would your opinion be on a used Boardman pro? Would it be better value for me or should I stay clear of used mountain bikes?