Advice on cheap starter for a roadie

captain_kirk

Evening all.
First off, thanks for all the advice from the myriad of posts already. However I haven't seen anything that answers my question yet (and if I've missed it, then I shall go away and hang my head in shame).

I'm after a hard tail for approx £250. Looking around ebay, gumtree, etc for something second hand.
I've come across 2 likely candidates -

Specialized Rockhopper Comp (2011) or Carrera Kraken (2012)

Both look in good condition, don't appear to be knicked, and most importantly are about the right price.

So, which would you go for and why?

supersonic

If it fits, the a Rockhopper of that year and model for £250 is a good buy - great frame, and good parts throughout.

captain_kirk

Thanks for the advice supersonic.
I've been too busy to go and view the bike, but I should be going this weekend. However, digging around for specs and other pics, I believe the bike may be a 2010 SL, and not the 2011 comp as advertised. Is this still a good buy at around £250?
Here is the picture from the advert. Nothing like a good slightly out of focus picture to try and sell a bike!


I was trying to get info on the forks. I weigh about 14.5 stone, so making sure they'd be suitable.

captain_kirk

And here is a link to Evans for the spec of the SL from 2010

cooldad

Looks like a pretty small size.

captain_kirk

It's a 19" frame (apparently - although as the listing appears to have the wrong bike, it may not be!)

The Rookie

Not a 19" for sure, 17" at the largest (using the rear wheel and tyre as having a radius of about 13") may even be a 15".

cooldad

I'd guesstimate around 15" as well.

supersonic

That's a 17. Not a bad buy.