Carrera Vulcan vs Specialized Hardrock

davehoe

I need help deciding which bike to buy,

I had my giant mtb stolen on 27th december and I have just got my insurance cheque in the post.

I am looking at these 2 bikes and I need help deciding which one to buy.

Specialized http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/Specialized-hardrock-disc-26-2013-mountain-bike?gclid=CPaJytzkkrwCFccSwwodXH4Ayg

Carrera http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_810709_langId_-1_categoryId_165499
Please help me

supersonic

The link there is for the Vulcan - and it is a much better bike than the Hardrock.

davehoe

I have heard bad reviews about halfords, are they founded?

cooldad

They are a shop. The bikes are good. The setup can sometimes be a bit hit and miss. Like many other shops.

BigAl

My advice?

Of the two, the Carrera without doubt. Then learn how to maintain it yourself so you don't need to rely on a shop ( best place to start is Park Tool's website - link in Cooldad's signature)

Cookeh

cooldad wrote:

They are a shop. The bikes are good. The setup can sometimes be a bit hit and miss. Like many other shops.

This, essentially. Go over the bike a few times yourself before you ride it, make sure its set-up for you and your weight and it should be fine - they are, as has been said, good bikes for the money!

Kowalski675

Aye - poor shop staff, but good bikes. I've got a Carrera and a Boardman, and had issues with the PDI both times, but it wouldn't stop me buying another - I'd take it boxed and assemble it myself though.