Carrera Abyss Boys "Hybrid"
mattrixdesign2
Posts: 644
Guys
My 7yo needs a new bike for Xmas, he is currently using a hand me down of an old Carrera Blast, its done well (albeit with replacement brake levers, rear mech, chain, cassette etc). He is getting more and more into cycling, and I have been thinking it over and considering bikes from Isla, Evans (Hoy and Pinnacle) and Frog. All are great specs and a nice weight. During my searches I came across this Carrera...
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/k ... 14-24#tab1
Seems to tick all the boxes, no pointless suspension, quick release wheels, light weight, it will fit him with growing room, decent Tekro cantis, and Shimano gearing - to top it all the price seems very reasonable for a decent kids bike, cheap than the other options!
The big(er) wheels means a quick swap of the tyres should mean he can have a nippy flat bar racer or rigid MTB. He can already cover 20miles, so this should get him going further.
Anyone got one of these, any positive or negative comments, my issues are the nameless wheels look basic and the rims are wide (not sure if it would take narrower tyres than those supplied!). Also the cassette looks to be a screw on type, do the other kids bikes above have screw on types or are they proper freewheel hub types?
If we wanted to upgrade the wheels are decent narrow 24inch ones easy enough to purchase, I expect so?
Finally its got the Shimano Revo(?) gripshift, how does this compare to the awful low end Sram stuff, as I ended up swapping that on the old bike. All kids bikes should come with thumb shifters!
My 7yo needs a new bike for Xmas, he is currently using a hand me down of an old Carrera Blast, its done well (albeit with replacement brake levers, rear mech, chain, cassette etc). He is getting more and more into cycling, and I have been thinking it over and considering bikes from Isla, Evans (Hoy and Pinnacle) and Frog. All are great specs and a nice weight. During my searches I came across this Carrera...
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/k ... 14-24#tab1
Seems to tick all the boxes, no pointless suspension, quick release wheels, light weight, it will fit him with growing room, decent Tekro cantis, and Shimano gearing - to top it all the price seems very reasonable for a decent kids bike, cheap than the other options!
The big(er) wheels means a quick swap of the tyres should mean he can have a nippy flat bar racer or rigid MTB. He can already cover 20miles, so this should get him going further.
Anyone got one of these, any positive or negative comments, my issues are the nameless wheels look basic and the rims are wide (not sure if it would take narrower tyres than those supplied!). Also the cassette looks to be a screw on type, do the other kids bikes above have screw on types or are they proper freewheel hub types?
If we wanted to upgrade the wheels are decent narrow 24inch ones easy enough to purchase, I expect so?
Finally its got the Shimano Revo(?) gripshift, how does this compare to the awful low end Sram stuff, as I ended up swapping that on the old bike. All kids bikes should come with thumb shifters!
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Totally agree on the grip shift, it does look better quality than the Sram stuff on my lads old Carrera blast. I still don't think its a good idea... I honestly think a traditional Thumb shifter is ideal. I will have a play about and may even change it for an underbar or thumb shifter before Christmas.
The bike has quick release, jag wire outers etc, it is impressive for the price IMO.
Picking it up in store it seems light weight for a kids bike, helped by the sensible rigid fork, its sold as a "Hybrid", its more a mini 29er (24er!) for kids, I think the big wheels will help for longer rides.
Picking it up Friday, won't get any actual riding feedback until Christmas!
Looking at a Frog bike for her as she is very petite and getting a bike that is heavy really is a no-no.
The girls bike is like for like - other than colours, from what I could see, wasn't paying much attention.
I didn't weigh the bike, just picked it up - it felt light for a kids bike, certainly lighter than his smaller wheeled Blast with suspension fork.
I will be collecting it tomorrow, if I get chance when putting in the loft I will weigh it and post back.
The Frog bikes look good, however my lad didn't like the colours/look of them.
One other to consider is Evans own Pinnacle bikes, they seemed well built and light enough.
I do think this Abyss is a good choice (VFM), the only corners cut are the very basic looking wheels (i.e. not coloured or fancy stickers), but that may not be a bad thing, also quick release which is a big bonus in my eyes.
Already mulling upgrades, i.e. change of shifter, grips and tyres :roll:
Picked the bike up, quite chuffed as I got 10% in their on line promotion (£161.99), and on collection asked for a British Cycling discount, no problem, so paid £145.79!
It looks good, bars folded flat for transport, a joy to be able to pop the wheels off without a spanner.
It is going into loft storage, will try and weigh it prior to going up there, felt light enough, I am sure most weight could be saved with a quick tyre swap.
No sale at the moment, but they have a stupid RRP on the website!