BtWin vs Calibre 22

Hey guys!
One of those usual boring threads, but since cannot find a decent answer anywhere:
About me:
Serious rider, not for sports, but for commuting and travelling: hit about 300 miles a month
Ride on bumpy, bad condition roads at high speeds, bad weather and totalled already 2 road cycles in 8 months, which is why I decided to go for MTB
Bikes I am considering:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-50 ... 08677.html
Pro:
Really like the design
Want to try out full suspension
Expect it to perform well on rough roads
Good Price
Cons:
Mechanics Brakes
Since it is a cheap full suspension I expect faults soon
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two ... ke-p275612
Pro:
Like the design
Heard good reviews, expecting the bike to last long
Good Price
Cons:
Not sure about the size? They have 20 inch frame and I am a 6'4 lad
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-52 ... Advantages
Pro: Seems sturdy
Cons: Worse specks than Calibre?
Also checked out the woodoo, but did not like the design so I think it is a no. So what could you recommend folks?
One of those usual boring threads, but since cannot find a decent answer anywhere:
About me:
Serious rider, not for sports, but for commuting and travelling: hit about 300 miles a month
Ride on bumpy, bad condition roads at high speeds, bad weather and totalled already 2 road cycles in 8 months, which is why I decided to go for MTB
Bikes I am considering:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-50 ... 08677.html
Pro:
Really like the design
Want to try out full suspension
Expect it to perform well on rough roads
Good Price
Cons:
Mechanics Brakes
Since it is a cheap full suspension I expect faults soon
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two ... ke-p275612
Pro:
Like the design
Heard good reviews, expecting the bike to last long
Good Price
Cons:
Not sure about the size? They have 20 inch frame and I am a 6'4 lad
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-52 ... Advantages
Pro: Seems sturdy
Cons: Worse specks than Calibre?
Also checked out the woodoo, but did not like the design so I think it is a no. So what could you recommend folks?
0
Posts
I ride extensively on poor quality roads and from choice if get a 29" wheeled hybrid, have a look at the Voodoo Marasa at Halfords or the Boardman MX range, the former is rigid but the tyres give you quite a but of cushion, the latter has short travel forks.
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
Spec for spec, the Calibre is better. It is well reviewed too.
But we're pleased with the 520, does its job well. The fork is a bit meh, as you'd expect at that price point (in particular the lockout doesn't really lock out very solidly).
If all you're thinking about is riding it on the road, perhaps a hybrid would be a better option? Or you could do what I did a couple of years ago and get a 29er MTB so that you can put narrower tyres on (readily available, as a 29er is the same 700c wheel size as a hybrid / road bike) and roll that bit more effortlessly.
I can't see that the 500S would be a good option for riding on the roads to work, no matter how bumpy they are.
2011 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc (son #4s)
2013 Decathlon Triban 3 (red) (mine)
2019 Hoy Bonaly 26" Disc (son #2s)
2018 Voodoo Bizango (mine)
2018 Voodoo Maji (wife's)
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
Somewhere I read in forums that I should check out StartCycles and actually I found some great deals there and some financing as well, so mine budget increased to 450 max
What do you think about this one:
http://startcycles.co.uk/bikes/mountain ... rettyPhoto
http://startcycles.co.uk/bikes/mountain ... rettyPhoto
An this one aswell!
Thanks for the responses!
Perhaps you were on the wrong forum?
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
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VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
I was really considering the GT bike, what do you mean by pointless and horrible fork?
I think I will go then
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-52 ... 93188.html
Hydraulic brakes are much better in strength
So GT is not in the same league as btwin, so basically it is decided I will go for 520 will post a full review later
The 520 is a lovely bike for the money. Hydraulic fork and brakes, superb shimano drivetrain.
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
More seriously, you wouldn't drive a car at speed across rough ground with no shock absorber (damper) fitted, so why would you do it on a bike, The XCT are not the worst fork on sale, but they are the worst one fitted to a bike claiming to be a proper mountain bike. (first time round Cannock my daughters bike had steel lowers.......)
The Rockrider is a fantastic bit of kit - a couple of people I ride with have them.
Start Cycles have some great deals on kit and components.
Chris
Current FS: 2017 Nukeproof Mega 275
Current HT: 2017 Nukeproof Scout 275
Kids Carrera Blast Refurb/Upgrade
My Blog - Midlife MTB Mutterings
Previous FS: 2014 Nukeproof Mega TR 26'er
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/