A more expensive Halfords bike Vs cheaper LBS bike

cooldad

I may be a bit less picky...

Manc33

The Boardman bikes are Halford's "weakness" in that most of the other bikes they sell are heavy for the price yet they still manage to sell them, hence that is their strength. :P

cooldad

Manc33 wrote:

My brain hurts and I'm speshul

rockmonkeysc

Manc33 wrote:

The Boardman bikes are Halford's "weakness" in that most of the other bikes they sell are heavy for the price yet they still manage to sell them, hence that is their strength. :P

And what about Voodoo and Carrera, they are also better than their competitors.

GBH14

After looking into it a bit more I have decided I will probably be better off just upgrading my 2010 Kraken.. The frame is still in good condition so I will look for new forks and a wheel set initially I think.

Does anyone know if he steerer is tapered or straight on my kraken? It's the 2010 grey version. If not I will have to check once I get home, I can't remember.

What are people's opinions of Rockshox Reba RL Solo Air's? Any other recommendations?

Any suggestions on a wheel set that won't break the bank too?

Antm81

Rebas are a good fork, consider suntour epicons too, far better than their lower end offerings. I expect you've got a straight steerer but I'm not sure, it's not a big job to quickly drop the forks out of the frame to check though.

As for wheels I've had no issues running superstars in the past although others aren't a fan of their hubs. Shimano wheel sets are a good option, some may require either centre lock brake rotors though or an adaptor to fit 6 bolt rotors. Have a look on merlin cycles they usually have some good offerings.

rockmonkeysc

Its a straight steerer

The Rookie

It's straight as RM says but as the headtube is 44mm you can get an external cup lower if you want to fit a tapered.

GBH14

The Rookie wrote:

It's straight as RM says but as the headtube is 44mm you can get an external cup lower if you want to fit a tapered.

Really? what do i need to do this? Any links?

rockmonkeysc

44mm integrated top cup with 1 1/8" bearing. 44mm external bottom cup with 1 1/2" bearing.

Something like this one but there are loads of other options.
http://www.springsandthingscycles.co.uk ... adset-p973

dirkpitt74

Do you need to replace your headset?
Plenty of decent straight steerer forks out there.
Suntour Raidon or Epicon would be a good start.
Check out Chain Reaction Cycles as they're havjng a bit of a sale and some forks reduced amd also Rose Bkkes and Bike-Discount.de have some good deals too.