The Itch

kevinscott

Ok, so my itch for mountain biking has come over me again. Have been looking at my options as I've looked at numerous bikes (and I mean numerous) and with so much choice I just haven#t got a clue which is the best value for money/best spec/lightest components.

Been into Halfords today and seen their range of Voodoo's/Carrera's

The Voodoo's looked nice, but felt abit weighty (Starting at about 14.2kg for the Bantu).

Again, all the Carrera's look alright but cant really see which is the "sweet spot" in the range which give's me the biggest bang for my buck.

I quite like the Valour (yes V Breaks, but Im not a bad weather rider just yet) for its simpleness and if I buy it and dont actually get into mountain biking the price wont hurt as much.. (http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-valour-mens-mountain-bike-2015)

But just as its top of the Range of the Carrera hard tails, I quite like the Fury (http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-fury-mountain-bike-2015)

Price kinda puts me off for just starting out uncertain what I would want to do. Some might say £600 for a Mountain bike isn't alot....and in truth, it isnt. But just starting out again Im being abit cautious.

Looking on Gumtree/Ebay/Pinkbike there isnt really much choice down here in Plymouth

Only one popped up

A 2008 Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc on Ebay (Specs here: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/archive/2008/hardrock/hardrockcompdisc#specs)
(Ad here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Hardrock-Comp-Hard-Tail-Mountain-Bike-Disc-Brakes-Competition-Spec-/281640149454?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41930fa1ce)

Under no uncertain terms do I think the bike is worth £160. Ive seen some 2012 Specialized Hardrocks for £160 in pretty good nick. At best I would say about £100. My issue is how much would it costs to make the bike safe to actually ride. The forks are a concern, if they are shot/rusted thats pretty much the cost of the bike again to repair. But if most is purely cosmetic then no great shakes.

So conclusion, I simply just don't know. The used market down here in Devon is pretty slim which leaves me Halfords and havent really had a look in Evans Cycles down here but assuming the similar sort of level as Halfords.

Any advice for a confused n00b would be appreciated.

kevinscott

Ive been tempted by the Rockriders in the past, but nearest store is about 120 miles away.

The Rookie

Obvious choice is a decent used bike, it won't loose as much if you decide to sell it and you'll get a better bike for the same money to start with as well.

kevinscott

Managed to find a almost brand new(looks like its been rode on the road) Voodoo Bantu a few miles down the road on Ebay. Saved me 50 quid on list price.

Justa curious one the Front suspension on the Bantu is listed as:
120mm Suntour XCR-LO-R Coil suspension fork with lockout

The Carrera Kraken, which is reviewed on this site quite highly (especially the forks) is listed to have :
SUNTOUR, XCR-32 LO COIL 27.5" - 1.1/8 Steerer

Are these the same? I do know the Bantu is listed as been made in 2013/2014?
The Kraken is listed as having CLARKES EXO HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE 180/160mm brakes, with the Bantu
Tektro HDC-300 Hydraulic disc - 180/160mm brakes. Are the brakes on the Bantu actually better? The only downgraded on the Bantu compared to the Kraken seems to be the chainset, and rear mech which are Acera instead of an XCM/Altus?

Just wondering....

The Rookie

Not the same no, the later forks have larger diameter stanchions, plus the one on the Kraken has a longer lower section to allow the larger diameter wheel and tyre to fit, same family of fork though.

I'd prefer the Tektro to the Clarkes which are a bit unreliable.

Bantu is a perfectly good bike, don't stress the details, just get out and ride!

kevinscott

Many thanks I will do, the South West wont know what hit them! HA!

AaronHaach

kevinscott wrote:

Many thanks I will do, the South West wont know what hit them! HA!

Where abouts in the South West are you?

kevinscott

Plymouth mate...so stay clear of the Gawton Gravity hub and general Tamar valley area.....it could get messy :P