Calibre Gauntlet or Rockrider 580 or Radon ZR 7.0

LeeMartn

Need some advice guys,

This is my first mountain bike to start off what I hope to be my new hobby and I am drowning in bikes! After a long look at reviews over the course of a few years, I have narrowed it down to these two based on their spec (no actual reviews of either). I was originally going to go for the Calibre TwoTwo, but decided that I would upgrade to the Gauntlet assuming that it would be even better and do me longer term.

After deciding on that price range I have narrowed it down to these three and I would like some advice on what you guys thing is the best value. As far as I have read I should stick to RockShox air forks, but after that everything seems like much of a muchness.

Calibre Gauntlet 650B Mountain Bike £550 http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-gauntlet-650b-mountain-bike-p343871

B'TWIN ROCKRIDER 580 MOUNTAIN BIKE £600 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-580-mountain-bike-275-id_8336093.html#anchor_ComponentProductAdvantages

Radon ZR Team 27,5 7.0 £660 http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-zr-team-27,5-7.0-463367/

I prefer the look of the Radon ZR if I'm honest, but I am a little uneasy with it being an overseas purchase. This being my first bike I would like to be able to take it into a shop if I have any issues etc.

Look forward to reading your advice!

supersonic

There is not that much in them to be honest - the Gauntlet gets slightly longer, slacker geometry which will help stability (but steer a little slower) whilst the Radon gets a better fork and a few better parts, and that is reflected in the cost. The Rockrider sort of sits in the middle.

I'd also take a look at the Carrera Fury:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... -bike-2015

LeeMartn

supersonic wrote:

There is not that much in them to be honest - the Gauntlet gets slightly longer, slacker geometry which will help stability (but steer a little slower) whilst the Radon gets a better fork and a few better parts, and that is reflected in the cost. The Rockrider sort of sits in the middle.

I'd also take a look at the Carrera Fury:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... -bike-2015

Thanks for your input, that was kind of what I thought! I had looked at the Fury but I am not to keen on the looks of it... I know it shouldn't really be about that, but I can't help but want something I also like the looks of. Also I have bought a SeaSucker bomber for transport and wanted to avoid the through-axel to save me buying the adapter. Again, a minor issue but would like to stick with a 9mm QR.