B'Twin Rockrider 560 - 2016 not as good? Alternatives?

jimmypie

Complete newbie here. Spent weeks trying to research before buying my first bike. It will be a hardtail and my budget is around £500. Seen plenty of good things about the RR 560 but the 2015 version (as recommended by supersonic at the top of this forum). Not as much info around on the 2016 version but from what I have seen it's taken a backwards step. The drivechain and brakes seem to be the issue.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-56 ... l#v2076971

I've seen good and bad things about the Voodoo Bizango and the Trek Marlin 7.

Is the RR still the best option for my budget? As a newbie will I even notice these "issues"? Happy to look at other options.

Many thanks in advance.

JBA

For your budget also have a look at the Voodoo Hoodoo (Halfords).

supersonic

The 560 is still a good bike for the cash - not quite as well specced as the older one, but still a solid mix of components. The Marlin 7 is very heavy in its 2016 form, but the 2017 looks to have some higher level kit.

The Bizango is a step up on them both, with an air fork, 10 speed Deore kit and has won a lot of awards for its performance at the price - would be my choice if you wanted 29er that can cope with a little more than just xc riding. Check out the Carrera Kraken too at £350 (would leave some budget for upgrades ie lighter tyres, bars/seat post and pedals) or for a little more than your budget and big tyres how about a Charge Cooker?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-cooker-3-2016/

jimmypie

supersonic wrote:

The 560 is still a good bike for the cash - not quite as well specced as the older one, but still a solid mix of components. The Marlin 7 is very heavy in its 2016 form, but the 2017 looks to have some higher level kit.

The Bizango is a step up on them both, with an air fork, 10 speed Deore kit and has won a lot of awards for its performance at the price - would be my choice if you wanted 29er that can cope with a little more than just xc riding. Check out the Carrera Kraken too at £350 (would leave some budget for upgrades ie lighter tyres, bars/seat post and pedals) or for a little more than your budget and big tyres how about a Charge Cooker?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-cooker-3-2016/

Yeah it was the 2017 Marlin 7 I was looking at. Not heard of or seen anyone quote the Charge Cooker before, will take a look.

supersonic

It has a hefty price reduction - not worth the original price, but at just over £600is is much better value with some positive reviews.