Would a HT make more sense than a cheap FS such as a Calibre Triple B or Vitus Mythique?

mm94210

I have recently edited this post as we are now considering a HT instead of purchasing a cheap FS MTB. The previous comments have been really useful so thanks for those so far.

My brother is looking to purchase his first MTB. We ride trail centre blues mainly and occasional long rides on Dartmoor and Exmoor. He wants to spend as close to 1k as possible, with an absolute top budget of £1500. I have a Whyte T130 and in normal circumstances I would steer him towards a used bike such as that or similar, but for obvious reasons in the current climate buying used is not really possible.

Initially I suggested the Calibre BBB as he had his heart set on a FS. I can get 20% discount on it and he can therefore get it for £1300. For the spec this seems hard to ignore. Other FS options that he has considered include a Vitus Mythique 29 VRX but this would be almost £300 more than the BBB.

Here are links to the two FS bikes he is considering:

BBB (£1300): https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15905428/calibre-triple-b-mountain-bike15905428

Vitus Mythique VRX 2020 (£1599.99): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-mythique-29-vrx-bike-sx-eagle-1x12-2020/rp-prod182815

I have also suggested to him that it might be worth considering a HT for between £1000-£1500. He has really come round to this idea and this is probably the way he is going to go. I am still looking into which HTs might suit but so far we are considering these:

Vitus Sentier 29 VR 2020 (£1099): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-sentier-29-vr-bike-sx-eagle-1x12-2020/rp-prod181520

Nukeproof Scout 290 Race 2020 (£1099): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nukeproof-scout-290-race-bike-deore-2020/rp-prod183330

Ragley Marley 1.0 2020 (£1299): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ragley-marley-1-0-hardtail-bike-2020/rp-prod188246

My main question is whether you guys think a really cheap FS bike or a HT would be the best option. As I said, his riding will include mainly Blues at trail centres and days out on Dartmoor and Exmoor. We are pretty sure now that a HT would be the best option but would you say this was sensible, or would the cheap FS make a better purchase?

I would be really grateful if people could give their views and feel free to mention any bikes that we should perhaps consider instead.

Many thanks in advance.

The Rookie

Better spec visibility for the BBB on GO's website https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15905426/calibre-triple-b-mountain-bike-15905426#product_tabs

The Vitus is the better bike, better fork, better drivetrain and (for me) better brakes. I would say that it is worth the extra money for trail riding, but the extra fork stiffness would be a noticeable on faster/rougher terrain.

mm94210

Thanks for your reply. Yeah, he does like the look of the Vitus, and I have also heard good stuff about the fork (although have never used one of them). Would the NX on the BBB not be an upgrade over the SX on the Vitus though?

The Rookie

One is 12 speed Eagle, one 11 speed.... Yes the Vitus is an upgrade IMO.

dabber

Both are 12 speed.

The Rookie

The OPs updated the link, thanks for that.