Opinions about GT Aggressor/ TREK / Boardman or Vitus Nucleus is worth the wait?

andromeda4ever

Hello, I'm looking for a MTB to join my kids on a rides, been looking at some of the bikes but since I'm absolutely clueless about all the specs all I know is that I would prefer a bike that is on a lighter side and its decent enough! I'm 5.5ft tall. Budged up to around £600. My 11yr old son has a Squish MTB 26 and is so lovely to ride it, looking for something similar but obviously more robust (hence the weight from too much sofa time during lockdown!) Are there any decent bikes in Halfords? Or I'm better at searching the local bikes shops? Any pointers will be greatly appreciated! The ones that stand out from my search was GT Aggressor, TREK and Boardman, Cannondale Trail any opinions about these? Or is it better to wait for Vitus Nucleus? Thank you

vincesummerskRoxcBTr

My partner and I bought a Trek Marlin 6 each last Sept. Chosen mainly because there wasn't much else available! However they have been excellent so far , good basic MTBs for cross country use and nice to ride. They also havmudguard and rack mounts if you wanted to used them.
Only negative is the saddle which get uncomfortable on longer ride, don't seem to have any give in them!

andromeda4ever

I went to the local shop and got myself Specialized Rockhopper at the end, couldnt wait any more!! Cant wait to test it out tomorrow! Was looking at the mudguards as at some point Ill probably get it. Dreading about the saddle being uncomfortable!! Hoping for the best!

steve_sordy

andromeda4ever said:

.............Dreading about the saddle being uncomfortable!! Hoping for the best!

Have fun with the Speccy Rockhopper.
If you have problems with the saddle, first thing is to check your sit-bone width. If the saddle is too narrow you will never be comfortable and might even get saddle sores! Too wide and it restricts mobility, your ability to move about on the bike.

To establish your sit-bone width, place some corrugated cardboard on a hard surface (table, smooth chair...) and sit on it for a few seconds. You should see two depressions. Draw around them and then mark the centre of each circle. The distance between and that is your sit bone width. Opinions vary, but the saddle should be between 15-30mm wider at its widest point.

WTB do a wide range of saddles, categorised by sit-bone width, and the activity.

https://www.wtb.com/pages/fit-right-system

You will also benefit from either padded shorts or (my preference) padded undershorts. Undershorts allow you to wear a variety of different outers (shorts, longs etc).
These are what I use, but I just discovered that Decathlon also supply some padded shorts that are cheaper. I have no idea if they are any good.

https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/endura_padded_liner_shorts-ID_54979?sv_source=google&sv_medium=cpc&sv_campaign=[campaign_name]&sv_term=[keyword]&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkt28qaqb7wIViZftCh1j2w8aEAQYBSABEgJud_D_BwE

JBA

You'll hate the saddle initially. New saddles always feel uncomfortable. Give time and a few rides though before deciding if you need to change it.
Don't confuse how soft the saddle is with comfort either. Most decent saddles have very little, if any padding. It is the shape that makes them comfortable.