Would appreciate some help with choosing a new bike

Alex R
Alex R Posts: 31
edited September 2011 in MTB buying advice
Hi everyone,

Fairly recently I bought a new Carrera Vulcan from Halfords. I was planning to start cycling again, after a break of almost 10 years (a car hit me while cycling and that really put me off it). Anyhow, in April I have decided to buy an mountain bike and start to do some off-road cycling, so I ended up buying the Carrera.
The Carrera was alright for the first couple of months and then it gave up on me.. took it for the free service and since then I had more and more problems with it (at some point they’ve changed the freewheel, crankshaft and chain – and these proved to be not as good as the initial ones actually)... I guess all was partly due to the fact that I didn’t do the basic maintenance checks after getting the bike and partly cause the guys at Halfords didn’t do a brilliant job!
Anyhow, now I got back on track and know how to do the basic checks and maintenance for the bike and want to start fresh. I did about 700miles so far on the Carrera and it just doesn’t do any more. I really want to upgrade...

Some friends and also some gents that are active on this forum helped me narrow my list to the following ones:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-zaskar-elite-2011/

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p3229

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p3483

http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p8860

Could you please help me decide.. I really would appreciate opinions on these ones and I would like to go ahead with the buy (they’re on sale now and I don’t want to miss that).

Many thanks!

Comments

  • weeksy59
    weeksy59 Posts: 2,606
    go to AWcycles, Berks bikes, Evans, try a few out and get a feel for what you want.

    i'm at AW cycles about 3pm if you want to chat
    Salsa Spearfish 29er
    http://superdukeforum.forumatic.com/index.php
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    The GT, but it will die as well if you don't look after it.
    I don't do smileys.

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  • Alex R
    Alex R Posts: 31
    weeksy, I am planning to go to Evans in a few (is only 5 min away from home) and I will come at about 3 then to have a chat and a look at what you have (the buget I have in mind is max 700 - I can get an extra 15% for the GT too, so it fits)

    cooldad, thanks (yet again..). I have started to do the routine checks and maintenance already a few months ago and I have used the site that you've recommended to twiggle a bit with the gears too! really grateful for all your help, cheers!
  • weeksy59
    weeksy59 Posts: 2,606
    Alex, i'm off to AW at 3... not Evans...

    If you have £700 in cash mate, i'll flog you a Commencal MEta 55 team (bought from Evans in Reading) for cash, with no postage etc to get it out of the way.

    See my advert in for sale.. it's well specc'd and a FS with RP2 shock, Recon forks, light/superb DT Swiss wheels...
    Salsa Spearfish 29er
    http://superdukeforum.forumatic.com/index.php
  • Alex R
    Alex R Posts: 31
    sorry, I meant that I'm going to Evans now, in a few min and then coming to see you at about 3 :)

    that bike is absolutely amazing!!! but I really want a new bike to start with.. really want to start fresh... is only cause I am a newbie!! and I just want to make sure I'm covered.. sorry...

    what you have there is an amazing bike and I will be looking to buy something like that probably in a couple of years or so... I think...

    again, thanks! I will come at 3ish and see you at AW

    have a lovely day

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