One for the MTB gurus...
30 November 2006, 01:24 PM
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One for the MTB gurus...
Seems we have quite a few 'keen' MTB'ers on here...
I'm looking at getting a MTB for Commuting on and some weekend fun in the hills etc...
I never realised there were so many variations of a bike ! It's a bloody minefield! Must mention that budget is an issue, I can't/don't want to spend more than £400 and ideally I want to buy brand new.
After a few days surfing I have narrowed it down to this:
Evans Cycles: Product: GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc 2007 Mountain Bike
Good choice? Bad choice? Any other brands I should consider?
Cheers in advance..
I'm looking at getting a MTB for Commuting on and some weekend fun in the hills etc...
I never realised there were so many variations of a bike ! It's a bloody minefield! Must mention that budget is an issue, I can't/don't want to spend more than £400 and ideally I want to buy brand new.
After a few days surfing I have narrowed it down to this:
Evans Cycles: Product: GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc 2007 Mountain Bike
Good choice? Bad choice? Any other brands I should consider?
Cheers in advance..
30 November 2006, 01:32 PM
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You should test bikes if only you get your sizing correct. The GT looks fine for the money but trek, Spec, Dale... etc all have bikes in this price bracket, go try a few.
30 November 2006, 01:33 PM
#3
The bike looks like not a bad spec for the price. I would have a look at what 2006 bikes Evans also have left as you could find your budget may go a little further. 
30 November 2006, 01:34 PM
#4
look ok, but consider if you really want front suspension for cummuting (I do). They add weight, and reduce the spec of the bike to the the extra cost. The forks on this aren't too good, but would be ok for potholes.
Gt are pretty goo, also consider equvelent Trek, Specialised Kona and Giant. I got last year's Kona from Halfords with 1/3 off at this time of year.
Also check you can get hold of brake pads for these brakes, as Tektro aren't one if the top brands. They do last pretty will usually, though if you venture into muddy stuff in winter, you can get through a set in a few hours
Gt are pretty goo, also consider equvelent Trek, Specialised Kona and Giant. I got last year's Kona from Halfords with 1/3 off at this time of year.
Also check you can get hold of brake pads for these brakes, as Tektro aren't one if the top brands. They do last pretty will usually, though if you venture into muddy stuff in winter, you can get through a set in a few hours
30 November 2006, 01:36 PM
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It's not bad for the cash. Suntour forks aren't great but for that money you can't grumble. Maybe upgrade them later when they knackered.
Might be a good idea to budget for two sets of wheels, one set with road/slick tyres for commuting, one with knobblies for the weekend. Pain to keep changing tyres around otherwise. Depend how far you commute is really. More than a few miles on knobblies and it can get pretty tiring also you can ride faster on slicks.
Might be a good idea to budget for two sets of wheels, one set with road/slick tyres for commuting, one with knobblies for the weekend. Pain to keep changing tyres around otherwise. Depend how far you commute is really. More than a few miles on knobblies and it can get pretty tiring also you can ride faster on slicks.
30 November 2006, 01:39 PM
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Thanks for the comments so far guys, Evans have a store in Manchester so I'm planning on going down this weekend to have a sit on a few...
Commute is 9miles each way so I'm liking the road wheels idea...
Commute is 9miles each way so I'm liking the road wheels idea...
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30 November 2006, 01:41 PM
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I have the 2006 model. It's a great bike. As above get some fast wheels/tyres for road &commuting , Merlin are pretty good ..
Merlin Cycles Ltd Factory built wheels
Merlin Cycles Ltd Factory built wheels
30 November 2006, 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by SJ_Skyline
I would have a look at what 2006 bikes Evans also have left as you could find your budget may go a little further.
Did stubble across this down from £500 ! Does the more expensive price make it better than the GT?
GIANT XTC SE 2006 : £399.95 : BIKES : Mountain Bikes - Front Suspension - Pauls Cycles
30 November 2006, 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 2000 sport
30 November 2006, 02:08 PM
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I had a bad experience with Giant years ago, I had an ATX1 that was a heap of ****e !! I ended up getting my dosh back after I broke it about 10 times and it had been back to the factory 3 times.. I personally wouldn't get another, but alot of people do like them..
30 November 2006, 02:38 PM
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just a couple more to chuck in the mix..
JE James are doing the Orange Gringo 06 at £399 from £520 and the Dawes Edge Full Suspension 05 at £349 from £750
JE James are doing the Orange Gringo 06 at £399 from £520 and the Dawes Edge Full Suspension 05 at £349 from £750
30 November 2006, 03:28 PM
#18
Originally Posted by B9GLY
does the size of bike you need depend on your height/leg measurements???
The best advice will be from the guys in the shop - try out a few bikes with a few frame sizes and see which feels the best along with their advice you should be able to make a more informed decision.
30 November 2006, 03:42 PM
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I had a Giant XTC4 a couple of years ago (now handed down to my wife) its a great frame, though Suntour forks are pants. Brakes work well, but be warned if you need spares, they can only be bought via Giant. Most LBS's don't seem to stock them, so if you need something, it will take a long time and cost a lot. I lost a screw fron the brake lever in Afan. They couldn't supply the screw, only the whole brake mechanism at about £75.00. Needles to say its now held together with an unsightly nut and bolt!
As your going to be on the road a lot, I'd get something with a fork lockout as when you stand up going up hill it will sap a lot of power otherwise.
Dependant on what your planing for the weekends, it might be worth looking at a Hybred, some have low travel front shocks which will take the edge off the bumps but have skinier tyres so roll better on the road. Really depends if your going to be thrashing through the woods or crusing down a bridleway.
Size of bike will be dependant on your overall shape including reach, ultimately its down to what feels good. Dont just sit on it, insist on a ride as this is really the only way you will know for sure that you have the right bike and dont be shy about trying a few, narrowing it down to two or three and trying them again. an uncomfortable bike will be miserable for 18 miles a day>
Good luck.
Andy
As your going to be on the road a lot, I'd get something with a fork lockout as when you stand up going up hill it will sap a lot of power otherwise.
Dependant on what your planing for the weekends, it might be worth looking at a Hybred, some have low travel front shocks which will take the edge off the bumps but have skinier tyres so roll better on the road. Really depends if your going to be thrashing through the woods or crusing down a bridleway.
Size of bike will be dependant on your overall shape including reach, ultimately its down to what feels good. Dont just sit on it, insist on a ride as this is really the only way you will know for sure that you have the right bike and dont be shy about trying a few, narrowing it down to two or three and trying them again. an uncomfortable bike will be miserable for 18 miles a day>
Good luck.
Andy
30 November 2006, 03:45 PM
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it totally depends on the geometry of the bike, I can be comfortable on anything from a 17" to a 21", generally I prefer a slightly smaller frame and a bit more seatpost.. but it depends what sort of riding you intend on doing ?
30 November 2006, 03:46 PM
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I went and brought a Carrera Fury from Halfrauds a couple of weeks ago for £400 was on sale from £600.
Carrera Carrera Fury 18" Bike from Halfords Was £599.99 Save £200.00 Price £399.99
Its got the best spec for the money I could find. The Rockshox air forks are great £180 if brought on there own. It also has hydraulic disk breaks and 27 gears. It's also nice and light. It gets good reviews on MB forums as you can't beat it for the price and spec.
I know its a Halfrauds bike, but don't let that put you off. If you buy one just go round an make shore everything is done up, as everything was lose on mine. The gears where also badly setup. But with a little bit of tinkering and setting up it now works perfectly and is a great bike. One of my friends is mad on MB's and has had a go on it and was very impressed.
Carrera Carrera Fury 18" Bike from Halfords Was £599.99 Save £200.00 Price £399.99
Its got the best spec for the money I could find. The Rockshox air forks are great £180 if brought on there own. It also has hydraulic disk breaks and 27 gears. It's also nice and light. It gets good reviews on MB forums as you can't beat it for the price and spec.
I know its a Halfrauds bike, but don't let that put you off. If you buy one just go round an make shore everything is done up, as everything was lose on mine. The gears where also badly setup. But with a little bit of tinkering and setting up it now works perfectly and is a great bike. One of my friends is mad on MB's and has had a go on it and was very impressed.
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