Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Advice on mountain bike

  • 04-03-2009 8:22am
    #1
    GoHardOrGoHome
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,123 ✭✭✭


    I'm sure you get these questions all the time so hopefully you're not sick of these questions and you can help me out.

    I was looking on ChainReactionCycles for a mountain bike and have it shortlisted to these:

    BeOne Ten Hardtail Bike - Ltd Edition 2007 From €451.19
    (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24063)

    GT Avalanche 1.0 2008 From €360.95

    (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29071)

    BeOne Aspire 1.0 Hardtail Bike 2008 From €338.39
    (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25443)

    BeOne Aspire 2.0 Hardtail Bike 2008 From €281.99
    (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25442)

    Viper Fat Boy Hardtail Bike 2008 From €338.39
    (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23280)

    BeOne Karma 3.0 Hardtail Bike 2008 From €563.99
    (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25444)

    They are all hardtails but I've heard of a few terms like urban assault bike which I haven't a clue what that means. Just want to avoid getting a stunt bike or something by mistake.

    I'm looking for a bit of an all-rounder I suppose. I won't be racing in it but I may take it into a couple of adventure races which have a mountain biking section. Generally like to muck around in Ticknock and would like to get acquainted with Ballinastoe, maybe make a trip to Ballyhoura.

    I'm 5'9" and weigh 68kg. Not sure if the weight would make a difference but would like to get a better idea of frame size. I'm going to be in the North in a couple of weeks so will try a couple of frames. Is 15" way too small or do some people use them? 17" "sounds" like it would be a good size. Is 19" too big? I like a bit of clearance from the bar to my important bits.

    Last thing, I reckon I'd prefer disc brakes as I imagine they have better stopping ability in wet mucky conditions?

    The Karma is the most expensive. Is it worth the money? (I know to "real" mountain bikers anything under 1500 would be the peasant's choice! - maybe I'm wrong).


Comments

  • #2
    t0mm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 359 ✭✭t0mm


    What you want is an XC, or cross country bike. For that kind of money you're not going to get fantastic spec, and you will have to upgrade certain components over the next year, depending on use.

    For that price, the BeOne Ten and Karma are your only rel choices, anything lower than that is a false economy as things will just brake, a lot. The karma is higher spec than the Ten, and is well worth the 100 sheckles more. Hydraulic disc brakes are a must, as is good suspension, rockshox, marzocchi and fox are the only brands I would consider.

    However, around the €500 mark I would definately look at buying second hand. That Karma is a great deal, but have a look on http://www.madmtb.com, http://www.epicmtb.com, http://mbcc.ie, or http://irishdh.com

    in the for sale forums. If you can't find anything decent in the price range (feel free to throw up a link here looking for advice on a particular second hand bike), then I see no reason not to go for that karma.


  • #3
    Greyspoke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 378 ✭✭Greyspoke


    The Karma does look like quite a good buy especially as CRC are quoting £499 for it now. It seems to be reasonably well specced though I'm not sure exactly what brake set is on it though would assume they're hydraulic. Size wise, I'm the same height and would usually go for a 17in though a lot depends on the top tube length ie the reach to the bars.


  • #4
    GoHardOrGoHome
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,123 ✭✭✭GoHardOrGoHome


    t0mm wrote: »
    What you want is an XC, or cross country bike.

    Gotcha, I think when I saw XC before I read Cyclo Cross not regular cross country bike. Thanks for the clarification.
    t0mm wrote: »
    For that price, the BeOne Ten and Karma are your only rel choices, anything lower than that is a false economy as things will just brake, a lot. The karma is higher spec than the Ten, and is well worth the 100 sheckles more. Hydraulic disc brakes are a must, as is good suspension, rockshox, marzocchi and fox are the only brands I would consider.

    What's the alternative to hydraulic disc brakes? And what is it that's good about them?
    t0mm wrote: »
    However, around the €500 mark I would definately look at buying second hand. That Karma is a great deal, but have a look on http://www.madmtb.com, http://www.epicmtb.com, http://mbcc.ie, or http://irishdh.com

    in the for sale forums. If you can't find anything decent in the price range (feel free to throw up a link here looking for advice on a particular second hand bike), then I see no reason not to go for that karma.

    Great, I'll have a look around those. I'll probably avoid the down hillers. Just a little too insane for my liking. I have a Canadian friend whose brother is some sort of an underage champion over there. Must find out her surname - she's married to a friend of mine.
    Greyspoke wrote: »
    The Karma does look like quite a good buy especially as CRC are quoting £499 for it now. It seems to be reasonably well specced though I'm not sure exactly what brake set is on it though would assume they're hydraulic. Size wise, I'm the same height and would usually go for a 17in though a lot depends on the top tube length ie the reach to the bars.

    That's great Greyspoke I'll have a look at the second hand bikes and if I don't find anything I want I'll go for the Karma. It's hard to justify spending to non-sporty people. They say things like: "you can buy a lovely mountain bike in Halfords/Tesco". Good to have somebody saying: "that's great value" when I'm trying to convince myself I can afford it!


Advertisement