choice between 2 mtbs (sizing problem)

parko202

Hey, how's it going,

Am branching out to mountainbiking and have been looking around on the internet and am trying to decide between two bikes. The first is the cube ltd race

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=44335

which seems like a really good spec, light and has good reviews etc.

The other is the Beone karma:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31029

better spec, less about it on the internet but I have one of their road bikes and except for the geometry being a bit wierd I am happy with it. The problem I see with this is that I am 6'4 and am wondering if this would be too small for me in the biggest 21', I know the cube is only 22' and I am wondering what difference this will really make.

Any guidance / help would be great,

Cheers

Home:Ballyhoura

Do you mind if I throw this one into the mix too? Very similar to the Cube actually and even a bit cheaper, a lot of bike for the money and comes in a 22" too!

Enduro

MTBing is not Road biking. Err on the smaller side if you're not sure which size is right for you. (smaller bikes are more manoeverable and "throwable", and are less likely to restrict your movements when going over technical terraine or down steep slopes). I'm 5'10, and I've ridden from 19.5" down to 17", and the smaller bikes are without doubt better for technical MTBing. A rule of thumb is to have 3" of clearance between your undercarriage and the frame when you stand over the bike.

parko202

cheers Home:Ballyhoura, I have been looking at the canyon aswell and would probably prefer that over the two but I am living in Canada for the next couple of months so can't get it sent over here hence limited to the bikes on CRC.

From looking at the rough guides, 22 is already probably a little smaller than would be recommended so would I be best going with that rather than the 21' BeOne even with the slightly lower spec?

Morgan

So you're in Canada and you're trying to buy online from Europe? Why?

Regarding size - 21" or 22" would be plenty-big depending on the geometry. If anything they might be too big.

parko202

I know it seems a bit odd but having gone into a good few shops in the area and looked online, the offerings aren't great. A similar price specialized / trek / norco / santa cruz are all lower spec. The shipping cost is 50 euro and the import tax is 5% so it doesn't actually work out at too much more than if I was getting it sent to Ireland.

If there are other options that you know about in terms of good sites to buy from over this side that would be great or recommendations of brands etc.

parko202

sorry for bringing this back up but have narrowed it down to two bikes really and I can get both at the same price so it really comes down to recommendations. Looking at the spec they are pretty similar so does anyone have experience with either?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=44336

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/2343/32138/?collections_id=4

There isn't too much about the giant on the internet but have heard the carbon back end is good for shock absorption.

I guess the type of cycling im looking at doing most would be light to medium trails, like those in ballinastoe and some of the easier stuff up at three rock.

Any advice would be great, cheers