Beginner Mountain Bike max price €700-720 0

Salesman81

Hi All,

OK, so after all the homework is done I have the following bikes and would appreciate any advice...


Rider Height

6' 2" or 189 cm about 21" frame


Bike need to have:

Price : €700-720 Max !
Brakes: hydraulic discs
Fork: hydraulic lockout, 100mm



Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2012 ONLY 80mm fork !White/Black/Red
Treck 4500 Dics 2012
Giant Talon 3 2012 like this one
GiantRevel Ltd. 1 2012
Scott Aspect 30 2012 this one excist in two colors !! ---> http://www.crosstrax.co.uk/smsimg/2/mdb-f1490_221754_aspect-30.jpg i like white/red !
Carrera Vulcan has fork 120mm !?
???

Any big difference in 80mm - 100mm fork ?

So basically im asking what is the BEST bike pick brand + warranty you can buy and why ?

Is it worth spending the extra to get a bike from the higher price range for beginner ??

Is it a good idea to consider 29`er ?
Giant TALON 29ER 1

Or

Cube Analog 29



Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

aongo

1st off, I think you're right in deciding on a budget and sticking to it... cycling can be a slippery slope into the bottomless money pit so stand your ground!

Best advise might be to ride or at least throw the leg over as many bikes on your list as you can - for example, if you live in Dublin, the CycleSuperstore in Tallaght stocks lots of makes on your list.

I think personally there's nothing wrong with buying an entry-level bike from any brand, as often they share the same frame as their more expensive brethern, with just decreased specs

As regards spec then, and they are all similarly specced, the only part that I'd be most concerned about is the fork... on a MTB you are as well to go for the best fork you can afford... I've seen some crappy suntours that never even remotely gave full travel when new, with adjustment dials that did nothing and limited movement seized solid in weeks, you'd far better with a fixed fork than a crappy "suspension" one

80mm used to be the standard XC travel, but mostly replaced by min of 100mm now with even 120mm starting to creeping in... you're prob as well plumping for the 100mm at least, but test all forks in the shop to see if you get full travel!
You want to see composed suspension - not diving like a submarine at the slightest touch and pogo-ing back up to catapult you off the back of the bike, so look for rebound damping that actually works!

The other main parts on the spec, like transmission and brakes are not quite as important I think... sure it's lovely to have bling-bling XTR but Acera / Altus / basic SRAM etc are 100% performers if looked after

Brakes probably a bit more important, but if set up correctly and bedded in, any basic ones should serve you well... the big brands like Trek, Giant etc are not going to risk loosing customers by outfitting their bikes with total crap either, so bear that in mind

Wheels and tyres are never going to be tip-top at this price, but neither are they are on €1000 bikes, but chances are they'll be tough and will go around and around without problems for years
Tyres are easily and cheaply changed...

Other bits like saddle, bars etc would not concern me too much... as long as they feel comfortable

So throw a leg over a few, pick and go ride - things do break and there are always deals and bargins to be had on replacement parts online when you want to upgrade or treat yourself

Another option would be to get yourself to the likes of Trailriders in Ballyhoura and take a trial run on lots of brands they sell - both new and used, advantage of being able to really rag them before you buy...

I would consider a 29er at your height, they roll nicely and supposedly give the equivalent of another 20mm of suspension
Both the Cube and the Giant there look pretty sweet, though worth noting that replacement parts like wheels, tyres, fork for 29ers carry an extra premium...

Good luck with your decision!

rab!dmonkey

The Carrera is very good value, but Halfords are not known for their expertise as cycle retailers, which may well be something you'll need as a beginner, so I'd stay away.

I like the Giant Revel. It's well specced and it's got a 10 speed drivetrain, so it should hold its value a little better and upgrades will be easier to come by.

Suntour forks aren't that good, but they're a fact of life at this price range. They should be ok for year or so.

A 21" frame might be a little big for you. With mountain bikes it's best to go a little smaller than you might think. I'm about 1.75 m and I find 17" just right, depending on top tube lengths. I'd say test ride a 19" as well and see how well you can manouvre your body back and forth on the bike.

Salesman81

aongo wrote: »

1st off, I think you're right in deciding on a budget and sticking to it... cycling can be a slippery slope into the bottomless money pit so stand your ground!

Best advise might be to ride or at least throw the leg over as many bikes on your list as you can - for example, if you live in Dublin, the CycleSuperstore in Tallaght stocks lots of makes on your list.

I think personally there's nothing wrong with buying an entry-level bike from any brand, as often they share the same frame as their more expensive brethern, with just decreased specs

As regards spec then, and they are all similarly specced, the only part that I'd be most concerned about is the fork... on a MTB you are as well to go for the best fork you can afford... I've seen some crappy suntours that never even remotely gave full travel when new, with adjustment dials that did nothing and limited movement seized solid in weeks, you'd far better with a fixed fork than a crappy "suspension" one

80mm used to be the standard XC travel, but mostly replaced by min of 100mm now with even 120mm starting to creeping in... you're prob as well plumping for the 100mm at least, but test all forks in the shop to see if you get full travel!
You want to see composed suspension - not diving like a submarine at the slightest touch and pogo-ing back up to catapult you off the back of the bike, so look for rebound damping that actually works!

The other main parts on the spec, like transmission and brakes are not quite as important I think... sure it's lovely to have bling-bling XTR but Acera / Altus / basic SRAM etc are 100% performers if looked after

Brakes probably a bit more important, but if set up correctly and bedded in, any basic ones should serve you well... the big brands like Trek, Giant etc are not going to risk loosing customers by outfitting their bikes with total crap either, so bear that in mind

Wheels and tyres are never going to be tip-top at this price, but neither are they are on €1000 bikes, but chances are they'll be tough and will go around and around without problems for years
Tyres are easily and cheaply changed...

Other bits like saddle, bars etc would not concern me too much... as long as they feel comfortable

So throw a leg over a few, pick and go ride - things do break and there are always deals and bargins to be had on replacement parts online when you want to upgrade or treat yourself

Another option would be to get yourself to the likes of Trailriders in Ballyhoura and take a trial run on lots of brands they sell - both new and used, advantage of being able to really rag them before you buy...

I would consider a 29er at your height, they roll nicely and supposedly give the equivalent of another 20mm of suspension
Both the Cube and the Giant there look pretty sweet, though worth noting that replacement parts like wheels, tyres, fork for 29ers carry an extra premium...

Good luck with your decision!

Thank you for your help and advice.

Still considering 29`er

Salesman81

rab!dmonkey wrote: »

The Carrera is very good value, but Halfords are not known for their expertise as cycle retailers, which may well be something you'll need as a beginner, so I'd stay away.

I like the Giant Revel. It's well specced and it's got a 10 speed drivetrain, so it should hold its value a little better and upgrades will be easier to come by.

Suntour forks aren't that good, but they're a fact of life at this price range. They should be ok for year or so.

A 21" frame might be a little big for you. With mountain bikes it's best to go a little smaller than you might think. I'm about 1.75 m and I find 17" just right, depending on top tube lengths. I'd say test ride a 19" as well and see how well you can manouvre your body back and forth on the bike.

Thank you all for your help and advice

I know Halfords are not great but prices are very good for the spec.

I think I will go for Giant Talon 3

Salesman81

I`m also looking for shops in Dublin selling Cube (model: Attention 2012) ?

Can somebody recommend me a good shop with Cube bikes ?

Thanks.

studiorat

Size wise you should go a little smaller, I'm 6'1 and I like to ride an 18" bike. I wouldn't count a 120mm fork out either.

Most importantly, don't forget to allow for a helmet and a pair of gloves in the budget.

And shorts, 3/4 length shorts, bib tights, winter top, summer top, knee & elbow pads, SPD pedals and shoes, platform pedals and five ten shoes, a garmin, a go pro camera, a camel bak, gravity dropper seat post. a selection of tires for different trails, tool kit, pump, bike rack etc...

Did I forget anything?