which mtb is better specced

mondeo

Which do you think is a better spec/deal mtb?

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.revel.1.black.white.red/11861/56892/#specifications

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_810671_langId_-1_categoryId_212589#tab2

west cork lad

First question I would ask is, are you going to take it off road and if so would it be on trails or more technical stuff. Because in my opinion 80mm travel not great for heavier stuff and I would prefer 120mm travel.

mondeo

west cork lad wrote: »

First question I would ask is, are you going to take it off road and if so would it be on trails or more technical stuff. Because in my opinion 80mm travel not great for heavier stuff and I would prefer 120mm travel.

yes I intend going off road quite a lot. Cycling to work on it to as both these bikes have lock out suspension.

mondeo

Can anyone give any more advice?. I'm looking to buy one or the other in the morning. Their both within my budget and have what I want. That being hydraulic brakes and lock out fork. They seem to be the best spec for the price. Which would you spend your money on if you were me?

Thanks

Bikerbhoy

Read a review there recently in one of the UK mags and the Kraken came out on top in the 500 euro sector. As previous poster said the 120 mm fork is the deciding factor as 80 is just not enough for full on off road.
Both models have basic entry level components which if you give this bike a good off road hammering you may find early wear and tear being an issue. As a commuting bike Im sure it will be fine but most here would not recommend a mountain bike as a commuter but each to their own.

Outkast_IRE

I have to agree with the above and say as an off road bike, the components are not up to scratch , you will be forever paying for repairs etc.
Not what you wanted to hear but its the truth.

mondeo

Thanks for the replies. I'll be doing plenty of trailing but nothing hardcore like jumping of rocks or anything. As a cycle to work commuter it should be ok for my needs.

I take the 120mm shock travel as a good thing then. Since more then one person pointed that out to me I'll go for the Carrera. I just read the bikeradar.com review on it to. Seems to be a better bike.

Thanks for the help

DaveyDave

I've used a Lapierre Tecnic 300 hardtail for commuting for the past 2 years just fine. If you can only afford one bike and want to ride trails, get a mountain bike.

As others have said, it's a budget bike so it will help to have some cash in the back pocket for when something goes wrong because it will. Other than that, 120mm and hydraulic brakes is all you can really ask for at that price so it should do you fine. Happy trails

studiorat

I've had one of those Krakken bikes for about 3 years now. It's now been relegated to commuter duties with a rigid fork and baldy tires. The spec of the newer ones is a bit different, x-5 instead of x7 and different brakes. I suppose the Clarkes are as good as the ones on the Giant though.

I've used it in a fair few spots around the country the "Ballyhouras", the Tree Rocks and the Ballinastoes as well as a few of the club trails etc. It's been grand for each. My issues with the bike would be the forks are a bit soft (for big drops etc.) and the wheels are a bit heavy. You'll pick up better forks for less than 200 if you do start using it for trails all the time and same with the wheels.

I didn't like the tyres either but I'd take them over the Giant ones. Apart from that, the bike's been great. The one you linked to is a 20" frame, I wouldn't get that one unless you were about 6'4" at least.

mondeo

Well I bought the Carrera as per link. Its a 20" frame and the bike is still in the box as I didn't want halfords assembling it. I'll put it together after work and take it for a spin down to the shops .

west cork lad

Well happy motoring so. Make sure to do a few bunny hops over the pot holes on the way to the shops. ðŸ˜႒😜