Beginner MTB

Author
Discussion

Lotus Lurker

Original Poster:

2 posts

205 months

Friday 21st March 2008
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Hi guys,

As the title says, looking for a beginner MTB. I want to go off-road/trail on the weekends but use it on the road for a bit of commuting during the week. Went to Halfords (I know it's not necessarily the best place but my firm get 15% off there so I thought I would go along) and after looking around and chatting to a, surprisingly, knowledgeable guy I looked at a Carrerra Kraken 08 which he recommended. I was wondering if you guys had any experience of this bike at all, if it was worth getting or if you think there is something better I could get with my cash!!

Thanks for your time!

J

deevlash

10,442 posts

244 months

Friday 21st March 2008
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carrera are halfords own brand. Theyre usually solid enough and its pretty hard to buy a duff bike these days anyway. However the frame wont be top spec but there should be decent enough components on it. Id tend to buy a really good frame and okay components and upgrade them as they fail/ you decide you need better stuff. Have a look at merlin cycles "malt" range, theyre really good and suitably cheap too.

Alex12

158 posts

205 months

Friday 21st March 2008
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How much are you planning on spending?

Iceman82

1,311 posts

243 months

Friday 21st March 2008
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Hi guys, I am the OP but now using my usual tag! Looking to spend around £300-350, the carerra had front suspension and hydraulic brakes. Suspension could be "turned off" as well. Took it for a test ride and it seemed pretty good to be honest but as I said I am a beginner!

sad61t

1,100 posts

217 months

Saturday 22nd March 2008
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Iceman82 said:
Hi guys, I am the OP but now using my usual tag! Looking to spend around £300-350, the carerra had front suspension and hydraulic brakes. Suspension could be "turned off" as well. Took it for a test ride and it seemed pretty good to be honest but as I said I am a beginner!
A hard-tail is the best way to go at this price point. Just don't expect it to cope with 2' drop-offs and the like. The bike will do you fine for starting out down the local brideways and single-track. The front lock-out helps when climbing as it helps stop the front end turning into a pogo stick. Main thing is to get out there and ride. As your skills improve you'll notice what needs upgrading. Nice things about bikes is that you can pick and choose most parts for individual upgrades as the budget allows.

Just be careful who sets up your bike at Halfords, sometimes they unleash total muppets (I suggest avoiding buying on a Saturday when they use p/t untrained teens to assemble the bikes). An example of this is one guy at work who came to me about cornering technique as his feet kept fouling the front wheel. They'd put the forks in backwards!

Alex12

158 posts

205 months

Saturday 22nd March 2008
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Well was not long ago a beginner and currently ride a saracen Scarab, there are great bikes, i have however made some upgrades to the bike such as new forks (which cost me 400 quid) but money well spend in my opinion as they are adjustable and can be suited to all terrain and various other mods. i would not hesitate to buy another saracen bike if im honest, there great beginner bikes, even tho im now looking to upgrade to a more expensive bike wink the saracen still copes perfectly will any terrain i thow at it, so if u want a beginner bike id either buy a saracen scarab like mine, saracen raw or a carrera banshee, these are all great bikes.
Hope this helps

Parrot of Doom

23,075 posts

241 months

Saturday 22nd March 2008
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Whats important is that you spend enough to get a good bike, and not just a cheap bike.

A good bike will feel responsive, will change gears seamlessly, will make you feel comfortable and confident.

A cheap bike will feel heavy, you'll never be sure which gear you're in, and you'll eventually hate the thing.


A good bike sits there and beguiles you; it will work magic on your brain and make you want to go out. A cheap bike is just something to dread.