Carrera Vulcan - Halfords sale
Discussion
I'm on the look out for a hardtail MTB to get back into biking (last got on the saddle 10+ years ago!). As such don't really want to spend much money, but would like something with hydraulic disks and some semi-decent suspension.
I've also got some lovetoshop vouches that are burning a hole, and I'll be damned if I'm spending them on house stuff!
Came across: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...
Is that good value? Can get it using the vouchers and it seems an ok spec for the money? Not looking for the best-of-the-best, but grateful for any advice if the Vulcan is definitely to be avoided!
Cheers!
I've also got some lovetoshop vouches that are burning a hole, and I'll be damned if I'm spending them on house stuff!
Came across: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...
Is that good value? Can get it using the vouchers and it seems an ok spec for the money? Not looking for the best-of-the-best, but grateful for any advice if the Vulcan is definitely to be avoided!
Cheers!
Edited by Jakestar on Sunday 15th March 20:37
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ghost-se-2000-h...
bit more for your money with the ghost bike,i had one and was a cracking first bike for getting back into mtb's
bit more for your money with the ghost bike,i had one and was a cracking first bike for getting back into mtb's
I don't usually frequent this forum but my son was looking at Carreras the other day. Spoke to my brother who works as a mechanic in a cycle shop and he suggested a Giant Talon would be a far better bike, although slightly pricier. Said the components and build quality was better, sorry not much to help you but maybe worth considering?
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/ta...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/ta...
Used is great if the right bike is for sale on your doorstep (nil chance)Also I doubt that vouchers can be used towards an abused bike on auction sites! The Halfords bike is great, probably better than the best if the best 10 years ago! I'd go for that..
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 16th March 19:51
Ironic that a pair of padded shorts will be similar price to the saddle mentioned! May try both :-)
I'm short at 5'7 so that was in 'normal' mode, however I have raised it slightly since taking the photo! Even with that, the riding position isn't exactly racer, but I've got the bike for a bit of fun so it's not the end of the world.
First task is to try and find some leg muscles!!
I'm short at 5'7 so that was in 'normal' mode, however I have raised it slightly since taking the photo! Even with that, the riding position isn't exactly racer, but I've got the bike for a bit of fun so it's not the end of the world.
First task is to try and find some leg muscles!!
nothing wrong with the vulcan for the money, and it sounds like you know not to expect it to be the cutting edge of bike technology so you aren't expecting too much of it.
As for saddle, like someone else said the charge spoon is the de rigeur choice for a cheap but comfy saddle; I have one on all 3 of my bikes.
with positioning, you could try reducing the stem height by swapping the steerer tube spacers around to bring the bars down a bit
As for saddle, like someone else said the charge spoon is the de rigeur choice for a cheap but comfy saddle; I have one on all 3 of my bikes.
with positioning, you could try reducing the stem height by swapping the steerer tube spacers around to bring the bars down a bit
Look, it's your saddle position. Or too big a frame.
Are you riding with your knees up round your ears?
Raise the saddle until your leg is very nearly straight at it's longest (ie pedal down at 6 0'clock)
That'll mean raising the saddle by about a foot.
Carry on in that position and your knees will be suffering next.
Are you riding with your knees up round your ears?
Raise the saddle until your leg is very nearly straight at it's longest (ie pedal down at 6 0'clock)
That'll mean raising the saddle by about a foot.
Carry on in that position and your knees will be suffering next.
Blimey for doing fast off road runs or tirck sthe saddle height is fine
For anything else, my knees ache looking at it
Get padded shorts before the saddle, then try a Charge spoon, if anything I always wear cycling shorts (sometimes under bagies) to stop my balls bouncing around!
For normal riding, you want the saddle high enough so your leg is slightly bent when the pedal is at the lowest
If will probably mean you can't touch the floor, I'm 5"7 and cant touch the floor when on the saddle, unless on tip toes
For anything else, my knees ache looking at it
Get padded shorts before the saddle, then try a Charge spoon, if anything I always wear cycling shorts (sometimes under bagies) to stop my balls bouncing around!
For normal riding, you want the saddle high enough so your leg is slightly bent when the pedal is at the lowest
If will probably mean you can't touch the floor, I'm 5"7 and cant touch the floor when on the saddle, unless on tip toes
Blimey for doing fast off road runs or tirck sthe saddle height is fine
For anything else, my knees ache looking at it
Get padded shorts before the saddle, then try a Charge spoon, if anything I always wear cycling shorts (sometimes under bagies) to stop my balls bouncing around!
For normal riding, you want the saddle high enough so your leg is slightly bent when the pedal is at the lowest
If will probably mean you can't touch the floor, I'm 5"7 and cant touch the floor when on the saddle, unless on tip toes
For anything else, my knees ache looking at it
Get padded shorts before the saddle, then try a Charge spoon, if anything I always wear cycling shorts (sometimes under bagies) to stop my balls bouncing around!
For normal riding, you want the saddle high enough so your leg is slightly bent when the pedal is at the lowest
If will probably mean you can't touch the floor, I'm 5"7 and cant touch the floor when on the saddle, unless on tip toes
Jakestar said:
Ironic that a pair of padded shorts will be similar price to the saddle mentioned! May try both :-)
I'm short at 5'7 so that was in 'normal' mode, however I have raised it slightly since taking the photo! Even with that, the riding position isn't exactly racer, but I've got the bike for a bit of fun so it's not the end of the world.
First task is to try and find some leg muscles!!
How did you decide on frame size? were you advised to go for this size frame? If you can't raise the seat much beyond its current position then perhaps the bike is too big?I'm short at 5'7 so that was in 'normal' mode, however I have raised it slightly since taking the photo! Even with that, the riding position isn't exactly racer, but I've got the bike for a bit of fun so it's not the end of the world.
First task is to try and find some leg muscles!!
Also, as others have mentioned some padded shorts and 'charge spoon' saddle will see you right.
http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/mens-breeze-mtboff-...
I've just bought a couple of pairs of these shorts I've had a few pairs before they are great and good value for money
I've just bought a couple of pairs of these shorts I've had a few pairs before they are great and good value for money
Thanks for all the comments, some good info!
The saddle can go MUCH higher if needed - the frame is a small (16 inch), I tried both medium and small and medium would be too big for jumping and decent off road stuff as I would have needed the saddle at its lowest just for normal riding!
Next time I'm out I'll have a play around with saddle height, there is room to go higher as my legs are slightly bent (although not too much!). Interesting thought about handlebar spacers, as it would help bringing them down slightly.
New picture to follow!!
The saddle can go MUCH higher if needed - the frame is a small (16 inch), I tried both medium and small and medium would be too big for jumping and decent off road stuff as I would have needed the saddle at its lowest just for normal riding!
Next time I'm out I'll have a play around with saddle height, there is room to go higher as my legs are slightly bent (although not too much!). Interesting thought about handlebar spacers, as it would help bringing them down slightly.
New picture to follow!!
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