Which of these MTB's
Discussion
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Hard to say, because I can't seem to be able to view the 'detailed specs' for either bike via the Halfords site.Beware the "pink it and shrink it" type of women's specific bikes. They're often inferior in terms of component spec, and heavier too, when they ought to be similar spec and lighter, if anything. I'm not saying that's the case here, but sometimes a properly fitted unisex, or mens frame will fit her better. Look for specific kit at the contact points for a good women's bike. Stuff like shorter reach brake levers for smaller hands, and a decent quality female specific saddle. If you're not getting those features, you might as well buy whatever bike fits her best (within budget) and buy a new saddle for it that works for her.
yellowjack said:
Hard to say, because I can't seem to be able to view the 'detailed specs' for either bike via the Halfords site.
Beware the "pink it and shrink it" type of women's specific bikes. They're often inferior in terms of component spec, and heavier too, when they ought to be similar spec and lighter, if anything. I'm not saying that's the case here, but sometimes a properly fitted unisex, or mens frame will fit her better. Look for specific kit at the contact points for a good women's bike. Stuff like shorter reach brake levers for smaller hands, and a decent quality female specific saddle. If you're not getting those features, you might as well buy whatever bike fits her best (within budget) and buy a new saddle for it that works for her.
If you go onto specification there should be a + button under the list, that gives you the detailBeware the "pink it and shrink it" type of women's specific bikes. They're often inferior in terms of component spec, and heavier too, when they ought to be similar spec and lighter, if anything. I'm not saying that's the case here, but sometimes a properly fitted unisex, or mens frame will fit her better. Look for specific kit at the contact points for a good women's bike. Stuff like shorter reach brake levers for smaller hands, and a decent quality female specific saddle. If you're not getting those features, you might as well buy whatever bike fits her best (within budget) and buy a new saddle for it that works for her.
I agree with what you are saying though, we're swinging towards the 13 as I'd rather overspec and she doesn't use all the potential than under spec and find she loses confidence on any mildly rough stuff cos the bike isn't up to it.
Instinctively, reading the spec sheets, if I were buying for/advising my wife, then I'd be pointing her at the '13'.
There's not really much in it, side-by-side comparison, but the '13' claims an air fork, and I know where I am, using and servicing Shimano gears. The Carrera has no weight listed, and the '13' is a bit of a lump at near 14kg, but the sad truth is that you need to spend more money to lose weight on a bike. Fatter tyres on the '13' might be a drawback if she's going to spend time on the roads, but the 2.5" width might be a boon off-road, what with the greater air volume allowing lower pressures to increase comfort. That, and the fact that 2.1" tyres are specified on the Carrera suggests that it might not have the space to accommodate a wider tyre. It's certainly the case that my current bike is restricted to tyres 2.1" wide or smaller, which rules out some of the better regarded rubber which isn't made in widths smaller than 2.3" or 2.4".
Ultimately, you ought to have a look at both in store, if you can, and try to assess the relative quality of fit and finish, as well as getting them both sat on (I know Halfords don't do demo rides). Then let her choose for herself.
There's not really much in it, side-by-side comparison, but the '13' claims an air fork, and I know where I am, using and servicing Shimano gears. The Carrera has no weight listed, and the '13' is a bit of a lump at near 14kg, but the sad truth is that you need to spend more money to lose weight on a bike. Fatter tyres on the '13' might be a drawback if she's going to spend time on the roads, but the 2.5" width might be a boon off-road, what with the greater air volume allowing lower pressures to increase comfort. That, and the fact that 2.1" tyres are specified on the Carrera suggests that it might not have the space to accommodate a wider tyre. It's certainly the case that my current bike is restricted to tyres 2.1" wide or smaller, which rules out some of the better regarded rubber which isn't made in widths smaller than 2.3" or 2.4".
Ultimately, you ought to have a look at both in store, if you can, and try to assess the relative quality of fit and finish, as well as getting them both sat on (I know Halfords don't do demo rides). Then let her choose for herself.
yellowjack said:
Instinctively, reading the spec sheets, if I were buying for/advising my wife, then I'd be pointing her at the '13'.
There's not really much in it, side-by-side comparison, but the '13' claims an air fork, and I know where I am, using and servicing Shimano gears. The Carrera has no weight listed, and the '13' is a bit of a lump at near 14kg, but the sad truth is that you need to spend more money to lose weight on a bike. Fatter tyres on the '13' might be a drawback if she's going to spend time on the roads, but the 2.5" width might be a boon off-road, what with the greater air volume allowing lower pressures to increase comfort. That, and the fact that 2.1" tyres are specified on the Carrera suggests that it might not have the space to accommodate a wider tyre. It's certainly the case that my current bike is restricted to tyres 2.1" wide or smaller, which rules out some of the better regarded rubber which isn't made in widths smaller than 2.3" or 2.4".
Ultimately, you ought to have a look at both in store, if you can, and try to assess the relative quality of fit and finish, as well as getting them both sat on (I know Halfords don't do demo rides). Then let her choose for herself.
Cheers all very good info, thanksThere's not really much in it, side-by-side comparison, but the '13' claims an air fork, and I know where I am, using and servicing Shimano gears. The Carrera has no weight listed, and the '13' is a bit of a lump at near 14kg, but the sad truth is that you need to spend more money to lose weight on a bike. Fatter tyres on the '13' might be a drawback if she's going to spend time on the roads, but the 2.5" width might be a boon off-road, what with the greater air volume allowing lower pressures to increase comfort. That, and the fact that 2.1" tyres are specified on the Carrera suggests that it might not have the space to accommodate a wider tyre. It's certainly the case that my current bike is restricted to tyres 2.1" wide or smaller, which rules out some of the better regarded rubber which isn't made in widths smaller than 2.3" or 2.4".
Ultimately, you ought to have a look at both in store, if you can, and try to assess the relative quality of fit and finish, as well as getting them both sat on (I know Halfords don't do demo rides). Then let her choose for herself.
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