Which bike - MTB
Discussion
Looking for a MTB for my 3 mile commute and also to get into mountain biking. Budget up to £600. Have narrowed it down to these.
GT Avalanche Elite 2017
Or
Giant talon 2 2016
GT Avalanche Elite 2017
Or
Giant talon 2 2016
Not the latest incarnations, but my boys have one of those each.
Eldest has a Giant Talon 2.5 (I think), and the youngest a Giant Avalanche 1.0. I used to have an Avalanche 3.0 (2008 model).
Now I'm not saying "Avoid!" but if you really want to "get into MTBing" I'd say you can probably do better. Both my boys really only use their bikes for commuting and the odd trundle around the nicely surfaced local lakes. They wear road tyres, and are pretty good for the job if a little heavy. That's the problem though. The heavy weight and dull handling really doesn't excite, and for proper trail riding I think you ought to look at something lighter and a bit more 'interesting'.
Although you should take all my advice with a big old pinch of salt if someone with experience of the newer versions of those bikes says different, because like I said, these are older versions. A few years older. And frame shape, components, and bike tech does change all the time. Neither one of them is a "bad" bike - I just think you can do better for that budget...
£620 could put you on something like this... http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-x-caliber-8... ...but you'd need to cross your fingers and hope you're the right size for something they have in stock.
Eldest has a Giant Talon 2.5 (I think), and the youngest a Giant Avalanche 1.0. I used to have an Avalanche 3.0 (2008 model).
Now I'm not saying "Avoid!" but if you really want to "get into MTBing" I'd say you can probably do better. Both my boys really only use their bikes for commuting and the odd trundle around the nicely surfaced local lakes. They wear road tyres, and are pretty good for the job if a little heavy. That's the problem though. The heavy weight and dull handling really doesn't excite, and for proper trail riding I think you ought to look at something lighter and a bit more 'interesting'.
Although you should take all my advice with a big old pinch of salt if someone with experience of the newer versions of those bikes says different, because like I said, these are older versions. A few years older. And frame shape, components, and bike tech does change all the time. Neither one of them is a "bad" bike - I just think you can do better for that budget...
£620 could put you on something like this... http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-x-caliber-8... ...but you'd need to cross your fingers and hope you're the right size for something they have in stock.
Edited by yellowjack on Thursday 10th August 23:40
I had a similar question about a month ago. I was looking for something to do some offroad riding on and gain some fitness to complement my enduro motorbike riding but only had a budget of ~500. From some advice on here I had a look at, and ultimately bought, a Voodoo Bizango from Halfords.
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...
They were on sale up until a few days ago for £500 and I'm sure if you waited a bit they'll be back on sale. Ive done about 15 miles off road and about 15 miles on cycle track with my 1yr on the back and its been great. It seemed to have a great spec compared to other stuff for similar or slightly more money.
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...
They were on sale up until a few days ago for £500 and I'm sure if you waited a bit they'll be back on sale. Ive done about 15 miles off road and about 15 miles on cycle track with my 1yr on the back and its been great. It seemed to have a great spec compared to other stuff for similar or slightly more money.
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