XC Bike Q

[bowsie]

Hi there,

I have been getting into the XC biking over the last few months and want to upgrade from my basic overweight bike.


I would be into fast & tight single track, with climbs. Not to interested in steep DH stuff.


I'm thinking of

GT Avalanche 1 - http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p1429

or

Giant XTC 2.5

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p1264


I know theres a bit of a price difference, im wondering is it worth investing the extra 150 bones in the XTC ? Or should i even try fork out for the XTC 1. Which would require alot more saving.


Components wise,

how does the RockShox Recon 351 air 80mm travel compare to the GT's SR X-100, 100mm of travel.


Would the 80mm be sufficient to deal with proper trails


how does RaceFace Ride XC 22/32/44 compare to the Shimano 44/34/22 nine speed Octalink.


Opinions, advice & suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

Brian

[Scrivo]

Out of those two, definitely go with the Giant. The parts are far superior on it. If you could afford the XTC1, go for it. Chances are you will ride the XTC2 for a couple of months before getting pissed off with the components and upgrading them so you made as well save the money now.


Check out www.canyon.de and the Cube bike range on www.chainreactioncycles.com for good deals

[diamondG]

of the two I would go for the Giant, in an ideal world go for the XTC1, the spec and fork are better.. but the xtc 2.5 would certainly get you there.


in relation to the 80mm fork, I've an 80mm fork and it does the job for me. For XC I wouldn't need anything more than that, others may disagree though :)


I'd say its probably more important to have a good quality fork rather than a fork with lots of travel.


Of the two on those bikes the Rock Shox Recon would be better in my opinion, but I'm only guessing as SR (suntour) wouldn't make high end forks, so..


Its not 100%, but one way to compare forks/parts is by looking at chainreactioncycles.com and comparing the blurb and price. As I say its not 100%, but gives an idea..


Also, here's a guys selling a second hand hardtail, looks good though with a very nice spec. Assuming its in good nick and the size was right, it might be worth checking out

http://www.mtbireland.com/forum/viewthread.php?forum_id=6&thread_id=261

[diamondG]

you beat me to it Stevo!


you're right though, ideally save up and go the whole hog, check this puppy out for €1000

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/equipment.html?b=173#equipment

[TomH]

I road a Giant that was kitted out with the Suntour fork, and while it was fine intially it really was a piece of crap. Might as well go the whole hog and get a decent fork from the off.

[jonnieh]

while i haven't given it any serious real life abuse yet,but from the use i have given it, i would heartily recommend my recently purchased giant xtc 1. lovely components and nice and light for your money. it is a very sweet bike. there's no point in upgrading from a heavy bike to an entry level bike. well worth the trip to mcconveys for it.


man that M1/A1 to belfast is one boring road

[bowsie]

Hey,

Ok i have thought about it and am going for the XTC


But which one


giant XTC Alliance 1 2008 for €1000


http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=4838&cPath=595


or


Giant XTC 2.5 2008 for €790

http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/8273/GIANT-XTC-2.5-LRG-/


Is is the composite Aloy mix (smoother ride??) worth the extra €200.


It there a major difference between the two frames??


Also get better pedals and hubs, all other specs seem the same incl the fork (RS Recon SL 100m).


hmmm decisions.


It might come down to whether there is free shipping

[tommyv]

While I'm not sure on those 2 bikes, just because it has the same name doesn't mean it's the same fork, ie different years, even different versions of the same fork. This can be the same on all parts, though an '08 and '07 won't be that much of a difference. The XTC 1 doesn't seem to be worth 200 notes more than the 2.5, but the 2.5 doesn't have a year on it, so you might want to check that (but I can't see it making much difference, unless it's from '06 or something).

[shane]

the fork on the xtc 2.5 was the as far as i have been told the early 08/late 07 one and it has just a twist lock out


the one on the alliance is the later version and has the poploc on it


also the alliance will be lighter than the 2.5 as it is 1/2 carbon and that is what the 200 extra is being spent on


but giant have released the 09 models aswell so they MAY (don't hold me to it) drop in price

[Morgan]

The Alliance is a nicer colour so you should get that one.

[tommyv]

What is the weight difference between the 1 and 2.5?


If your going on looks, then this baby is the only way to go (if your 6 foot or there abouts) http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23669

[popey]

Hi,


Not too sure of any interest, have a 04/05 xtc 2, although a few old, its hardly been used, was away for 12 months in 05/06 and since back in Ireland, usage has been minmal and mainly on cycle tracks.


Have put up notice on forum, was looking for €675, but was too much, have down for €500, but open to offers near that price.


Cheers


Gareth