New hardtail - Giant or Cube?

[TonyEnjoyD]

Hi all,

I curently have a roadie (Giant SCR3) and Hybrid (CB Urban 200) but am now in a position to get an MTB - hardtail at around the £600 mark.

There is only one LBS that I want to use (Excellent service and aftercare (won't be ha-fords then!) and the models I am looking at are the Giant XtC4. and the Cube Attention.

Cube - cos it look sexy
Giant - cos they are reliable and good spec for the price

They also supply Trek and Diamondback - I believe Trek bikes are good
What may sway your advice... I am 47, 6ft, 31in-leg and not a bike head

Your thoughts/help would be appreciated

Another bit of info, I use the CB Urban for commuting in the inclement weather - currently using the roadie for the same in the nice weather.
I did the C2C in 2 days in June with a megarange freewheel set and it was tough. Hence buying a mountain bike for the gears (and I want to do more local rides including a little off-road).

Cheers
Tony

 

[Josh_tg]

I have heard very good things about the Cube, although a friend of mine did say that the standard forks that it comes with where not all that good. He swapped them for some rockshox/Dirtjumpers (i can't recall which ones) and is now very happy with the bike.
Unfortunatley i don't know much about the Giant. I'm not sure if it helps but a bike that i seem to see everywere, is the Specialized Rockhopper. So you could have a look into that.
I hope this helps.
Josh

 

[addictfreak]

I had a Giant XTC3 a few years back (until it was stolen), great bike climbed like a stag.
Dont know much about the Cube, although a guy at work has one and it looks the business.

 

[Cubist]

My son has a Cube Attention. Here's some thoughts:

The front forks as standard are Suntour XCMs. They work, but are not brilliant. Every review you read in the comics say the bike needs them to be upgraded. Funny, 'cos the next review along for a bike with the same forks say they are fine at the price point. Don't be fooled into fashion victimisatiion. If you like the bike get it, 'cos it's luvverly and will do well for some pretty hardcore trail riding. If after a few months you feel the need to upgrade the forks, then do so (Cubester's now has Toras on it, but then he rides the bike an awful lot on some very technical stuff). The XCMs have a top-mounted lockout and preload setting, so can be made to handle pretty well as long as you don't expect to do red and black routes all day long.

Cubester's bike is ridden by a very enthusiastic 11 yr ld. It wears out like any other, and so far I would say that if you intend to ride it hard (and I mean hard, not just the odd foray onto the canal towpath) then be prepared to keep up with the necessary servicing. Because he is 11, and wants to do all the wheelies, bunny-hops, drop-offs, etc, then the bearings and axles need regular attention. The hubs on the Attention are fairly low down the Deore range, and don't like being pressure washed.

Plus points are 27 speed Shimano XTs, with Deore Shifters which work well, Cubester's has Hayes Stroker Ryde brakes, but the standard Shimano Deore brakes are good too. The saddle is excellent, and the finishing kit is great at the price point.

Remember though that you are buying into a price point where most bikes are only just starting to have all the big boy's stuff on them, and occasionally you'll find a compromise on quality. These are all so called "entry-level" bikes, and will do to get you into off-road riding. By the time you get serious you will have worn most of the stuff on them out, but they are a great platform for upgrading. The frame is stiff, the geometry is fairly upright and Cubester has had 9 months of great fun on his. I've learnt as much as I want to about bearings and axles and grease guns and flat spanners to last me a lifetime.

Get one!

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Thanks for the responses all, really appreciated.

Cubist, I will definitely NOT be hitting anything like a red run.
I have a healthy regard for my skin and don't like to lose any of it.

I am swaying toward the Giant as it has good proven reliabiltity and good spec for the price.
I also had a look at a Trek 6000 at the weekend Mmmmmmmm...
I shall see more this weekend.

Thanks again all

Tony

 

[Fiona N]

Cubist, I will definitely NOT be hitting anything like a red run.

Er why not I'm no great mtber but I rode part of a red route at Bedgebury a couple of weekends ago on my sister's bike with the seat post practically raised to max., no gloves or helmet and a pair of teva sandals on spd pedals (I can't recommend this ). My aim was also to keep clean (as I was in normal clothes) as every other biker out looked like they'd been rolling in the puddles. Of course, I didn't hammer but you don't have to - there's skill in riding slowly in control too. Just ride off the single track when you here the fast guys bearing down

 

[Nickl52]

Tony, I have got a Giant XTC4... its a great bike. I know you want to use a LBS, but have a look at the link below. Dont know how it compares to the LBS price, but at least you can compare. There are also some reviews on there and Wiggle are a good company who I have used a few times.

Hope this helps.

 

[Nickl52]

Oops, forget to paste the link. Here it is:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Giant_XTC_4/5360042396/