Hi Guys,

A friend of mine is planning on purchasing a Giant Revel 1 (HT) for around £400.

Before he makes this purchase, can anyone recommned me any similar models around this price range with the best possible spec?

The absolute maximum he can spend is £500 at a stretch!

Cheers.

Merlin Malt 2 should be within budget

Decathlon Rockrider 8.1, about 500 roubles. Not sure where you live, as they don’t have shops everywhere, but have a look on their website. Also Specialized rock hoppers are good in my opinion, heavy but solid bikes that are worth upgrading.

Not withstanding the Halford jibes this
voodoo
hoodoo

At the time of posting £449.99…..

The Carrera Kraken got a great review in MBUK this month.

Carrera Kraken is a really well sorted bike- the XCR fork’s not brilliant but it does work, unlike a lot of budget forks. Needs to be looked after well though, the seals are a bit iffy and the internals are delicate, not a good combo.

Malt 2 is in price range but out of stock. Decathlon 8.1 is out of budget but the 8.0’s still worth a look.

That Voodoo has an air fork. For 450 quid.

Just sayin’

It does. And half decent tyres too. But it’s still not a light package and I reckon the XCR’s a bit better damped than the X1. It used to come with Tektro Auriga Comps too, which are ridiculously good considering what they are, not sure about the Geminis they have now.

best value would be a second-hand bargin

It’s a risk though. If you’re lucky to live somewhere near and can get a look at one that catches your eye you could do very well out of it (and/or buy off a “proper” forum member on here who you actually trust – mostly that’s a god plan)

I know its a little bit over but i’ve just bought a Cannondale Trail SL2 from Pauls Cycles for around £550 posted.Looked around and couldn’t get that sort of spec for the money anywhere else.Full range of sizes as well.

here[img]http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/7da/1de/7d7/79572/large/pinnacle-jarrah-four-2012-mountain-bike.jpg[/img]
Lend him £20? ) Reduced now. Octalink chainset, Shimano M446 brakes + Deore shifters and XC32 TK 120mm forks.

Saracen Mantra has done me well for the past year ~£400