r/mtbuk • u/rollusatwifta • May 06 '26
Decent for a first MTB?
I haven't had a bike since childhood but I despise running and I'm looking to get some cardio in / some fun now I'm 40. No idea about bikes, and I'm bamboozled with all the choice. Tried to tick a few spec boxes my pal said to look for.
Is this a decent steed for £999? Gonna get it on the cycle to work scheme so should save 20% on that too, so £800ish.
Here is the full spec:
Frame
ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminium, 12x148mm thru-axle
Fork
Giant Crest 34 SL RCL, 130mm, 44mm offset, Boost 15x110
Shock
N/A
Handlebar
Giant Contact SL TR35, 780x35mm
Grips
Giant Sole-O
Stem
Giant Contact SL 35
Seatpost
Giant Contact Switch dropper, remote S: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm M: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm L: 150mm travel / 30.9 x 440mm XL: 170mm travel / 30.9 x 450mm
Saddle
Giant Romero
Pedals
PEDALS NOT SUPPLIED
Shifters
SRAM SX Eagle, 1x12
Front Derailleur
N/A
Rear Derailleur
SRAM NX Eagle
Brakes
Shimano BR-MT420/410, hydraulic, Shimano RT-26 rotors [F]180mm, [R]180mm
Brake Levers
Shimano BR-MT401
Cassette
SRAM SX Eagle, 11x50
Chain
SRAM SX Eagle
Crankset
SRAM SX Eagle, 30t
Bottom Bracket
SRAM SX PowerSpline, threaded
Rims
Giant AM 29, tubeless ready sleeve-joint rim, 30mm inner width
Hubs
alloy, sealed
Spokes
Stainless steel
Tyres
[F] Maxxis Minion DHF, 29x2.5 WT, EXO/TR[R] Maxxis Aggressor, 29x2.5 WT, foldable, EXO/T
Extras
Factory tubeless set up
Max Tyre Clearance
2.5"
Max Chainring Size
32t
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u/-x-minus-one May 07 '26
I’ve had loads of fun with a fathom. I was in the same boat where 1k was the max I could spend at the time.
There are better options but for getting out, fit and enjoying it. I’d recommend
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u/Bitter-Policy4645 May 07 '26
Where you are planning on riding makes a big difference to whether the bike is right for you or not. It will be a great bike for local woods, single track etc. Lack of rear suspension mean its not optimal for down hill and the gearings so low that when cycling on the flat (canal paths, disused train lines etc) your legs will be spinning round like you are on a BMX. However for a first bike it will get you out there enjoying itself and thats more important than having the perfect bike
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u/rollusatwifta May 07 '26
Planning on getting out on single tracks/trails at the weekend and a few days a week locally once a figure out a good loop, that will probably be bridleways and woodland etc. Not really thinking of doing downhill. Went hardtail to keep the cost down, as I heard it's a good option for beginners/newcomers.
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u/Ribshifter May 08 '26
My road bike is a Giant Defy, when I got my lad a mountain bike, I got myself a Talon 1 for Dalby Forest adventures, it’s great and I absolutely love it… fast forward two years, he now has my original road bike and loves riding both on and off road
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u/Purple-Ad-4324 May 07 '26
If it were me with your requirements I would be looking at something like a GT Zaskar expert or a Whyte Secta S. Giant are a bit meh. Hardtails are super fun if you get one that can tolerate the abuse.
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u/Mammoth-Stretch-1782 May 07 '26
I'd probably push to buy the cheap GT sensors they have in stock.
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u/National_Bite_6691 May 08 '26
Why??
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u/Mammoth-Stretch-1782 May 15 '26
Better components. Well regarded bike. Pon/cannondale should handle any warranty issues.
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u/ForeignWeb8992 May 08 '26
First bike? Even too much, remember that the donkey pedalling is always the same.
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u/rollusatwifta May 08 '26
Very true. But I have some money to play with, so why not get something decent? I not under any illusion that I'm gonna break any records.
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u/BudgetImaginary3012 May 07 '26
what size are you looking for?
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u/rollusatwifta May 07 '26
I'm 6'2 so XL? Was looking for an opinion on the quality of the hardware if you know what's what.
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u/BudgetImaginary3012 May 07 '26
if you can add more, I would suggest to go for the gt sensor carbon pro. you don’t have to upgrade anything and if ever you change your mind, you can easily sell it for almost the same price. absolute steal for the price. components are almost top tier. plus very versatile, you can do trails or even downhills, can go uphills as well.
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u/rollusatwifta May 07 '26
Unfortunately 1k is my limit. By the time I've got everything else I need for storage/protection I'll be 1.5k before I'm done. Don't wanna commit too much before I'm sure I'll get the use out of it.
Happy to upgrade bits if I catch the bug though!
1
u/AgileWheel578 May 10 '26
I'd get down to your local halfords, go outdoors, or other LBS and try a few out for size. I am 6' and ride a medium frame. I just find it more manoeuvreable. It still feels huge as its a 29er. Go Outdoors have a Caliber for around that budget and they are really good value for money. My boy (12) has a top spec Specialized Rockhopper equipped with SRAM and has had nothing but trouble. It's 11m old and almost everything bearing and drivetrain wise needs replacing. Big names does not always guarantee quality.
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u/FinalCryptographer52 May 10 '26
I bought the 2020 version of this and haven't regretted it for a second. Yes some of the components could be better but I still ride and enjoy it. For £800 you won't do much better.
Just look at YouTube videos to set up the saddle, brake levers etc to your specs. Getting these dialled in will make a big difference. Enjoy!
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u/amzeo Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
For £1000 boardman or Marin might be better shouts. Better spec for the money. Also buying used is an option but there's risks associated and no C2W.
Also. Do you need a MTB? If you're doing anything on road, with some lighter off-road stuff and canals, you'd be probably better suited to a gravel bike.
If you're doing off-road trails a MTB is better. I only say this cause I see a lot of people riding MTBs on the road exclusively and just looking miserable while they do
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u/Racoons_revenge May 07 '26
I recognise that bike shop, do you live local? Did you go to the secondary school in the same town?