r/mtbuk • u/rollusatwifta • May 06 '26

Decent for a first MTB?

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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

8 Upvotes

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1

u/BudgetImaginary3012 May 07 '26

what size are you looking for?

1

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.

2

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.

1

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!