Giant Boulder 08 VS Giant Rock 09

[anks]

Hi,
im new to the forum, but im in a bit of a pickle. im trying to decide whether to buy an 08 Giant Boulder with a Shimano Acera rear derailleur instead of the standard Altus. Or for $20 more get a Giant Rock 09 model that looks much better but has a Shimano Altus rear derailleur.
i know both the Acera and Altus are on the low end of available parts by Shimano, but is there a big difference between the two? and is there a major difference between the 08 Boulder and the 09 Rock?

Thanks! any help would be much appreciated

btw, i wouldnt be using this bike for much more than commuting, recreational use and a few easy bike trails. nothing to demanding on the bike.

[peter]

While I cannot help you, but thanks for pointing out the 09 models are out. Are they in stock already?

[anks]

according to the shop, they should have the 09 Rock in 3-4 weeks

[Kalgrm]

Anks,

Are you asking us to compare the 08 Boulder with the 09 Rock? That's not what is in your thread title: would you like me to change it if that's what you're after?

Cheers,
Graeme

[anks]

Thanks for pointing out the typo! i changed it
but i need to find out what would be the better buy soon, and im no closer in find out the best option

[Kalgrm]

Hi Anks,

I can't find the specs for last year's Boulder. But I wouldn't fret on it: they should be pretty much on par with each other. Just get which ever bike you like and can get the better deal on, then enjoy.

Cheers,
Graeme

[Mulger bill]

G'Day Anks, welcome outside.

I haven't looked at the specs, but at this level you'll get good service out of either. IMO the difference between Acera and Altus is slight, but it's been a few year since I looked at Shaminos MTB kit. I shift on Impulse.

Unless you can spot big differences in spec, I'd suggest the lighter of the two with possible upgrades as needed down the line, bits wear out, a good frame will last a while.

Shaun

[anks]

Thanks for the replies!

but here are the specs for the 08 boulder:
frame ALUXX FluidFormedâ„¢ alloy w/integrated gusset
fork SR XCT Ahead 80mm travel w/pre-load
rear derailleur Shimano Acera 8 speed
front derailleur Shimano C102 34.9
shifters Shimano Altus 24 speed EZ FIRE+
crankset Shimano TX71 28x38x48T
bottom bracket FSA semi cartridge
chain KMC 8 speed
cassette Shimano HG30 8 speed 11-32T
brakes Tektro alloy v-brakes
brake levers Shimano V-brake
hubs Fr: Formula alloy QR | Rr: Shimano Altus 8sp cassette
rims Alloy double wall with brushed sides 26" x 36H
spokes 14G stainless
tyres Kenda 26 x 1.95"
pedals Flat steel cage
h.bar/stem Steel riser/Alloy ahead 25 degree
seat post Alloy Micro-adjust 30.9
saddle Velo comfort w-cut out
grips Giant kraton

09 Rock:
frame ALUXX FluidFormedâ„¢ alloy w/integrated gusset
fork SR XCT Ahead 80mm travel w/pre-load adj. & custom spring
rear derailleur Shimano Altus 8 speed
front derailleur Shimano C102 34.9
shifters Shimano Altus 24 speed EZ FIRE+
crankset Shimano M191 28x38x48T
bottom bracket FSA semi cartridge
chain Shimano IG 8 speed
cassette Shimano HG30 8 speed 11-32T
brakes Tektro alloy v-brakes
brake levers Shimano V-brake
hubs Fr: Formula alloy QR | Rr: Shimano Altus 8sp cassette
rims Alloy double wall with brushed sides 26" x 36H
spokes 14G stainless
tyres Kenda 26 x 1.95"
pedals Flat steel cage
h.bar/stem Steel riser/Alloy ahead 25 degree
seat post Alloy Micro-adjust 30.9
saddle SDG Bel Air
grips Giant kraton

they're very similar, but i was just wondering if anyone has ever owned either and could give me a reason if one was better than the other.. but i'll find out which has the lighter frame.
Im leaning towards the 09 rock, as it looks a bit better and other than them having a different rear derailleur (boulder comes with an Acera, rock coems with an Altus) i really cant tell the difference.

[Mulger bill]

Thanks for the specs Anks.
They are so similar, is the Rock the Boulder for 09?

My daughters bike is an '06 Boulder SE, it works well with simple maintenance and rides quite well too.
Weight and looks should sell you one of these bikes IMO.

Shaun

[Kalgrm]

It looks like the 09 Boulder has disc brakes, whereas the Rock is last year's Boulder.

Get the Rock. There is essentially no difference between them.

Ride it for a while, but when things start to wear out, don't spend too much. By that time, you'll be either still riding occasionally or ready to do a major upgrade. In the first case, it will be cheaper to just buy low end bits to replace the worn out low end bits. In the latter case, you'll be looking for a new bike worthy of your new skills and enthusiasm.

How do I know? I started (this time*) on a Boulder SE 3 years ago. Now I've got two bikes worth more than $3000 each ....

Cheers,
Graeme

(* I was off bikes for about 15 years before getting back into them. The Boulder was what I bought when I got back into it.)