Giant Boulder range...

[Abby]

Hi all,

Looking to make teh leap into the mtb world. I'm a long-time roadie, but with two daughters (12 & 15yo) mtb-ing is a much more family-friendly activity...

Hit the LBS yesterday, which is a Giant dealer. Was eyeing off the Boulder range, as they are in my price bracket.

Dealer was working hard to upsell me to a Talon. I said I basically want to take teh kids to ride fire-trails and beginner to medium (eventually) level single-track at Daisy Hill 1-2 weekends per month. Maybe the odd race for something different just for fun (maybe 1-2 per year at the most).

Its a bit frustrating coming form a roadie background (where I'm really well-versed in what comprises value vs just-for-bling), to an area where I am flying blind about equipment. Hoping someone could offer some advice as to whether the Boulders are a descent entry-level mtb for the desired purpose, or if I'm aiming too low... Budget is tight, so bang-for-buck & value-sweetspots is definitely the priority over looking cool on the trail...

Many thanks in advance!!

Cheers,
Abby

[mitzikatzi]

Linky's are nice.

The Boulder will be a good choice for the bike paths and fire trails.

The Talon will be a better choice for the "entry" level single track.

This bike was recommended recently as a good deal. KHS 2013 Tempe 29er MTB I would only buy a bike off the internet if you are happy to work on your own bikes.

[bychosis]

I suspect the Boulder range is aimed at people who want a MTB looking bike to ride on the paths (read: hybrids are for sissys). It would handle fire trails and 'kids rides' but suspect you would find upgraditis would occur if you started regular MTB riding on proper MTB tracks. The Talon should delay usgraditis.

[Crowz]

My dad bought me an entry level Boulder about 6 years ago (aka V-brakes & shoddy suspension) and I was riding that around Mt Coot-tha for a while before upgrading to a Giant XTC 2. A new Boulder is undoubtedly better than mine and will suffice for basic trails. If you plan on going for trails I would get a 29er Boulder though. Basically you get what you pay for though, and a Boulder is pretty much bottom of the barrel.

[Wakatuki]

HIJACK................. Sorry.
I am too in this market, have roadies for me and GLW but looking to add some MTN bike to the mix. The closer to $1300 the pair the better.
Mine will have to cope with some rougher stuff in areas like Parklands, Ewen Madock dam etc on the Sunshine Coast, GLW mainly forest tracks, fire tracks, unsealed roads. And the occasional less speedy trip around some trails, more recreational than jumps and downhills.
Hardtail, 29er's.. Thanks.
Have spotted Avanti Montari 2 and Scott 940. Any other suggestions. ..
Abby I will delete this if you want it in a new thread. I thought the content was similar though.

[Abby]

No probs Wakatuki...

I ended up buying a pair of Merida Matts 600 mtb's for my eldest daughter and myself. They were 2012 models (26" wheels) marked down to $699 each from Goldcross - I bought one each from 2 different stores, each was the last one on the floor at each store.

Very pleased - they have Deore all-round, except for an XT rear derailleur, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, RST air shocks with adjustable rebound. More bike than I'll probably ever need, but too cheap not to buy... Looking forward to hitting the dirt with them very soon...!!

A few of the Goldcrosses I went to still had a few 2012 Merida's (of different models) heavily marked down. Also, Giant are currently having a 'factory backed sale' (banner ad on Bikeexchange links to participating stores). If you want to go cheaper, they incluide Giant Boulder 1's (wich have Shimano mechanical disc brakes) down to $449...

Cheers,
Abby

[Wakatuki]

Cheers Abby,
A bit of hunting down has lead me to look at the following
Avanti Montari 29.2 Or Scott Aspect 940
For Pam a Avanti Forte 29.1 or 29.2 depends on how she gets on with mechanical brakes...

Will look at Merida, also a nice talon on ebay that I am watching.

[Wakatuki]

Well that was a shock....
Clicking around on Gumtree picked up a 2004 Avanti Montari Comp for $75. A few bits and pieces, dirty fingernails = $100 on the road

Now to see if I like this rough stuff

[trailgumby]

No probs Wakatuki...

I ended up buying a pair of Merida Matts 600 mtb's for my eldest daughter and myself. They were 2012 models (26" wheels) marked down to $699 each from Goldcross - I bought one each from 2 different stores, each was the last one on the floor at each store.

Very pleased - they have Deore all-round, except for an XT rear derailleur, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, RST air shocks with adjustable rebound. More bike than I'll probably ever need, but too cheap not to buy... Looking forward to hitting the dirt with them very soon...!!...

Excellent value for money! You've done well