sir trial a lot Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 (edited) Right, Basically im a fat shit and recently i came to the conclusion that my weight is holding me back both on my motorbike and pushbike. At first i was looking at multi gym's. But later realised i need to lose weight and become really fit rather than getting muscly (sp?). So im looking at the Saracen Mantra 1. Just wondering if it looks good value for money? i like the looks of it, it seems like a nice looking bike and looks like it would be really smooth. Id be using it for riding on roads, gravel tracks, through woods and of course the odd dirt jumping session. Now id like opinions on this bike as well as other bikes around the £300 mark. And the last thing. Does the frame height make any difference to how the bike rides/handles or is the higher frame just for tall people?. If so im over six foot so would the higher frame suit me better?Thanks, John.EDIT.BikeFull Spec Edited June 23, 2006 by sir trial a lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Nick Riviera Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 that would be pretty good for just xc if you looked after it well but jump it and shit will break.if you want to dirt jump, buy a BMX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSuave Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 (edited) i wouldn't buy that for £300, not for mainly XC usage. it will be cumbersome and its heavy. go for something without discs as this will allow better spec'd gears and wheels etc. for £300 i would expect at least deore gearing and shimano hubs. you want a solid base - good frame wheels and drivetrain. the rest like bars, saddle, stem, pedals etc are cheap to upgrade as and when they die.Id also look at older versions. shops always knock money off last years models.....Try these;Merlin malt1 deoreViper Giantor even better, get on ebay and get a good second one for that amount, far better option IMOHope this helps MrSuave Edited June 23, 2006 by TomNewbold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir trial a lot Posted June 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 cool thanks guys. But should i be looking at the higher frame or the lower one and putting the seat higher? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caleb Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 id go for a racing bike, im pretty sure youd burn more off on a racer . . .or just go out running or play football, its free and does work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the judge Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 (edited) I'm over 6 foot and I have a medium. I don't think there's that much of a difference in inside-leg measurement between medium and large, but the reach is extended by quite a bit, the large feels a bit like handling a barge. That last bit rhymes as well so it must be true I agree about not going for disks as well. You will get a much better spec without them, and most v-brakes will be better than cheap mechanical disks anyway. Edited June 23, 2006 by the judge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaRtZ Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 I recommend a specialised rock hopper or a giant terrago. I was in a similar situation a few years ago (but then my nan decided to buy me a kona caldera I know they're both £400 ish but they're pretty damn good for the money. In my opinion they're also strong enough to handle some pretty gnraly XC riding as well as conditions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future orange 660 Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 you dont need an xc bike to lose weight. how about just changing your lifestyle? e.g. walking to mc donalds instead of driving.running is better though since you need to only do around half the amount to get a similar work out than doing an xc ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simpson Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 you dont need an xc bike to lose weight. how about just changing your lifestyle? e.g. walking to mc donalds instead of driving.running is better though since you need to only do around half the amount to get a similar work out than doing an xc ride.although i agree with what you say ill try to put it nicer - constantly riding your bike will improve one aspect of you physice. eg my triceps are huge though trials riding but my biceps are kinda puny. your proably better off to keep riding trials and go for joggs and the like???/? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smegamo_joe Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 i'm buying dan clarkes bike for 300 quid soon, saving saving saving my way to an xc bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the judge Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 (edited) running is better though since you need to only do around half the amount to get a similar work out than doing an xc ride.Not necessarily i.e. if you do a proper xc ride, going fast up hills and faster on the flat etc. Cycling is more fun too Edited June 23, 2006 by the judge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir trial a lot Posted June 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 Not necessarily i.e. if you do a proper xc ride, going fast up hills and faster on the flat etc. Cycling is more fun too The riding id be doing has flat and uphill parts aswell as downhill. Im definately looking at a xc bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Has anyone seen my shoe? Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 i'm buying dan clarkes bike for 300 quid soon, saving saving saving my way to an xc bike.The mongoose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ogre Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 I have a saracen mantra (last years?) it's good for getting around on and looks prety swish too huray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the judge Posted June 26, 2006 Report Share Posted June 26, 2006 I have a saracen mantra (last years?) it's good for getting around on and looks prety swish too huray!As in going to the shops on, or proper xc ridage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spikenipple Posted June 26, 2006 Report Share Posted June 26, 2006 Before it got nicked, I had a Saracen Mantra, and it was surprisingly nice to ride around!It felt pretty light to ride even on high gears, and it was agile at anything provided the tyres were pumped up enough, as the one I bought had 2.6" Nokians on it.It was pretty nice to jump too (local BMX dirt track) as the forks aren't massively absorbant but they're enough to make things feel pretty swish.The only gripe I had with mine is that the front disc was undrilled so after not much braking it would turn to shit, and at the time I didn't really know much about disc brakes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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