Malcolm Hafner

I'm looking to buy a bike from Radon (the German online company). If you don't know them it doesn't matter, the choices I'm after advice on is essentially Aluminium frame with better componentry or a carbon frame with less good componentry. One of the key questions is Shimano XT vs SRAM x9.

I would like some advice on the best bike to choose.

The bikes are
alu: https://www.radon-bikes.de/xist4c/web/ZR ... 22260_.htm
carbon: https://www.radon-bikes.de/xist4c/web/Bl ... 22281_.htm

Both are 26 inch wheels because I live in the Chilterns (UK) and much of it is twisty turny stuff rather than rapid rolling. Can't afford the 29er carbon anyway.

I'm definitely not competition, but like to push hard for a 50 yr old. Most rides are a couple of hours hard slog up hill and down dale at the weekend with a couple of (charity) all day bashes each year (last few have been Brecon Beacons, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District). My current bike is an old Diamond Back Ascent Ex (20 year old steel and no sus) - I love it but we're both getting old.

Any advice you can give would be great.
Cheers!

ncfisherman

Hey Malcolm -

Which models are you looking at? The links aren't complete, so it just takes you to the homepage.

Matt

dminor 

Correct links are:

https://www.radon-bikes.de/xist4c/web..._id_22260_.htm

https://www.radon-bikes.de/xist4c/web..._id_22281_.htm

3speed

I personally say get the frame that fits you best(likely the same in this case) and then get it with the best components you can. I'd think you'll be just as happy on aluminum as carbon. The carbon may weigh a tiny bit less, but also has a reputation for breakage and many companies still recommend that you replace a frame or at least have it inspected by a professional if you crash it. Maybe you're a lot better rider than me, but I've wiped out plenty of times on my MTB. If I had to have it inspected and/or replaced every time...

jimc101

Of the 2, you go for the Alu fram, as it has XT, which is nice, personal preference over SRAM, but if you like SRAM, go for the Carbon.

Both frames are mid range, but they both have features which for 2013 are several years out of date.

Both have 9mm QR front hubs, when 15mm really is the current standard

Both have 27.2mm seatposts, which limits the choice of dropper posts, droppers are really an essential part of an MTB now, try one, you won't want to ride with out it.

For the money, there are plenty of options out there, On-one do some very good value (better than these) carbon, what about full suspension, have a look at the Ghost range at CRC, some of the 2011 models are very good value for money.

Malcolm Hafner

Thanks guys, this is really helpful information. Clearly a bit more study as to what to go for - trouble is I'm champing at the bit to get out again since the cassette and goodness knows what else on my current bike is fubar. Any thoughts on Cube?

I tried a Cube yesterday but felt that I was riding in it rather than on it. Don't know whether that makes sense but with my current bike I felt far higher than the frame and the bike felt much smaller. Perhaps that's old steel or something.

Malcolm Hafner

Sorry about that but some very kind person has put the correct links in place. Thank you!

Malcolm Hafner

Thanks for posting these

Malcolm Hafner

Falling off is a habit I'm afraid, so I appreciate the practical feedback.

jimc101

Cube bikes are nice, only issues I know with them are the integrated bottom brackets they have, a friend has one, and has had to have this replaced far more often than an HT2 would need to be.

3speed

I feel like the dropper post is also a very good point if you do much beyond xc singletrack type riding. I don't do any hardcore DH by any means(A few smaller drops) and I'm finding myself really wanting a dropper post. OP, do you raise and lower your seat post while riding? Or do you feel that you'd be better off having it lower while descending?

Malcolm Hafner

With my current bike I can just hang my backside behind the seat which does the job very well, if not elegantly! My seat post has cold welded itself into the frame (it is 20 years old) which is one of the reasons to change the bike.

Malcolm Hafner

Thanks guys, now looking at the Ghost HTX ACTINUM 7500 2012 which I hope has the best of both worlds (alu, light and good componentry). It can also be had for a decent discount which makes it affordable (at CRC). Any views on this?