Here is an interesting one for all you mtbers. As you may know I spent 5 days cycling across Tanzania. 50% tarmac the rest was a mix of river crossings, dirt roads, gravel, sand and basically rock gardens. The bike I used was an entry level mtb, no disc brakes, 21 speed, non adjustable forks. A Carrera Valour 27.5 from halfords at €350. Initially sceptical at its ability to last the trip but it was this or a slightly better specd trek(26 wheels, 24speed and rebound adjust fork) so I decided to give it go due to been a 650b wheel and wanted to see the difference. Well I was super impressed tbh. Not only did it take it but took everything I through at it and I rode it very hard when it was rough. Top speed I clocked was a stunning 72kph! The only time it was out of it depth was on the really rough stuff, gears spun out too quick 39kph was the max I could pedal at. Overall it has changed my opinion on the ability of entery level bike. And it had the fewest punctures too of all the bikes,(14bikes had 80 punctures in one day as everything had spikes on it) As an entry level bike it spot on, as you get better and more confident a fork upgrade would be a must for the rougher stuff but if it could take the abuse I gave it for 5 days then it will take most things thrown at it on Irish terrain.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 20:13:29 +0000
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