[Levi H]

Hey guys im on a strict budget of 400$ and cant decide between these two bikes.

Revel 2 (Black/Red) (2012) - Bikes | Giant Bicycles | United States

and

Save up to 60% off new Mountain Bikes - MTB - Windsor Cliff4500

i like the giant name alot better but it seems the windsor is a little better deal. I also know that buying the revel at a LBS is a big plus as well...

any thoughts would be awesome!

 

[Shalom]

Take both for a test ride and see which one fits you better. Buy that one.

 

[Levi H]

Well see the thing is the giant im sure i can find in a local bike store but the windsor i can only order online...
are the components better enough over the revel to take the risk of ordering online?

 

[DavidR1]

Take both for a test ride and see which one fits you better. Buy that one.

Hard to do that through the mail:thumbsup:

So my vote goes to the one you can actually ride (and have serviced).

 

[Shalom]

Apologies, I was not aware that the Windsor was a mail order bike.

In which case I would go for the Giant, as that will provide a local point of contact for servicing etc.

I might be a little archaic when it comes to buying my bicycles, but I prefer to get them through my LBS. The support and service is more than worth it.

As for the components - they seem to be similar....

 

[Crash Test Dumby]

I am a Bikesdirect fan, BUT its not for everyone. Since you sound like a true noob you will probably be better served with the Giant. Unless you can read a geometry chart then fitment is tough with mail order. And yes, the Windsor will have better components but would you know how to tune the shifting and brakes, adjust the headset? The Giant is a very nice entry level MTB. The components are VERY entry level but should serve you just fine.

 

[zebrahum]

I wouldn't buy a bike I didn't ride first. The Giant is a good entry level choice.

 

[Levi H]

I currently do not know how to adjust and tune those things but i could very easily learn if i did go that route. This bike will be used 90% on trails ranging for mild to extreme. I need the best bike i can get for my money now because i wont have the money to upgrade components any time soon. i'm not looking for a bike to ride for a while till i can afford a really nice bike. I want a bike that i can build the components over the years. so also the bike with the better frame is also important to me. if one bike as better components but a crappy frame i would prefer then one with worse components but a better frame. is this a good mindset or should i go another direction?

 

[Shalom]

If I am following your post, then you need to rethink.

Go with the better frame and worse components. When they break, replace/upgrade. The frame is the component that is most going to affect the ride.

 

[Levi H]

haha yeah i my bad i just reread my post and i did word it wrong... i want the bike with the best frame whether or not the components are not as good as the other.
so my next question is which frame is better?
i'm kinda leaning toward the Giant because i know they put out good bikes and i've read good reviews about the entire Revel line... but im still not educated enough in this field to make a decision on my own judgement.

 

[Shalom]

I know nothing of the Windsor marque, so cannot help there.

What I can say is that of the Giant hardtails I have ridden, there was nothing to complain about. They were all outstanding.

 

[captainjoon]

Go for the Giant.

With marginal differences in lower components, you're neither going to see nor feel any difference.

 

[Levi H]

Yeah i'm liking the Giant more and more! any other thoughts would be awesome!
I do know that my 1st (and immediate) purchase will be clipless pedals... and ideas of good (and "cheap") ones??
but any advice will be awesome!
thanks!

 

[ej63090]

You should be able to get a 2011 Revel 2 for closer to $300, and I'm certain there are several still out there. See if you can get the Revel 1 for closer to $400 for a 2011. I just got a 2011 Revel 2 Friday for $300, but I got an in at my LBS.

 

[Levi H]

Thanks for that info ej63090!
Where/how would you suggest i go about looking for that? call the LBS's in my area? I would LOVE to get a Revel 1 but as of right now its out of my price range but if i could get one for $400 that would be fantastic!

 

[lnc0321]

Here are a couple of more choices:thumbsup: I love the diamondback

Nashbar AT-2 Disc Mountain Bike - Hard Tail
Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike - Hard Tail
Diamondback Response Sport Mountain Bike - Hard Tail

 

[ej63090]

Just call around and ask for 2011 revel 1. I think the one by me has one left for $450 with 2 years of free maintenance. Can probably talk at least a little down.

 

[Levi H]

yeah? im n the chattanooga area and theres only 1 (according to google) that carries Giant bikes... im gunna call tomorrow i beleive

 

[ej63090]

Diamondback>Mongoose>Nashbar. The nashbar has some pretty low end components. The singlewall rims are weak and 50mm travel is weak. The other two are decent.

 

[Levi H]

That diamond back seems pretty nice! i havent heard much about the brand anymore.. are they still a respected bike manufacturer anymore?