Hello,
Decathlon has a sale on one of their bikes right now that were much more expensive. They seem to have the best specs for the price in my area: https://www.decathlon.co.il/en/men-mtb-bikes/329346-78134-29quote-touring-mountain-bike-explore-520-grey-slash-red.html#/demodelcolor-8607110/demodelsize-1045xl_185_200cm
The specs for the Decathlon's EXPLORE 520 are:
Front suspension: Suntour XCM (100mm)
Brakes: Tektro TK-M276 (hydraulic)
Chain: KMC X10
Rear Shifter: Microshift AdventX
Tires: Rockrider All Conditions 29" x 2.2"
I almost bought the Haro DoublePeak Trail (29"), but they didn't have it in stock and I will need to wait until after holidays which will take some time.
These are the specs for the Haro DoublePeak Trail for comparison:
Front suspension: SR Suntour XCT-30 (100mm)
Brakes: Tektro hydraulic (unspecified)
Chain: KMC Z9
Rear Shifter: Microshift Advent 9
Tires: Kenda Booster | 29"x2.4"
So looks like the only advantage of the Haro are the tires. Because the Decathlon offer lifetime warranty on their frame and Haro 6 years (and the Haro frame is heavier)
The Explore 520 was out of my budget until now, and I was told that Decathlon bikes aren't generally good, however with this sale on the Explore 520 – could it be worth it now?
Also, is it possible if I ever want to – to replace the 2.2" tires with thicker ones, like the ones that come with the Haro?
thanks!
by thedeadfungus
3 Comments
2.4 will *probably* be fine. The difference in width is only 5mm.
I don’t know anything about the brand, so I can’t comment on that. But looking at the specs, it’s a pretty decent starter bike. It has a 1x drivetrain and hydraulic brakes, as well as a bottom bracket with external bearings. All of those put count towards the good end.
It has medium angled head tube, which is consistent with the short travel 100mm fork. It’s designed as a XC bike, so nothing crazy.
As far as tire width, you can almost certainly put something wider on it. Tire width and type are very much personal preference. Wider tires are going to give better traction, at the cost of making it harder to pedal. Knobbier tires work better on loose dirt, less knobby tires are faster and better on smoother, harder packed trails.
They’re not great. What’s your budget? Do you have MTB friends? Can you get a used bike?
Yes, you can swap on other tires. That makes a really big difference. You’ll still have a Suntour letter-series fork and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.