Any Claud Butler MTB Gurus out there?

V8burble

V8burble

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Ok, I was going to get my son a 2011 model Claud Butler Cape Wrath 01 mountain bike for Christmas... however I've just found a 2010 model Ccape Wrath 02 for about £70 less than the 2011 Cape Wrath 01. Now I know nothing about gear sets, brakes etc on these things but my gut says that the slightly higher spec 02 of last year has got to be at least as good as the slightly lower spec a year on :shrug:


Would anyone who does know about Shimano gears and the like please take a look at the specs of the two and give me the benefit of their wisdom :thumbs:

Sorry the specs are from different websites and in different order etc


MODEL : Claud Butler Cape Wrath 2 Gents 2010
FRAME : 6061 T4 T6 aluminium
FORK : Suntour XCM MLO with Lockout 100mm
REAR GEARS : Shimano Altus
FREEWHEEL : 8 speed freewheel 11-30
GEAR SHIFT : Shimano Alivino Pods
BRAKES : Quad Tork Hydraulic Disk 160mm
WHEELS : Quando 32h Alloy hub with disk specific rim
CHAINSET : Truvativ X Flow 24-34-42
TYRES : Kenda Krusher 26 x2.1
STEM : Alloy Ahead
BARS : CB Alloy 31.8mm
SADDLE : Active Performance MTB



MODEL: Claud Butler Cape Wrath 1 Gents 2011
BRAKES Quad QHD4 Hydralic Disc 160mm
FORK Suntour XCM MLO with lockout 100mm
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Acera
SHIFTERS Shimano Alivio Pods
HANDLEBAR CB Alloy 31.8mm
CASSETTE 8 speed 11-30
SADDLE Active Performance MTB
STEM CB Alloy Ahead
CHAINSET Truvativ X Flow 24-34-42
TYRES KENDA Krusher 26 x 2.1
FULL DESCRIPTION Claud Butler XC Hydro-Pro Frame. 6061 T4-T6 Aluminium Disc Specific Frame With Hydro Formed Top Tube, Compliance Snake Stays And Semi Integrated Head Tube. CNC Disc Drop Outs. Suntour XCM - MLO With Lock Out And 100mm Travel. Shimano Alivio 24 Speed Separate STI Shifters And Quad Hydraulic Brake Levers. Truvativ X Flow 24-34-42 Chainset Semi Integrated FSA Aheadset Quad QHD4 Hydralic Disc 160mm Quando 32h alloy hub with disc specific rim Quick Release Hubs And Stainless Steel Spokes. 9 Speed Free Hub. Kenda Krusher 26x2.10 Front And Rear Specific.


Thanks in advance :)
 
The difference really is the rear gearing - the 2011 Acera being a slightly higher spec than the 2010 Altus. I wouldn't describe it as a significant difference and you could certainly buy a brand new Acera derailleur for less than £70. The Altus will be absolutely fine and is no reason not to buy the 2010 model.
 
Thank you very much DTB.

Ok, to make life a bit more complicated... how does it compare to a Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2011 or even a Giant Talon 3 2011 (which I could just stretch to)
 
Both good bikes & to a large extent it comes to personal choice. I prefer the Giant personally for 2 reasons. Firstly it has some slightly better quality components (but that is not to say that the Specialized are not good enough) but this is reflected in the price, and secondly I think it looks nicer. The orange Specialized is a bit, well, orange for me but perhaps that would be a good thing for younger people! But both bikes are good, both will provide years of enjoyment, the components on both are much better than ones on 5 year old bikes which people are still using with no problems.

To answer your question about how does the Claud Butler compare - well I would say it is on par with the Specialized. I like Giant; they feel very precise. Presumably you can't get your son to try them beforehand to see what feels best because that is the best criteria to use. If not, go with the Giant...
 
I'd have to say as a hardrock rider its a great bike ,the short stem/wheel base makes it a great bike to chuck into corners stable and a good bike to build up off road skills. Its a tough frame so holds a bit of weight so can make climbs a little more challenging but if your son wants to get into dirt jumping. I've not ridden a Giant but both the giant and specialized will close on feel of ride.

If your not in a huge rush (can wait until after chrismas) Evans Cycle's is about to have their ex-demo and store bike sale the list go's on their site soon they currently have some nice deals on new bikes an a easy to use site
 
Thanks I'm in no mad rush, it's become a birthday and Christmas present anyway so another couple of weeks or so won't hurt LOL much appreciated
 
the list went up today some bikes saving over 50% but you need to look through the list
 
did you find a bike for your son in the end? this post has got me looking for a new one as my bike is getting a bit old now
 
Sorry for the delay in closing this one down, but yes in the end we went for a GT Avalanche 1.0 disc (XT rear derailleur) and it's great! :thumbs:
 
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