Carrera Kraken vs Scott Contessa?

Question

I am looking to but a good mountain bike and have been told both of these are along the lines of what i'm looking for. They are both within my price range and I am really stuck on which one to go with. Does anyone have any personal experience with either these bikes?

Replies much appreciated.

Thanks (:

Answer 1

We don't have Carrera here in the states, but I can attest that the Scott Contessa is a very nice bike.  Helping a friend shop for her first mountain bike a couple years ago, the Contessa was the front runner for several reasons.  She ended up buying a Trek Fuel EX7 instead, but that Contessa was a sweet ride.  The geometry was pretty standard, but it had a nice component selection and the paint job was beautiful.  Scott gives good quality at a good price and you won't go wrong with one of their bikes as long as you like the shop you're dealing with and can get good service when you need it.  That goes for any bike, any brand.  

If you can, spend some time with each bike shop.  Set up both bikes properly for you, and test ride each of them.  that's the best way to see what you're going to like.  And remember that if you like certain things about one bike, but like the other bike better overall, then you can always change out some parts or whatever and end up with *your* perfect bike.   Hope this helps, enjoy the new ride!    :o)