Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike Review
- Price: £530
- Category: Hardtail bike
- Tires: 27.5″×2.25
- Drivetrain: 1×11
What we like about it: Lightweight, strong, and durable alloy frame, 27.5-inch double-wall rims for extra durability, 1×11 drivetrain for easy climbing, lightweight Suntour XCR shock fork for a great shock experience.
What we don’t like about it: Lack of chainring guards, too few options in frame sizes.
Rating (4.7/5)
Introduction
Whether you’re on a forest trail with branches and roots or a gravelly country trail, this Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike can handle it well. As a hardtail trail bike, this bike is the perfect companion for when you’re off-roading in the mountains.
It is not only equipped with powerful Shimano BL-M210 hydraulic brakes but also the lightweight Suntour fork can effectively reduce the vibration generated when riding.
In terms of component selection, Carrera has equipped it with mid- to high-end features that make this bike stand out among other bikes in its price range. And the excellent performance of the components makes for a very enjoyable riding experience. The bottom line is that you can take it home for just £530, which makes me very excited.
Next, let’s talk about this hardtail trail bike in detail. I will introduce it from several aspects, such as its climbing, descending, main features, and main components. If you want to know more about the bike, welcome to follow us, we will keep updating and look forward to your attention.
Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike Climbing Review
For off-road bikes, we often talk about their climbing performance, and this Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike did not disappoint me in its climbing performance as well.
When I tested it with my friend, I could feel its lightness, thus saving me a lot of energy during the climbing process. This is thanks to its aluminum frame, which makes the body light enough and tougher in terms of strength.
In this climbing test, the road we chose was a gravel trail with 5 ramps from the start to the end and some sand and gravel scattered on the road. Such road conditions make our climbing more difficult.
The biggest thing I got out of this bike on the actual ride was how smooth and comfortable it was. Mainly the Maxxis Ardent tires were used, which allowed it to handle these gravel roads well and roll fast through the trails.
It is also equipped with a 1×11 Shimano Deore drivetrain. When I encountered some steep roads, this drivetrain responded quickly and shifted into the right gear. The smooth and fast shifting made my climbing extra easy and gave me a very comfortable climbing experience.
Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike Descending Review
When I first got this bike, I was concerned about its drop performance. But in later tests, it put my concerns to rest.
To test its descending performance, we chose a bumpy road. We set off from the top of the mountain, through the dense woods, and felt the speedy experience of the Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike.
This is where its Suntour XCR lightweight fork plays an important role. The 120mm of travel absorbs shock well when going over bumpy sections, allowing me to ride smoothly.
At the same time, the braking ability of the bike is especially important during high-speed descents. The Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike uses Shimano BL-M210 hydraulic disc brakes, which provide an excellent braking effect.
After we conducted several drop tests, it still had excellent braking performance under high-intensity use conditions, giving me a better riding experience.
Main Features
Frame Group
I have to say that the appearance of this bike is very much in line with my aesthetic. The gray paint with black seat posts and handlebars and the slim aluminum body are very metallic. And it’s not only light enough in weight but also maintains excellent sturdiness, allowing you to ride with confidence when off-road.
And it is designed with internal alignment to protect the cable wires from damage and aspect your daily cleaning. It is worth mentioning that it comes with a fender set, which is a good choice for me to help keep some mud and water away.
It also has multiple water bottle mounting holes on its downtube, which makes it more convenient for you to ride in the field, and you can carry multiple bottles of drinking water to meet your needs.
Components and Specifications
Suntour XCR Fork
The Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens uses the Suntour XCR fork as its fork of choice. This fork is made of magnesium alloy, which is lighter in weight and does not affect its performance or control.
And it increases the travel to 120mm. During the driving process, it can effectively and efficiently absorb vibrations and give you a more comfortable riding experience.
Also, this fork comes with a locking feature. This means you can switch freely when you need to, which is more beneficial to your riding.
Shimano Deore Drivetrain
This Shimano Deore 1×11 drivetrain is designed for off-road use, so to speak. In terms of shifting, not only is it fast and responsive, but it can make 3 shifts at a time, and the clean cockpit optimizes maneuverability.
It is also equipped with a 51T cassette. That’s right, sensible gear matching will ensure you an efficient ride, and the 1×11 shifting option allows you to tackle more terrain.
Shimano BL-M210 Hydraulic Disc Brake
In terms of brake choice, the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike uses Shimano BL-M210 hydraulic disc brakes. These hydraulic disc brakes are designed for entry-level riders and are much easier and faster to install.
Also uses mineral oil for SHIMANO hydraulic disc brakes. This gives you smoother braking and reduces the noise generated during use.
Other versions of Carrera Sulcata
We have also tested other versions of Carrera Sulcata in this test. We hope you have a clearer understanding of the Carrera Sulcata series.
Carrera Sulcata 2.2 Mens Mountain Bike
Like the same series of bikes, this Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike uses light blue paint on the bike. In addition, it has a 2×11 drivetrain. While this gives it more shifting options, it is also a bit more complicated to operate.
Carrera Sulcata 3.1 Mens Mountain Bike
The fork on this bike is the same as the Carrera Sulcata 2.2 version mentioned above, both using the RST Omega fork. However, unlike the Carrera Sulcata 3.2, this fork is made of steel, which makes it a bit heavier. Also in terms of damping, I felt it was not as good as the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 in real life.
We have reviewed other versions of Carrera Sulcata if you want to know more.
What we like about it
- Extremely cost-effective price
- 1×11 Shimano Deore drivetrain for easy climbing
- Suntour XCR lightweight fork, can effectively and efficiently absorb the vibration generated during the ride
- Provide bike care with unlimited lifetime safety checks
What we don’t like about it
- Lack of chain ring guards
- Too little choice of body size
FAQs
- What is the fork of the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike?
The fork on the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike is the Suntour XCR lightweight fork.
- What are the brakes on the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike?
The brakes on the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike are Shimano BL-M210 hydraulic disc brakes.
- What is the drivetrain of the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike?
The drivetrain of the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike is a Shimano Deore 1×11 drivetrain.
- Size Chart
| Size | Rider height |
| S | 160 – 170 CM |
| M | 168 – 178 CM |
| L | 175 – 185 CM |
Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike Specs
Build
| Frame | Alloy |
| Fork | sf14-xcr 32 lo-r coil ds27.5-120 |
| Bottom Bracket | 2-piece, BB52 |
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1 1/8″ |
| Stem | Alloy, 45mm, 3° rise, 31.8mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Riser bar, 12mm rise, 31.8mm clamp, 760mm |
| Saddle | Mountain bike saddle, foam padding |
| Seatpost | Alloy, 27.2x350mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Pedals | Mountain bike pedal, 9/16″ |
| Grips | Clarks |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano RD-M5100 Deore, 1×11 |
| Crank | Shimano FC-M5100-1 |
| Shifters | Shimano SL-M5100 |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-M5100-11, 11-51T |
| Chain | KMC 11-speed |
| Brakes | Shimano BL-M210 Hydraulic Disc Brake, 160mm |
Wheels
| Rims | Alloy double wall |
| Front Hub | Black, alloy, Quick release 9x100mm |
| Rear Hub | Black, alloy, Quick release 10x145mm |
| Tires | Maxxis Ardent |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| Carrera Sulcata 2.1 Mens Mountain Bike | $537 | 2×11 | Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic Disc c | 27.5″ | Click View |
| Marin Bobcat Trail 3 | $699 | 2×8 | Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc | 27.5″ or 29″×2.25 | Click View |
| Polygon PREMIER 4 | $679 | 2×8 | Hydraulic Disc | 27.5″×2.25 | Click View |
| Diamondback Hook | $815 | 1×8 | Tektro Mechanical Disc | 27.5″×2.35 | Click View |
Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike vs Carrera Sulcata 2.1 Mens Mountain Bike
As a hardtail mountain bike in the same series as the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike, the Carrera Sulcata 2.1 Mens Mountain Bike can be said to be identical to it in terms of configuration. Yes, even the appearance is the same except for the color difference. The only difference is the drivetrain of the two.
If you like more shifting options, the Carrera Sulcata 2.1’s 2×11 drivetrain will work for you. But if you want simpler shifting, then the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 would be a good choice.
Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike vs Marin Bobcat Trail 3
I prefer the grey color of the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens to the bright blue paint of the Marin Bobcat Trail 3. Because the gray and black color combination makes it look more understated and introspective, I like this style.
Also in terms of tire options, the Marin Bobcat Trail 3 is going to have one more 29″ option than it does. You can choose according to your needs.
The Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike only has a few fewer shifting options than it does, but that’s enough for a beginner rider.
Learn more : Top 8 Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000
Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike VS Polygon PREMIER 4
To be honest, personally, the Polygon PREMIER 4 does not give me the same feeling as the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike in actual riding.
The first is the Polygon PREMIER 4 fork, which uses the Suntour XCM fork, which is less effective in terms of damping. And it does not have the fork-locking function. Therefore, it is not as comfortable as Sulcata 3.2 Mens when riding on gentle roads.
I have to say that the price is a bit higher than the Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike. In terms of value for money, I prefer the Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike.
Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike vs Diamondback Hook
This Diamondback Hook is also very attractive to me in appearance. However, it must be said that its cable is exposed outside. This will be very vulnerable to damage when riding, and daily cleaning is not so convenient.
It is worth mentioning that this Diamondback Hook has chosen Tektro mechanical discs for its brakes. This is cheaper and easier to maintain for those who are new to off-road. However, it is not as responsive as hydraulic discs.
If you have some off-road base and want a bike with good braking performance, then Carrera Sulcata 3.2 Mens Mountain Bike will be a good choice.
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