Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike Review
- Price: $386.36
- Category: Hardtail Bicycle
- Frame: Aluminum
- Gear: 2×8
- Tires: 27.5″ x 2.10″
What we like about it: The sturdy and durable aluminum frame with an affordable Microshift drivetrain and braking system, paired with entry-level tires make it a cost-effective option for the average mountain bike.
What we don’t like about it: It’s only for newbies.
Rating (4.7/5.0)
When you start getting into cycling, you’re already on a journey of joy. In the beginning, many people want to find cheap and affordable bikes. After a long search and review, we found the 2022 Carrera Valor Disc Mens Mountain Bike. However, the Carrera Valor Disc has the performance to be ridden anywhere, anytime. And with its wider handlebars and shorter stem and modern frame geometry, it offers an exciting riding experience for newbies.
Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike Climbing Performance
The Carrera Valor Disc Mens Mountain Bike is a hardtail that completely overturns my impression of a starter bike. Its light and responsive frame, efficient modern gearing, and generous tires are enough to get newbies off to a great start.
To give it more braking power, I upgraded its mechanical disc brake to a hydraulic disc brake.
Then, our group went to Howler Bike Park, a new bike park. The wide wooded area has a variety of terrain for off-road ridings, such as rocky roads, gravel roads, trails, bridges, and more.
Considering that this was a bike for novices, we chose a relatively easy route to start the climb. Before setting off, I also booked accommodation through Skyscanner to give myself ample space to rest and prepare.
Experience
First of all, the Kenda tires roll over all sizes of gravel on the road with firmness and stability. Moreover, the dense tread pattern of the tread enhances the friction of the tire. At the same time, the puncture protection design used in the tire keeps the tire from being damaged when it collides with debris.
Secondly, the generous 100mm travel of the Suntour XCM fork was very thoughtful, and its sensitive rebound eased the bumps on the climbing trail for me.
As the trail extended, I noticed that the slope of the road became steeper. However, the ground was not less rocky and branchy. This made me start to worry about the Carrera Valor DiscMens Mountain Bike, would it be able to handle this terrain smoothly?
As it turned out, my fears were dashed. Because the Carrera Valor DiscMens Mountain Bike’s drivetrain performed very well. Its 2×8 speed shifting range and clean handling helped me a lot, and I quickly switched to the right gear. As a result, my pedaling efficiency was translated quickly, which made me feel quite effortless.
Of course, I think it’s also important to talk about the steep seat tube angle of this bike. The 73° seat tube angle provides a comfortable riding position and makes climbing uphill much easier for me.
Through my joint efforts with Carrera Valor DiscMens Mountain Bike, I reached the top of the mountain in no time.
To be honest, we didn’t expect the Carrera Valor DiscMens Mountain Bike to be so awesome, and it brought me an efficient climbing experience at such a cheap price.
Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike Descending Performance
The descending terrain is much more exciting than the climbing terrain. This is mainly because the frame of the Carrera Valor DiscMens Mountain Bike has been optimized with a thicker tube shape, but also with less excess weight. As a result, the lighter frame allows me to maneuver better when descending.
The strong bumpy feeling always makes me feel uncomfortable when I encounter a downhill with a large drop. However, its shock-absorbing forks effectively mitigate the vibration, allowing me to concentrate on looking ahead and judging the direction.
And, my renewed hydraulic disc brakes provided me with great braking power so that I could control my speed to avoid obstacles in time.
Also, there would be very large rocks on the descent trail and they were always around the thick roots, which was very bad for me to turn. Because if I am not careful, I will fall. However, my steering on the Carrera Valor DiscMens Mountain Bike felt very nimble thanks to its steep 68° head tube angle.
Not only that but the saddle and handlebars are very commendable, with the wider handlebars and ergonomic saddle providing me with a comfortable feel. Despite the many potholes along the way, I didn’t feel any muscle soreness.
With these favorable conditions, I flew towards the flat with no jams, only smoothness.
Main Features
Frame Group
With a modern aesthetic, the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike frame is made of sturdy aluminum, which is not only cheap but also very durable. The improved tube profile is thicker and more powerful.
This Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike has practical value on top of its aesthetic appeal. That’s right, it thoughtfully provides us with two water bottle mounting holes so that we can hydrate in time during trail rides.
In addition, it doesn’t have the internal alignment design of a high-end hardtail trail bike, but it collects the cable wires in an orderly fashion along the underside of the top tube and rear upper fork to prevent them from being damaged.
Geometry
We measured the Carrera Valour Disc on the M. This bike has a seat tube angle of 73.0°, so we also lean back a bit in the saddle. I think this is considered a slacker angle. We would tend to be in a more upright riding position while riding, making us feel stable on the trail.
And the 605mm top tube length means our posture doesn’t lean toward aggressive, but more toward comfortable.
And, the 40mm BB Drop balances agility and stability for us in the turns. Combined with the bike’s steep 68° head tube, we won’t have any problems turning.
Components and Specifications
Microshift RD-M25L Drivetrain
As a more basic drivetrain, its 2×8 speed range can be said to be very suitable for novices.
Compared to previous versions of the Valor Disc, the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike has fewer gears. This means the bike is lighter and will be easier to maintain. Also, the trigger shifters allow for easy shifting, which is easy for the rider to master.
Not only that, the rich gear ratio makes climbing easier for freshmen riders. Although, it will not be very outstanding in terms of heat dissipation and chain slapping.
However, at this price point, the flexible shifting that the Microshift RD-M25 drivetrain gives the rider is attractive enough.
Carrera Puncture Protect by Kenda Tires
The Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike is equipped with this vacuum tire from the Kenda brand, which is a great value for money. Its staggered tread pattern is densely arranged on the tread, providing strong traction for the tire to roll.
Moreover, this tire has a puncture protection design, which gives the tire a longer life. It also provides the rider with the bottom line to explore the complex mountain terrain.
Suntour XCM Front Fork
I think a 100mm travel fork is necessary for the rider. This Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike is equipped with a shock front fork for riders to adapt to many terrains. And its aluminum construction can be considered very strong.
We will feel much fewer bumps while riding as a result. Because the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike can be equipped with such an effective shock fork for novice riders, you can see that it is very sincere.
Other versions of Carrera Valour Disc
The 2022 Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike is a mountain bike built for men. If you are a girl or want to choose an introductory hardtail trail bike for a female friend around you, we also have an alternative version of this bike. That would be the 2022 Carrera Valour Disc Womens Mountain Bike built for girls.
2022 Carrera Valour Disc Womens Mountain Bike
The front fork, the women’s version, also uses Suntour XCM’s 100mm travel fork, a sturdy aluminum fork that minimizes the rider’s sensation of bumps.
The drivetrain system is the Microshift RD-M25L, which has a 2×8 speed range for easy and smooth shifting.
The geometry of this Carrera Valour Disc Womens Mountain Bike is more ergonomic for women, taking into account the fact that girls have different body proportions than boys. Girls will feel a more intimate experience on this bike.
What we like about it
- Sturdy aluminum frame provides reliable load-bearing capacity.
- Suntour XCM’s 100mm travel fork reduces our vibration.
- The 2×8-speed Microshift RD-M25L’s drivetrain allows for a wide range of speed options.
- Mechanical disc brake provides sensitive braking.
- Carrera Puncture Protect by Kenda vacuum tires with puncture protection.
What we don’t like about it
- The configuration is relatively basic.
- No internal alignment setup.
FAQs
- What is the frame material of the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike?
The Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike’s frame is made of aluminum.
- What is the drivetrain of the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike?
The Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike has a 2×8 speed drivetrain.
- What are the dimensions of the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike?
| SIZE | XS | S | M | L | XL |
| Rider Height | 156cm – 166cm | 163cm – 174cm | 171cm – 182cm | 179cm – 189cm | 185cm – 195cm |
Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike Specs
Build
| Frame | Alloy |
| Fork | Suntour XCM, 100mm travel |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed Bearing 73x119mm |
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1 1/8″ |
| Stem | Carrera alloy, 45mm, 3° rise, 31.8mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Carrera Riser Bar, 20mm rise, 31.8mm clamp, Width XS/S – 720mm M/L/XL – 740mm |
| Saddle | Carrera MTB |
| Seatpost | Carrera Alloy, 31.6 mm, 34.9 mm clamp |
| Pedals | Alloy MTB pedal, 9/16″ |
| Grips | Carrera MTB |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Microshift RD-M25L |
| Front Derailleur | Microshift FD-M282, 34.9mm clamp |
| Crank | Prowheel 36×22, square taper (XS – 165mm, S – 170mm, M/L/XL – 175mm) |
| Shifters | Microshift TS39-28, 2×10 |
| Cassette | Microshift CS-H081, 8-Speed, 11-34T |
| Chain | KMC 8-speed |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc brake, 160mm rotor |
Wheels
| Rims | Carrera double-wall alloy, 32H |
| Front Hub | Black, alloy, Quick release 9x100mm |
| Rear Hub | Black, alloy, Quick release 10x135mm |
| Tires | Carrera Puncture Protect by Kenda, MTB |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Gear | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| 2022 Polygon CASCADE 3 | $569 | 3 × 7 | Shimano BR-MT200 Mechanical Disc | 27.5″ × 2.1″ | Click view |
| 2022 Giant Talon 3 | $595.5 | 2 × 8 | ektro HDC M27 HydraulicDisc | 27.5″ / 29″x2.2″ | Click view |
| 2022 ROCKRIDER 27.5 Inch WOMEN’S MOUNTAIN BIKE ST 100 | $237 | 3×7 | Rim Brakes (the official website only gives v brakes, no other information) | 27.5″× 2.0″ | Click view |
| 2022 REID Jaguar 29 MTB Disc | $201 | 3 × 7 | Shimano Altus EF500 Mechanical Disc | 29″ x 2.1″ | Click view |
2022 Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike vs 2022 Polygon CASCADE 3
The Polygon CASCADE 3’s drivetrain uses a 3-disc drivetrain, which is not only a bit heavier in weight, but also has a maximum gearing of only 28 T. Meanwhile, the 3×7-speed shift has a very wide selection of speeds, but this is a very old drivetrain.
The Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike’s two-disc drivetrain is not only relatively easy to operate but also has a maximum gearing of 34T, making it more efficient on climbs.
Not only that, but the lighter Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike will be faster on the descent.
In addition, the fork of Polygon CASCADE 3 is also a SUNTOUR brand, but the specification is lower than the fork of Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike.
As a result, the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike will be superior in both speed and shock absorption.
2022 Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike vs 2022 Giant Talon 3
The Giant Talon 3 is significantly more expensive than the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike. But in our review, the Giant Talon 3 didn’t surprise us very much.
The main reason is that the Giant Talon 3 has 80mm of fork travel, and its geometry feels slack to me, the flexibility of the head tube is somewhat limited. Therefore, the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike will be more responsive when turning.
On balance, I think the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike would be a better choice for beginners.
Learn More: Giant Talon 3 Review [2022]- Bringing Comfort To Your Trail Riding
2022 Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike vs 2022 ROCKRIDER 27.5 Inch WOMEN’S MOUNTAIN BIKE ST 100
The ROCKRIDER 27.5 Inch WOMEN’S MOUNTAIN BIKE ST 100 is a women’s trail bike with a women’s ergonomic saddle and fork. Needless to say, it ensures you have a more upright riding position and the double-walled rims have great compression resistance.
In addition, the 3×7 speed chainring has a wide selection of speeds, allowing beginners to have the right speed for all kinds of terrain.
As you can imagine, the comfortable ride will also attract male riders to choose it as their first bike. This is because its comfort is better than that of the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike.
Nevertheless, I would still prefer the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike because it would be more exciting to try with me.
2022 Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike vs 2022 REID Jaguar 29 MTB Disc
The REID Jaguar 29 MTB Disc has selected Shimano’s entry-level package, such as the drivetrain and braking system. This is not much different from the Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike.
However, one highlight of this REID Jaguar 29 MTB Disc is that it has a partial internal cable routing design. Yes, not only the appearance is cleaner, the cable routing will be protected as well.
I think the geometry of the REID Jaguar 29 MTB Dis is more geared towards stability and comfort, and the handling doesn’t feel very nimble to me. The Carrera Valour Disc Mens Mountain Bike, on the other hand, has silky smooth handling that is better suited for trail riding.
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