Silverback Oakland vs Giant Boulder

[Milo J]

Getting a secondhand bike for my daughter. Choice between Silverback Oakland & Giant Boulder. Both @ same price & condition. Which is a better choice ?

[edkin]

I rode a Boulder for years on Tokai jeep track. It has a little sticker on the crossbar stating that the bike is for recreational purposes only and shouldn't be used for off road activities

 

That said, I pushed it well beyond its capabilities on jeep track and it handled the obstacles with aplomb. Just recently I started riding singletrack and thats when I realised how limited it and sluggish it was. I bought another brand at 3 times the price and am happily riding singletrack with confidence that the Boulder wasn't able to handle.

 

The point here is that you have to decide what kind of riding your daughter is going to do before you decide what bike to buy her. Careful thought will save you a lot of money. Good luck

[EigerSA]

I been riding my entry level oakland for 4 years. converted it to ss about 2 years ago. used it to commute on a 40km round trip for over a year, and threw it around giba - no problem with the frame ever. only issue I ever had was with the entry level derailleur, but replaced that was a crc cheap special and had no problems.

[Eugene]

Assuming the size is right, choose the one she likes the look of..............both are similar quality bikes

[Roer]

BIG mistake going for looks. We are talking about a little lady here. I HATED mountain biking at first because of a heavy albeit pretty bike. Components and weight are the most important factors. MOST of us (certainly in the beginning) are not strong and not technically inclined so dad, make sure you get it right otherwise after a few rides she's probably going to tell you in no uncertain terms, what to do with your pretty bike.

[mojopup]

I rode an Oakland for a few years and know a few others who started with this bike. Great starter bike and is bomb proof.