Carrera Mountain Bikes

How to choose a Carrera mountain bike

Picking the right Carrera hardtail matches spec to your riding:

Model	Best For
VALOUR	New riders, tight budgets (roads, parks, light tracks)
VENGEANCE	Daily mixed use (commutes + easy off-road)
VULCAN/HELLCAT	Beginner trails (green/blue grades, rough paths)
FURY/VENDETTA	Serious trails (red grades, bike parks)

Complete Carrera Mountain Bike Range Guide

Carrera has been manufacturing high-quality mountain bikes exclusively for Halfords for over 20 years. Each model is carefully specced to deliver maximum performance at its price point, making Carrera the go-to brand for value-conscious UK riders who refuse to compromise on quality.

Entry Level Models (£268-£385)

Carrera Valour (RRP £335) – The perfect starting point for new mountain bikers. This lightweight alloy-framed bike features reliable Shimano Tourney 2×7 gearing providing 14 speeds, Suntour XCE28 suspension forks with 100mm of travel to smooth out bumps, and V-brakes for dependable stopping power. The 27.5-inch wheels with double-walled rims and quick-release hubs make wheel removal simple for transport or storage. The Valour excels on bike paths, light gravel tracks, occasional off-road adventures, and daily commuting. Available in both men’s and women’s specific geometry.

Carrera Vengeance (RRP £385) – Britain’s best-selling mountain bike, and for excellent reason. This versatile all-rounder steps up with Shimano Altus 2×8 gearing offering 16 speeds for tackling varied terrain, mechanical disc brakes providing superior all-weather stopping power compared to rim brakes, and 100mm front suspension to absorb trail impacts. The Vengeance bridges the gap between urban commuting and weekend trail riding beautifully. Thousands of UK riders trust this bike for canal towpath commutes, forest trail explorations, and everything in between. The disc brakes are particularly valuable in British weather, maintaining consistent performance even in wet and muddy conditions.

Mid-Range Trail Bikes (£410-£510)

Carrera Hellcat (RRP £410) – Carrera’s dedicated 29-inch wheel mountain bike, purpose-built for riders who prioritize speed and obstacle clearance. The larger 29-inch wheels roll faster over roots, rocks, and rough terrain while maintaining momentum better than smaller wheels. Equipped with hydraulic disc brakes for powerful, consistent braking with minimal finger effort, Shimano Altus 2×8 gearing, and Suntour XCM forks offering 100mm of travel. The Hellcat suits taller riders particularly well and excels on cross-country trails, bridleways, and any terrain where covering ground efficiently matters. The 29-inch wheels also provide improved traction and stability, making this an excellent choice for riders building confidence on more challenging terrain.

Carrera Vulcan (RRP £435) – A serious step up in capability, the Vulcan features 120mm Suntour XCM suspension forks with lockout function, allowing you to firm up the suspension for efficient climbing or road sections. Hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful, fade-free stopping in all conditions, while Shimano Altus 2×9 gearing provides 18 speeds for tackling steep climbs and fast descents. The increased suspension travel compared to entry models means the Vulcan handles rougher terrain with greater composure. This bike is genuinely capable on green and blue graded trail centers, forest singletrack, and more aggressive riding. The hydraulic brakes make a noticeable difference in control and rider confidence, especially on descents.

Carrera Vendetta (RRP £455) – Taking a different approach, the Vendetta features 27.5+ wheels, which are wider than standard mountain bike tyres but not quite as wide as fat bike tyres. This gives you significantly more cushioning, traction, and float over loose terrain like sand, gravel, and mud. The bike includes Shimano Altus 2×9 gearing for 18 speeds, mechanical disc brakes, and 100mm Suntour XCM suspension forks. The 27.5+ setup makes this particularly appealing for winter riding when trails are soft and muddy, riders wanting extra comfort without full suspension, and anyone tackling loose or technical terrain where traction is paramount. The wider tyres can also be run at lower pressures for even more grip and comfort.

Carrera Kraken (RRP £510) – Sitting at the top of the traditional hardtail range, the Kraken delivers premium performance at a mid-range price. It features Suntour XCR-32 forks offering 120mm of travel with lockout functionality, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for powerful, reliable stopping, and Shimano Acera 2×9 gearing. The XCR fork is a significant upgrade from entry-level suspension, providing better small-bump sensitivity and overall control. The Kraken is trail-ready out of the box and represents exceptional value for riders wanting serious capability without stretching to the Fury’s price point.

Advanced Trail & Enduro (£680+)

Carrera Fury (RRP £680) – This is where Carrera gets serious about aggressive trail riding. The Fury features Suntour Raidon LO-R air suspension forks with 120mm of travel, offering far superior performance to coil-spring forks with adjustable air pressure for precise tuning. A modern 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain eliminates the front derailleur for simplicity and reliability while providing ample gear range. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful, consistent stopping. Through-axle wheels provide increased stiffness and precision compared to quick-release systems. Most impressively, the Fury includes a 125mm dropper seatpost, allowing you to lower your saddle on descents for better control and confidence, then raise it back up for efficient climbing. This bike is genuinely capable on red-graded trails, bike parks, technical singletrack, jumps, and drops. It competes with bikes costing £1000+ from other brands.

Full Suspension Models

Carrera Titan (RRP £650-£850) – Carrera’s full suspension offering provides front and rear suspension for maximum comfort and control on rough terrain. The standard Titan features Suntour XCR 32 forks with 130mm of front travel, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and 18-speed Shimano Alivio gearing. The Titan X upgrades to Shimano CUES 10-speed gearing, improved Rockshox Recon RL forks, and tubeless-ready rims. Both models feature 27.5-inch wheels with quick-release hubs. Full suspension bikes like the Titan excel on very rough descents, extended trail center sessions, and any riding where comfort and traction on technical terrain matter more than pure efficiency. The rear suspension soaks up impacts that would otherwise bounce you around on a hardtail, reducing fatigue and increasing confidence on challenging trails.

Which Carrera Mountain Bike Should I Choose?

Your Riding Style	Best Model	Why?
Complete Beginner Bike paths, parks, light gravel	Carrera Valour	Affordable, reliable, easy to maintain. Perfect for learning fundamentals without major investment.
Commuter + Weekend Trails Mixed road & off-road	Carrera Vengeance	UK’s best-seller. Disc brakes handle all weather. Urban practicality meets trail capability.
Regular Trail Rider Forest trails, green/blue routes	Carrera Hellcat (29″) or Vulcan (27.5″)	Hydraulic brakes, proper trail capability. Hellcat for taller riders wanting speed, Vulcan for 120mm travel.
Aggressive Trail Rider Red grades, bike parks, jumps	Carrera Fury	Air fork, dropper post, 1×10 drivetrain. Pro-level features at half typical prices.
Technical Terrain Rough, challenging trails	Carrera Titan/Titan X	Full suspension comfort. Front and rear travel for maximum control on rough descents.

Key Features Explained

Feature	What It Means	Why It Matters
Hydraulic Disc Brakes	Sealed fluid system vs cable-operated	More power with less effort. Consistent performance in wet UK weather. Rarely need adjustment.
29″ Wheels	Larger diameter than standard 27.5″	Roll faster over obstacles. Better for taller riders (5’9″+). Maintain momentum on rough terrain.
27.5+ Wheels	Standard diameter but wider tyres	More cushioning and traction. Excellent for loose/muddy terrain and winter riding.
Dropper Seatpost	Adjustable height on-the-fly	Lower saddle for descents (better control), raise for climbs (efficiency). Game-changer for technical riding.
Air Forks	Air pressure vs coil spring suspension	Lighter weight. Adjustable to rider weight. Better small-bump sensitivity and overall control.
1x Drivetrain	Single front chainring (no front derailleur)	Simpler shifting. Less maintenance. Lighter. Less to go wrong on the trail.
Lockout Forks	Switch to disable suspension movement	Firmer for road riding and climbing. Full suspension for descents. Best of both worlds.

Quick Answer FAQs

Question	Answer
Where can I buy Carrera bikes?	Exclusively through Halfords. This exclusivity keeps prices low by eliminating middlemen.
Are Carrera bikes good quality?	Yes. Quality Shimano/Suntour components. Used by UK police and emergency services. Generous warranties.
Can I commute on a Carrera MTB?	Absolutely. Valour and Vengeance are popular commuter choices. Add mudguards, lights, and consider smoother tyres.
27.5″ or 29″ wheels?	27.5″ for agility and riders under 5’9″. 29″ (Hellcat) for speed, taller riders, and rolling over obstacles.
Do I need full suspension?	Only for red/black grade trails regularly. Most UK riding is fine with a good hardtail (lighter, cheaper, easier maintenance).
What size frame do I need?	XS: 4’11”-5’4″ | S: 5’3″-5’7″ | M: 5’6″-5’10” | L: 5’9″-6’1″ | XL: 5’11”-6’4″. Check retailer for model-specific guides.

Essential First Upgrades

Upgrade	Benefit	Cost
Better Pedals	Grippy flats or clipless pedals dramatically improve power transfer and control	£20-£80
Tubeless Conversion	Eliminates punctures, allows lower pressure for better grip and comfort	£30-£50
Quality Grips	Reduces hand fatigue, improves comfort and control on long rides	£15-£30
Better Saddle	If stock saddle isn’t comfortable after break-in, get one matching your sit bones	£25-£100

Maintenance Schedule

Keep your Carrera running smoothly and safely with regular maintenance. Check tyre pressures weekly and inflate to the recommended PSI shown on the tyre sidewall. Clean your chain every few rides using a degreaser and brush, then apply fresh chain lubricant. Check brake pads for wear monthly and replace them when the pad material is below 1mm thick. Professional servicing every 6-12 months depending on riding frequency ensures comprehensive brake adjustments, gear indexing, bearing checks, and safety inspections. Regular maintenance prevents expensive repairs and ensures your bike remains safe and enjoyable to ride.

Why Choose Carrera Over Other Brands?

Exceptional Value

Carrera bikes typically cost £100-£300 less than equivalent specifications from brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, or Cube, without compromising component quality or performance. A £385 Vengeance competes head-to-head with £500-£600 bikes from mainstream manufacturers. This value difference exists because Halfords’ exclusive arrangement with Carrera eliminates distributor margins and advertising costs that inflate prices from other brands. You’re paying for the bike and components, not expensive marketing campaigns and complex distribution chains.

Unmatched Availability

Carrera bikes are exclusively available through Halfords, making them easy to find and purchase. Browse our complete range of Carrera mountain bikes above to see current prices, available sizes, and special offers. Bikes are delivered fully assembled and safety-checked, ready to ride.

Comprehensive Support Network

Halfords provides a nationwide service network for Carrera bikes, with professional maintenance and repair services available. Many Carrera models qualify for Halfords’ CycleCare maintenance plans providing regular services at discounted rates. The Cycle to Work scheme is fully supported, potentially saving you up to 47% on your bike purchase through tax savings. Spare parts, accessories, and upgrades are readily available.

UK-Focused Design

Carrera bikes are specifically designed for UK riding conditions and terrain. Component choices prioritize all-weather performance, muddy trail capability, and the mixed terrain British riders actually encounter. The gearing ranges suit UK hills. The tyres handle UK mud and wet roots. The brakes work reliably in British weather. While other brands design for global markets, Carrera focuses exclusively on what UK riders need, resulting in bikes that excel in the conditions you’ll actually ride them.

Sizing Guide

XS-XL fits 5ft-6ft4in. If between sizes, choose the smaller frame and adjust saddle height accordingly. Proper fit ensures comfort, control, and efficiency. All bikes shown above are currently in stock with current prices and availability displayed.