I'm riding a 1994 giant cadex, but upgraded it to 1x9 and a judy tt rockshox fork (2000's), manual dropper post (leaver model), motorcross handlebars. It works so good haha
got a 2018 bizango on offer that year for £585 was brilliant, literally the best bike i ever rode, coming from a 26er claud butler cape wrath the voodoo practically pedalled itself uphill. its been everywhere with me, 20-30-40 mile bike rides countless times to the beach 19 miles away, done whinlatter fully in one day on it. ive wrapped it over the bars maybe 2-3 times, its had a new back wheel cause the original had cracks near the spokes, its had a new bottom bracket, and the other week snapped the original chain, yeah iknow its ridiculous probs done 5000km on the original chain without changing it, but it still works. im looking for a new bike now something of similar value but with better componentry, would have to be 29er, with possible thru axles, air suspension or premium coil, have to be 1X drivetrain, and (unlike the bizango) i wouldnt mind having some seatstay mounting points for a pannier rack for bikepacking.
I have to agree with the commenter below, Harriet Hare, and say that the weakest or most problematic part is the freehub. Mine wasn't right from new,. which I didn't really realise straight away, but after 6 months it was skipping and not engaging properly, as well as rough feeling when freewheeling. Changing it is a problem and Halfords were not really much help here. The answer is a new rear wheel, or hub. So for anyone else with this bike I will pass on what I did and seems to be the best solution. I rebuilt the rear wheel around a Halo RL2 hub, which is 15mm through axle non boost, which fits these QR boost frames (though you need an inexpensive adapter to use the QR skewer). The flanges are the same so the original spokes are the right length and everything lines up, though you'll have to adjust the rear deraileur. The Halo RL2 hub is rebuildable/ serviceable and feels a lot stiffer. Oh, and the other thing that is a problem is that the chain ring BCD dimension has become obsolete so I'm going to have to change the cranks now just5 to change the chainring. But I still think it is a great bike really - the frame is really well designed I think. edit - I also had to change the BB after a year - I've had the bike 2 years now.
Ah that’s annoying. Thankfully my hub is still going strong. Any issues with the QR adapter? You should be able to get chain rings for it, even if it is old tech, but I probably wouldn’t bother. The square taper bottom brackets don’t seem to like getting wet too often so I swapped it for a hollowtech II bottom bracket and got new cranks. I bought new forks for it yesterday funnily enough 😄
I like the message here. I bought a Voodoo Aizan in 2020 and had the same fears about it being poorly perceived. Most of the more well received bikes at that price range were out of stock so I eventually bit the bullet and went for it. After thrashing the hell out of it over the years I've become so attached to it i could now care less about how it's perceived, its fun as hell. Also because it's in the budget category I was more willing to experiment with it, learning how to install upgrades and maintain/service the bike. I'm now about to upgrade to the Bizango Pro but have decided to keep the Aizan as a spare for friends. Just can't let it go 😀
That’s really good to hear. I’m glad you like it so much. That’s the same with me and my Voodoo Hoodoo, I can’t part with it. When do you think you’ll get the Bizango?
@@TheSlowworms got it now and it's absolutely fantastic. Intending to use the Aizan as a bit of a test bed to try out upgrades. Never serviced a bottom bracket, swapped a drivetrain or changed the brakes to feels like a good opportunity to try whilst I have another bike to keep active on!
That’s great news! What’s your favourite part about it? That’s a good idea. I like to only have one bike not working at a time so I know at least one of my other bikes is gonna be ready to ride 😂 Do you know if the Aizan has a square taper bottom bracket?
@@TheSlowworms two things, the whole bike feels super efficient operating the cranks, put the slightest energy in and it just goes. Secondly its just way more nimble. Its way easier to pop and get air on. Feels like a super upgrade honestly. As for the Aizan I think it does have a square tapered BB, it's a BB-7420 model.
Love bikes like these. Solid well designed frame with contemporary geo with budget spec that you replace once you wear it out and the bike grows with you.
I love that! That’s such a good way of putting it! The bike gets better as you get better. Unless you don’t replace anything, in which case it gets worse 😆
Bike snobbery in the mtb world has always been bad. Half them have to have the newest and best which doesn't make them a better rider. You can enjoy mtbing on a budget don't care what people think as long as your enjoying it.
Yeah, who cares as long as you are enjoying it! Riding something like an old steel rigid bike has a different set of challenges to a full suspension mountain bike as well, so they both have their place and are fun in different ways 😁
To be honest mate with the parts on it you have got really decent bike mate and quite light deore xt and slx hollo tek ,renthal bars 205mm roter, I suggest putting the bigger 205mm on the front cuz you need greater stopping power on the front end, but yeah decent.
Ah nice one! Do you like it? It’s a really good value for money bike. I’ve put new longer forks on mine now 😅 I made a video about it about a month ago
I like it but I am between sizes and went for the slightly bigger M . To be honest maybe I should have gone with the smaller one but its not bad and ive done thousands of miles on it now . Love it
Great video jack! I really like your shiny red bike! Ive got a 200 year old GT Aggressor with rusty jewellery (screws, and joining bits) everywhere. But I love to go out with the mission to go fast and get really muddy, so an expensive bike would be wasted on me! ha ha.
I bought brand new Cube AIM 2020 (3x*8 Tourney/Altus & Suntour XCE 28) so i upgraded to 3x9 FD Alivio M4000, Cassette Alivio, chain Deore, Deore RD m591, Hollowtech II MT210, Hydraulic brakes MT200/1 & Suntour Raidon 32 i felt the difference right away much litter in weight and smooth cycling.
Great video mate, keep the content coming! 👍👏 I ride my Dad’s old Carerra Zelos mtb and love it! It’s lightweight, runs on 26” tyres, has an XTR rear derailleur and Magura HS33 hydraulic rim breaks which are nothing compared to the disc brakes of today but still stop well. Overall it’s a fairly well equipped bike back in the day! The main thing is to get out on your bike and have fun! 👍😁🚴
Ahh thanks Chris, I really appreciate it! 🙂 That sounds like a really high spec bike. I’ve never tried hydraulic rim brakes. Are they a lot better than cable rim brakes? You’re completely right about just getting out and having fun as well 👍
@@chrisc2233 ahh that’s cool. Yeah, I really like disc breaks. The only downside to disc brakes is there isn’t a lot of modulation but apparently magura disc brakes are better for that. Magura are just good at everything 😄
Hi pal I'm not sure how I came across this but I have just bought a bike like this its mint and yours looks mint I have not been out onit yet I have a story like yours myself 👋
@@TheSlowworms 97 voodoo bantu Manitou Spyder fork original ritchey mad max tires,titec bar and stems, it's not a mega long stem but its long by today's standards
i have a 2020 haro flightline with some gravel type tyres wtb venture, swapped my pogo suntour heavy fork for rigid, i found on second hand market this is old school chro-mo rigid fork from dirtbike gt ruckus 2012 i guess as i did research and swapped gears\shifting for budget 1x9 by microshift advent X series , love it its budget rigid all arounder for me now, both city riding and nature too
Microshift is rear cassete , shifter , rear derallieur, front is just sunrace 1x cranks wich i want to change on used truvativ when i will change my brasket, holding pretty well , option to drop two gears lower at once also good, and never had anyproblem with chaindrop or gear shifting trouble
@@TheSlowworms The Trek had a lovely red/yellow paint job and that was it. The freehub sounded like a machine gun, inner cable routing was so noisy, cheap brakes, tyres and the cassette was useless unless you constantly ride uphill. Couldn't get rid of a noise from the front caliper, the bike mechs couldn't sort it out either so i just got my £ back. Not worth the hassle. The guy who sold me the bike said 'your just paying for the frame' Nice frame it was, would love to put my Hoodoo parts on that frame!☺🌬👑
@TheSlowworms it's sitting in my spares box at the moment. I changed my colour scheme to red and white so had to go unfortunately 😕. May put it on another build when I have some money 😅
I don’t think they sell these in the states. They sell voodoo bikes but I think they’re completely different. They’re the same brand apparently but the US bikes are really cool looking
Nothing wrong with halfords bikes the problem is the badly trained low paid kids that build then in store. i still ride a 2015 carrera kraken, its been upgraded a lot as bits wear out but it still a great bike, theres too much badge snobbery in the MTB world, ride what you can afford its still fun.
I reckon it's more to do with looking a noob everyone knows Carrera in the UK is a commuter bike voodoo a bit of a step up but not pro. If you buy a Halfords bike it looks like you're just starting out- not educated about bikes like specialized trek gt giant etc. Also because pros don't use Halfords bikes on trails 😂🤣. so yh Halfords goes hand in hand in the noob perception but it don't matter in general life a stranger at the trail isn't going to laugh at your voodoo.
They're great for 6 month then they turn to shit. Just replaced b.b, freehub, block & chain, chainring and there's a noise coming from it again🤢2nd one i've had and they are never 100%😢Just gonna run it into the ground then get rid. Dogshit bike.
Ahh that’s annoying. I’ve been pretty lucky with mine in comparison. The bottom bracket bearing went wrong pretty quickly but everything else has been wear and tear
If you have a budget mountain bike or just an old mountain bike that you're still reppin, let me know what it is in the comments!
£600 isn't cheap!
@@hartleyhare4685 this bike was £440
I'm riding a 1994 giant cadex, but upgraded it to 1x9 and a judy tt rockshox fork (2000's), manual dropper post (leaver model), motorcross handlebars. It works so good haha
got a 2018 bizango on offer that year for £585 was brilliant, literally the best bike i ever rode, coming from a 26er claud butler cape wrath the voodoo practically pedalled itself uphill. its been everywhere with me, 20-30-40 mile bike rides countless times to the beach 19 miles away, done whinlatter fully in one day on it. ive wrapped it over the bars maybe 2-3 times, its had a new back wheel cause the original had cracks near the spokes, its had a new bottom bracket, and the other week snapped the original chain, yeah iknow its ridiculous probs done 5000km on the original chain without changing it, but it still works. im looking for a new bike now something of similar value but with better componentry, would have to be 29er, with possible thru axles, air suspension or premium coil, have to be 1X drivetrain, and (unlike the bizango) i wouldnt mind having some seatstay mounting points for a pannier rack for bikepacking.
I have to agree with the commenter below, Harriet Hare, and say that the weakest or most problematic part is the freehub. Mine wasn't right from new,. which I didn't really realise straight away, but after 6 months it was skipping and not engaging properly, as well as rough feeling when freewheeling. Changing it is a problem and Halfords were not really much help here. The answer is a new rear wheel, or hub. So for anyone else with this bike I will pass on what I did and seems to be the best solution. I rebuilt the rear wheel around a Halo RL2 hub, which is 15mm through axle non boost, which fits these QR boost frames (though you need an inexpensive adapter to use the QR skewer). The flanges are the same so the original spokes are the right length and everything lines up, though you'll have to adjust the rear deraileur. The Halo RL2 hub is rebuildable/ serviceable and feels a lot stiffer.
Oh, and the other thing that is a problem is that the chain ring BCD dimension has become obsolete so I'm going to have to change the cranks now just5 to change the chainring. But I still think it is a great bike really - the frame is really well designed I think.
edit - I also had to change the BB after a year - I've had the bike 2 years now.
Ah that’s annoying. Thankfully my hub is still going strong. Any issues with the QR adapter?
You should be able to get chain rings for it, even if it is old tech, but I probably wouldn’t bother. The square taper bottom brackets don’t seem to like getting wet too often so I swapped it for a hollowtech II bottom bracket and got new cranks.
I bought new forks for it yesterday funnily enough 😄
I like the message here. I bought a Voodoo Aizan in 2020 and had the same fears about it being poorly perceived. Most of the more well received bikes at that price range were out of stock so I eventually bit the bullet and went for it. After thrashing the hell out of it over the years I've become so attached to it i could now care less about how it's perceived, its fun as hell. Also because it's in the budget category I was more willing to experiment with it, learning how to install upgrades and maintain/service the bike. I'm now about to upgrade to the Bizango Pro but have decided to keep the Aizan as a spare for friends. Just can't let it go 😀
That’s really good to hear. I’m glad you like it so much. That’s the same with me and my Voodoo Hoodoo, I can’t part with it. When do you think you’ll get the Bizango?
@@TheSlowworms got it now and it's absolutely fantastic. Intending to use the Aizan as a bit of a test bed to try out upgrades. Never serviced a bottom bracket, swapped a drivetrain or changed the brakes to feels like a good opportunity to try whilst I have another bike to keep active on!
That’s great news! What’s your favourite part about it?
That’s a good idea. I like to only have one bike not working at a time so I know at least one of my other bikes is gonna be ready to ride 😂 Do you know if the Aizan has a square taper bottom bracket?
@@TheSlowworms two things, the whole bike feels super efficient operating the cranks, put the slightest energy in and it just goes. Secondly its just way more nimble. Its way easier to pop and get air on. Feels like a super upgrade honestly.
As for the Aizan I think it does have a square tapered BB, it's a BB-7420 model.
Love bikes like these. Solid well designed frame with contemporary geo with budget spec that you replace once you wear it out and the bike grows with you.
I love that! That’s such a good way of putting it! The bike gets better as you get better. Unless you don’t replace anything, in which case it gets worse 😆
Its not the bike you ride its how much fun you have riding it and if it puts a smile on your face its doing the job
That is so true, well put!
That is so true. Well put Andrew!
Bike snobbery in the mtb world has always been bad. Half them have to have the newest and best which doesn't make them a better rider. You can enjoy mtbing on a budget don't care what people think as long as your enjoying it.
Yeah, who cares as long as you are enjoying it! Riding something like an old steel rigid bike has a different set of challenges to a full suspension mountain bike as well, so they both have their place and are fun in different ways 😁
To be honest mate with the parts on it you have got really decent bike mate and quite light deore xt and slx hollo tek ,renthal bars 205mm roter, I suggest putting the bigger 205mm on the front cuz you need greater stopping power on the front end, but yeah decent.
I also have a voodoo hoodoo . Its not been fettled with at all but its still good and a lot of value for decent components
Ah nice one! Do you like it? It’s a really good value for money bike. I’ve put new longer forks on mine now 😅 I made a video about it about a month ago
I like it but I am between sizes and went for the slightly bigger M . To be honest maybe I should have gone with the smaller one but its not bad and ive done thousands of miles on it now . Love it
My Sunn Cross 99 is still going well, but will need some fettling to its brake and gear cables. Nearly 25years of reliable service
Instant subscribe! Great video with a positive message
Thanks very much Max!
Don’t worry about what other people think I hate snobs I’ve just the the voodoo wazoo+ 2022 and love it
Ah that's great, I love Voodoo bikes it's a shame they don't make a full suspension bike anymore
Great video jack! I really like your shiny red bike! Ive got a 200 year old GT Aggressor with rusty jewellery (screws, and joining bits) everywhere. But I love to go out with the mission to go fast and get really muddy, so an expensive bike would be wasted on me! ha ha.
I love the GT Aggressor! I’m glad you’re still having fun on it! You could treat it to some new bolts? 😏
My 2020 bantu still going strong.
Glad to hear it! They’re rock solid 🪨
I bought brand new Cube AIM 2020 (3x*8 Tourney/Altus & Suntour XCE 28) so i upgraded to 3x9 FD Alivio M4000, Cassette Alivio, chain Deore, Deore RD m591, Hollowtech II MT210, Hydraulic brakes MT200/1 & Suntour Raidon 32 i felt the difference right away much litter in weight and smooth cycling.
Oh wow, good work 👍
I love the Deore stuff. It’s well built and good value. Have you got any more plans for it?
@@TheSlowworms I m planning to buy Ghost Riot and to keep this one because i love hardtails
That’s a good idea. Are Ghost made by Haibike?
Great video mate, keep the content coming! 👍👏
I ride my Dad’s old Carerra Zelos mtb and love it! It’s lightweight, runs on 26” tyres, has an XTR rear derailleur and Magura HS33 hydraulic rim breaks which are nothing compared to the disc brakes of today but still stop well. Overall it’s a fairly well equipped bike back in the day!
The main thing is to get out on your bike and have fun! 👍😁🚴
Ahh thanks Chris, I really appreciate it! 🙂
That sounds like a really high spec bike. I’ve never tried hydraulic rim brakes. Are they a lot better than cable rim brakes?
You’re completely right about just getting out and having fun as well 👍
@@TheSlowworms yeah much better brakes - more feel and modulation. Hydrolic disc brakes are the best though!
@@chrisc2233 ahh that’s cool. Yeah, I really like disc breaks. The only downside to disc brakes is there isn’t a lot of modulation but apparently magura disc brakes are better for that. Magura are just good at everything 😄
Carrera zelos is a road bike I have one
@@bigpcov3253 it used to be a mountain bike too
Hi pal I'm not sure how I came across this but I have just bought a bike like this its mint and yours looks mint I have not been out onit yet I have a story like yours myself 👋
Ah nice! It’s such a good bike. Did you have a few years away from mountain biking as well?
Nice one red pig 🐷 love the message behind this video 👏
Thank you 🙂🤙
Going to look at another one finally
What is it?
@@TheSlowworms voodoo hoodoo now resting in my shed
@@Vivacitysportline yes! 👏 have you been for a ride on it yet?
@@TheSlowworms I have yes bloody awesome it's got continental 2.4 trail king tyres 275 pound Cannondale dropper post and odi grips I paid 240 for it
Is there much more room for even bigger tyres? I’m still on 2.25 wide tyres
still rocking my 97 voodoo
Ahh nice! What model is it?
@@TheSlowworms 97 voodoo bantu Manitou Spyder fork original ritchey mad max tires,titec bar and stems, it's not a mega long stem but its long by today's standards
Oh wow, I just googled it and it’s a really cool bike. The old steel voodoo bikes are really nice 👌
i have a 2020 haro flightline with some gravel type tyres wtb venture, swapped my pogo suntour heavy fork for rigid, i found on second hand market this is old school chro-mo rigid fork from dirtbike gt ruckus 2012 i guess as i did research and swapped gears\shifting for budget 1x9 by microshift advent X series , love it its budget rigid all arounder for me now, both city riding and nature too
Oh wow, that sounds awesome! Have you got any pictures of it?
What is the microshift setup like? I’ve always wanted to try one
Microshift is rear cassete , shifter , rear derallieur, front is just sunrace 1x cranks wich i want to change on used truvativ when i will change my brasket, holding pretty well , option to drop two gears lower at once also good, and never had anyproblem with chaindrop or gear shifting trouble
@@TheSlowworms i can take some pics and link them on Tuesday
@@timmyguerilla2038 I’m gonna have to try and get hold of some Microshift components
Is a 18 inch frame, with 27.5 inch wheels, right size for medium 5 foot 9/10 person? (Just lost driving licence no idea about bikes...) thanks a lot 🙏
What type of bike are you after?
Superb performance with this bike ☺100% better than the trek marlin i had which i took bk after 2 week.
Glad I’m not the only one who really likes this bike 😁
Oh really? Was there any specific reason you preferred this over the Marlin?
@@TheSlowworms The Trek had a lovely red/yellow paint job and that was it. The freehub sounded like a machine gun, inner cable routing was so noisy, cheap brakes, tyres and the cassette was useless unless you constantly ride uphill. Couldn't get rid of a noise from the front caliper, the bike mechs couldn't sort it out either so i just got my £ back. Not worth the hassle. The guy who sold me the bike said 'your just paying for the frame' Nice frame it was, would love to put my Hoodoo parts on that frame!☺🌬👑
The bike looks good bro
Thanks Casey! I am getting tempted by the idea of spraying it though 😅
I've got a voodoo hoodoo aswell
I'm getting my hoodoo tomorrow
Awesome! 🎉 Is it from the same year as this one?
@@TheSlowworms yes mate it is
Nice 👌 I love mine. Let me know how you get on with yours
@@TheSlowworms the person has just pulled out of the deal
Noooo that sucks ☹️
Omg! I had one of those gold bottle Cages!
😆 you should get another one! We’ll start a trend!
@TheSlowworms it's sitting in my spares box at the moment. I changed my colour scheme to red and white so had to go unfortunately 😕.
May put it on another build when I have some money 😅
where can i buy a voodoo hoodoo in the states please?
I don’t think they sell these in the states. They sell voodoo bikes but I think they’re completely different. They’re the same brand apparently but the US bikes are really cool looking
@@TheSlowworms thank you so much..i ended up buying a voodoo wazoo :)
Nice! Do you like it?
@@TheSlowworms thanks for asking..i bought it for my boyfriend..he lovesss it..and the color is gorgeous, his favorite red
Nothing wrong with halfords bikes the problem is the badly trained low paid kids that build then in store. i still ride a 2015 carrera kraken, its been upgraded a lot as bits wear out but it still a great bike, theres too much badge snobbery in the MTB world, ride what you can afford its still fun.
Nice! What upgrades have you done to it?
I reckon it's more to do with looking a noob everyone knows Carrera in the UK is a commuter bike voodoo a bit of a step up but not pro. If you buy a Halfords bike it looks like you're just starting out- not educated about bikes like specialized trek gt giant etc. Also because pros don't use Halfords bikes on trails 😂🤣. so yh Halfords goes hand in hand in the noob perception but it don't matter in general life a stranger at the trail isn't going to laugh at your voodoo.
this bloke would shite his pants if he got put on a £5000 + e bike 29er and say this is the best bike ive ever rode on
Not sure i’d shite my pants because I used to ride motorbikes. They didn’t cost 5 grand though so maybe I would
😃 𝓟Ř𝔬𝓂𝔬𝐒ϻ
What does that mean? 😄
They're great for 6 month then they turn to shit. Just replaced b.b, freehub, block & chain, chainring and there's a noise coming from it again🤢2nd one i've had and they are never 100%😢Just gonna run it into the ground then get rid. Dogshit bike.
Ahh that’s annoying. I’ve been pretty lucky with mine in comparison. The bottom bracket bearing went wrong pretty quickly but everything else has been wear and tear
Halfords do make some good bikes.
Yeah, you’re right. You can get a good deal if you do your research beforehand