Cheap mountain bikes
18 March 2011, 02:39 PM
#91
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The shop was rammed with expensive bikes being Canary Wharf although he did say that they do stock the cheaper bikes i'm after but they are so popular they sell them immediately they are put out on the floor *allegedly*.
As a salesman he didn't know the products or what to recomend, all he did was search the website as any customer would do so hardly helpful or confidence inspiring.
As a salesman he didn't know the products or what to recomend, all he did was search the website as any customer would do so hardly helpful or confidence inspiring.
18 March 2011, 03:30 PM
#92
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So it's between:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...Id_165499#dtab
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec026066
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec020886 (don't really like the appaearance but on the list due to its popularity/reviews)
in that order.
They all seem to weigh about the same at 14kgs so it boils down as to which one has the best spec. Appearance wise I like the Jamis the best but the Carrera seems to be the most popular model wise.
I have seen some really nice 2nd hand bikes on ebay and someone off here but I don't want to travel to get them plus i'd rather have a new one so at least I get a warranty and know I haven't got to spend out repairing anything on them straight away.
Actually I really like that Jamis one:
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...railx1_gy.html
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...Id_165499#dtab
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec026066
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec020886 (don't really like the appaearance but on the list due to its popularity/reviews)
in that order.
They all seem to weigh about the same at 14kgs so it boils down as to which one has the best spec. Appearance wise I like the Jamis the best but the Carrera seems to be the most popular model wise.
I have seen some really nice 2nd hand bikes on ebay and someone off here but I don't want to travel to get them plus i'd rather have a new one so at least I get a warranty and know I haven't got to spend out repairing anything on them straight away.
Actually I really like that Jamis one:
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...railx1_gy.html
Last edited by Bravo2zero_sps; 18 March 2011 at 03:47 PM.
18 March 2011, 03:50 PM
#93
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I'd go with the Subway 
for 2 reasons.
No suspension forks which on a bike of this price are heavy and crap. Also if they put suspension forks on, then they have to scrimp on other componenet to reach the price point.....
It's about 2 kilos lighter.
for 2 reasons.No suspension forks which on a bike of this price are heavy and crap. Also if they put suspension forks on, then they have to scrimp on other componenet to reach the price point.....
It's about 2 kilos lighter.
18 March 2011, 04:45 PM
#94
I would second that, my eldest has one, remarkable for the money and simplicity is the key thing the cheaper you go.
18 March 2011, 05:10 PM
#96
The slicks on the Subway are fairly big, should be a comfy ride, remember most of the suspension on a bike is from the tyres, hence why for most eventualities suspension on a bike is overkill that saps energy from your pedalling, I fing the carbon forks on my bike damp things a lot better than the aluminium ones on my previous bike (Cannondale Hybrid)
18 March 2011, 10:25 PM
#98
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Well been to Halfords tonight and looked at both Carrera mountain bikes under £300, so the one above plus this one:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...Id_165499#dtab
I much preferred this one out the 2 but it's 3x my original budget
If I go and buy it tomorrow it's ready for Sunday afternoon.
However tempted with the Jamis one as if ordered on line you get 30 days to decide if you like it or not and get a full refund within 30 days. So could get that and then if don't like it send it back free of charge (they come and collect it).
But the the Carrera is a £450 bike reduced to £300 so tempted whilst they have them in stock.
I know the replies above say different and to go with the hybrid and I appreciate the advice but i'm not going to go with the hybrid so if you were helping me choose between the Jamis at £229 or the Carrera at £299 what is the best of the 2?
Oh and the saddle on the Carreras was like a razor blade so will need replacing from the start. I have a gel seat on my old Raleigh which i'm wondering if it will just swap over.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...Id_165499#dtab
I much preferred this one out the 2 but it's 3x my original budget
If I go and buy it tomorrow it's ready for Sunday afternoon.However tempted with the Jamis one as if ordered on line you get 30 days to decide if you like it or not and get a full refund within 30 days. So could get that and then if don't like it send it back free of charge (they come and collect it).
But the the Carrera is a £450 bike reduced to £300 so tempted whilst they have them in stock.
I know the replies above say different and to go with the hybrid and I appreciate the advice but i'm not going to go with the hybrid so if you were helping me choose between the Jamis at £229 or the Carrera at £299 what is the best of the 2?
Oh and the saddle on the Carreras was like a razor blade so will need replacing from the start. I have a gel seat on my old Raleigh which i'm wondering if it will just swap over.
Last edited by Bravo2zero_sps; 18 March 2011 at 10:27 PM.
18 March 2011, 11:43 PM
#103
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Jamis looks turd, if you really want a MTB bike, get the Carrera disc.
Actually looks half decent.
A gel saddle is as gay as fukc. Get some cheap cycling shorts to wear under stuff..aldi and lidl will have a pair for less than a tenner.
Actually looks half decent.
A gel saddle is as gay as fukc. Get some cheap cycling shorts to wear under stuff..aldi and lidl will have a pair for less than a tenner.
19 March 2011, 12:01 AM
#104
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Cheers, looks like i'm off to Halfords tomorrow for that bike as was hoping it was going to be alright for the money 
Got a place about 12 miles away with proper off road mountain bike trails through a pine forest, i've only done the hard surface tracks before and came back knackered (very hilly) and fancy some of the off road stuff. Last time I was over there walking the dog two blokes went past covered head to toe in mud having done the off road trails.
Got a place about 12 miles away with proper off road mountain bike trails through a pine forest, i've only done the hard surface tracks before and came back knackered (very hilly) and fancy some of the off road stuff. Last time I was over there walking the dog two blokes went past covered head to toe in mud having done the off road trails.
19 March 2011, 12:10 AM
#106
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err no, road riding is not my thing - having traffic pass me as if i'm not there or so fast the wind rush knocks you sideways is not for me. Driving there with bike in the boot. I also live along this http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_c...nsand_way.aspx which is where I walk the dog daily and others ride bikes on it rouind here so i'll be joining them as it's cracking countryside.
That's the new version of mine.
19 March 2011, 06:59 AM
#109
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To the people who claim that he would not ride the cheap bike as "its too heavy"
When i was into mountain biking years ago, we had no carbon, we had no super light stuff, we just had plain old steel (i presume?) bikes that were built like tanks, yet we rode them for miles and miles and loved them ?
If you are riding a bike for fitness, making it easier on yourself with a lighter bike is maybe a bit of a cop out ?
When i was into mountain biking years ago, we had no carbon, we had no super light stuff, we just had plain old steel (i presume?) bikes that were built like tanks, yet we rode them for miles and miles and loved them ?
If you are riding a bike for fitness, making it easier on yourself with a lighter bike is maybe a bit of a cop out ?
19 March 2011, 09:51 AM
#110
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I wouldn't go for cheap,but if you're on a tight budget then what the hell,wreck it and dump it.The sus forks on my current bike cost more than a complete bike with sus at the front.Bought my kona some months ago also
http://www.hawkcycles.co.uk/
http://www.hawkcycles.co.uk/
19 March 2011, 10:00 AM
#111
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To the people who claim that he would not ride the cheap bike as "its too heavy"
When i was into mountain biking years ago, we had no carbon, we had no super light stuff, we just had plain old steel (i presume?) bikes that were built like tanks, yet we rode them for miles and miles and loved them ?
If you are riding a bike for fitness, making it easier on yourself with a lighter bike is maybe a bit of a cop out ?
When i was into mountain biking years ago, we had no carbon, we had no super light stuff, we just had plain old steel (i presume?) bikes that were built like tanks, yet we rode them for miles and miles and loved them ?
If you are riding a bike for fitness, making it easier on yourself with a lighter bike is maybe a bit of a cop out ?
These days, we need all the help we can!
19 March 2011, 11:53 AM
#117
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I wouldn't go for cheap,but if you're on a tight budget then what the hell,wreck it and dump it.The sus forks on my current bike cost more than a complete bike with sus at the front.Bought my kona some months ago also
http://www.hawkcycles.co.uk/
http://www.hawkcycles.co.uk/
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/122008.htmlAs for saddles, stick it out a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's gonna smart for a few rides but you'll get used to it. A narrow saddle is less intrusive than a big numb gel thing, a lot better in the long run
I also use bib shorts with padding. They look ghey as **** with straps going over your shoulders but they stay in position and the padding works a treat. Just cover up with shorts and T shirts. Deffo go padded shorts before a saddle. Also, adjust your saddle if it's not comfy
19 March 2011, 12:58 PM
#118
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From just a quick look
The GT has better wheels and tyres,Kenda 2.1 Carrera has innova 2.3 which you may find a bit tough/slow going,for all round riding i'd go for the kenda 2.1's..
The GT has a lighter frame its a little over 14 kg,the carrera is 15kg.
I also think the triple triangle frame design on the GT is solid,and helps to take away some of the shock/vibrations from the seat tube,and transfers it too the top tube,makes for a more *** comfy ride,and GT have been building the triple frame for years..
I'm a Kona fan but know a few people who have GT's and are a solid build..
The GT has better wheels and tyres,Kenda 2.1 Carrera has innova 2.3 which you may find a bit tough/slow going,for all round riding i'd go for the kenda 2.1's..
The GT has a lighter frame its a little over 14 kg,the carrera is 15kg.
I also think the triple triangle frame design on the GT is solid,and helps to take away some of the shock/vibrations from the seat tube,and transfers it too the top tube,makes for a more *** comfy ride,and GT have been building the triple frame for years..
I'm a Kona fan but know a few people who have GT's and are a solid build..
19 March 2011, 01:01 PM
#119
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My Forks http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/122008.html
As for saddles, stick it out a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's gonna smart for a few rides but you'll get used to it. A narrow saddle is less intrusive than a big numb gel thing, a lot better in the long run
I also use bib shorts with padding. They look ghey as **** with straps going over your shoulders but they stay in position and the padding works a treat. Just cover up with shorts and T shirts. Deffo go padded shorts before a saddle. Also, adjust your saddle if it's not comfy
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/122008.htmlAs for saddles, stick it out a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's gonna smart for a few rides but you'll get used to it. A narrow saddle is less intrusive than a big numb gel thing, a lot better in the long run
I also use bib shorts with padding. They look ghey as **** with straps going over your shoulders but they stay in position and the padding works a treat. Just cover up with shorts and T shirts. Deffo go padded shorts before a saddle. Also, adjust your saddle if it's not comfy
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19 March 2011, 05:54 PM
#120
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I've just cycled the Brampton Valley Way from Northampton (start) to Market Harborough on my MTB which is about 14 miles along there plus a few miles either end. My bum doesn't hurt too much but I have my Aldi winter trousers on with lovely padding. That route has 2 quite long and very dark tunnels which I felt quite smug cycling through with my blinding light when others were going through walking in the dark
I also did a great cycle route this morning through the Northamptonshire countryside which was 21 miles on the roads, so done nearly 40 miles today. I do like cycling quite a lot