IWatkins

Hi All,

Looking at buying myself a mountain bike shortly as I need the exercise. The missus has just got herself one and we plan to use them actually off road (Malvern Hills).

Not looking to go mad but must be strong, have good brakes and must be rebuildable.

I've recently tried a couple of full suspension bikes and quite liked them but not too sure if they are right for a non-hardcore rider like myself.

I have an older mountain bike in the garage that was the business when I bought it about 5 years ago, but it has so many problems (frame is about the only sound part left) it is time for a new one. I have looked into just getting my current bike fixed, but I'm assuming that starting with a bare frame and adding bits is going to be more expensive than buying a pre-built bike ?

Anyway, budget is around £500 but willing to go a little higher if needs be.

Any advice, gratefully received.

Cheers

Ian

chuckster

Do you have a 'Decathalon' store anywhere near you? Their own brand bikes are always brilliantly specced and come top or near top in reviews. For £500 they have a hard tail (no rear suspension) but with a £150 set of posh front shocks thrown in. Most of the sub £500 bike reviews I've seen go with this kind of spec bike.
Downside of Decathalon bikes is really only the label - style concious always shy away.
I'm sure I can find an old review somewhere...
Ta
Chuck

Mr Footlong

iTrader: (7)

http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/threa...ThreadID=39076
I was going to keep this bike and am quite happy to do so, as she is a beauty, but I just don't get around to using her at all. If you are interested, let me know. It would be good for her to go to a good home and do what she does best!

Cheers,

Nick.

P.S. Here is a hyperlink to user reviews on her:

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_ful...ct_19189.shtml
Edited to add the reviews in.

[Edited by Mr Footlong - 11/29/2001 9:45:07 AM]

Edited to put the silly code in for the hyperlinks, sheesh!

[Edited by Mr Footlong - 11/29/2001 9:54:37 AM]

mega_stream

I'd have a look at the Kona Lavadome for that around £599, you maybe able to get a 2001 model cheaper now the 2002 models are out.

Thats what I started with, a year later I got a Trek8900 and now I'm on a custom built Klein that weighs about 21 pounds and cost over 3k to build

Have a look round some bike shops though, theres loads of deals going on, worth checking here also. http://www.bonthronebikes.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi

Cheers

John

Luke

Ian

How tall are you ??? ie .what size frame would you need. If you are around 5ft11inches plus. I have a top spec Cannondale,F900sl for sale.Its got a switchable "Headshock" (ON/OFF). It is very light and a great bike. Condition is fantastic. This is well worth a thought. £520.00.


call if interested: 07958 425508.

Luke

IWatkins

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice and those offering bikes. Hope you guys selling don't take it the wrong way, but I prefer to buy new, no offence intended.

I'm going to spend some time trawling the bike shops I think and build up my knowledge. Just picked a few mountain bike mags, they haven't half come along a bit recently I'm seeing twin suspension, hydralic disc brakes etc. etc. Some only need an engine adding and you would be able to go moto crossing

Again, thanks guys, I think I need to spend a bit more time on this. However, one question, are GT any good ? They seem to have a following of sorts.

Chuck,
I'll have a look for Decathalon.

mega,
Would love a Kona but even their cheap ones aren't

Cheers

Ian

Damaja

When it come to bike makes then it really does come down to personal preference. GT make good robust bikes but because of the famous three triangle frame they tend to be heavier. If you are going to be riding them a lot off road then I would suggest you avoid an aluminium bike, they are rigid as hell (as you budget is not high I would not recommend you get a full suspension bike). I would go for a cromoly frame, they tend to lend thereselves to a smoother ride as the frame flexes more adding a degree of comfort. I recommend Kona, Orange, Specialised from personal experience, Marin also make some nice bikes.

dowser

If you go the dual-suspension route, make sure you can lock out at least the rear - will make climbing a bit easier

Also make sure you can easily lock/unlock the shock - one big downhill hit on a locked out item can/will kill it

Richard

mikefyfe

Ian,

Try looking at the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative. They build their own set-ups so you get a lot more bike for your buck. I think they do mail order too. http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/.

No connection other than v satisfied customer.

Mike

Martin J Stirling

Hi Ian,

my girlfriend's father owns a series of bikeshops and he owes me a favour or two..
He has a lot of excellent stuff in stock, with some DB Racing mountain bikes going for half price.

I am sure I could put you in touch with him if you like.

Mail me offline if you like.

Cheers,

MS

NBW

If you shop around for a year or two old model, you'll get a cracking deal, like half list price.

To be honest, at £500 I would avoid full suspension. Go for a quality hardtail (front suspension only).

Try these:

www.bonthronebikes.com (as mentioned above)
www.paulscycles.co.uk*
www.evanscycles.com*
Allens Cycles Barnsley 01226 751762
Bob Trotter Cycles* York - sorry can't find no.

*Friends have bought bikes mail order from all these, no problems.

One thing - the right size bike for off road may seem too small at first. General rule is to have AT LEAST 3-4" clearance when standing over the bike. Shops should be able to recommend right size for your height over the phone.

scud8

iTrader: (1)

Try Winstanleys - not on the web, but I've bought mail order over the phone from them a couple of times and the service is very good. They seem to have plenty of 2001 models (and even some GT 2000 models) going cheaply, including GT, Kona, Gary Fisher and Scott. Phone number is 01942 707646. Usually put double-page adds in MBUK.

106rallye

I brought a specialized rockhoper FS for £500 from leasure wheels in Hemel Hempstead which was quite a good price at the time from what I can remember they also have loan bikes which you can borrow and try out? I may be wrong though!

Good luck

Andy

ScooBabe

Ian

Would definately agree that you go for a hardtail. I have currently got an Orange bike which I use off road in the Peak District and I'd recommend them. You should be able to get a good deal at the moment with a last years model. Ive also noticed that Evans cycles do good deals

IWatkins

Thanks for all the advice, nice to hear there are a few other MB'ers on the BBS.

I've trawled all the mags, been pestering all the local bike shops. My budget has been increased as my birthday has just gone and crimbo is on the way hence the missus is putting some money towards it.

Was looking at a GT i-Drive 3.0 as they are cheap at the mo. So much so, that I went ahead and bought one

Cheapest place I could find one which wasn't mail order ? Halfords, yep, that's right, Halfords Best mail order place was only £15 cheaper.

Anyway, full sus, mech disc up front with V on the back. Travel is just right for me and after cutting the seat stem down the bike fits like a glove.

Took it out yesterday afternoon on the Malvern Hills and it really was just awesome. It climbs really well, even with an unfit git like me Downhill was a bit hairy but I need to play with the sus. Bit too harsh on rebound (I think) up front which when I get around to reading the manuals I'm sure I can dial out. Talking of manuals, got more with this bike than we did with our last car

I could really get used to this downhill lark, quite a buzz. And now having a good bike I can see myself seriously getting into MB'ing in a big way as I've only really dabbled before, mainly for exercise.

And there is me thinking that getting out of car tuning would mean I would have more money in the bank

Again, thanks everyone, really appreciate it.

Cheers

Ian

ScooBabe

Excellent!

Full sus - that will get you fit then

Downhill is the best, but make sure you wear a helmet as i managed to crack my head open the other day doing a spot of downhill flying

Come up to the well hard Peak District when you're bored with the Malverns. Starting with a gentle pedal over Mam Tor....

IWatkins

ScooBabe,

Yeah, learned a long time ago to wear a lid after knocking myself out on a kerb stone. Ouch

Peak District ? Yep, I fancy that. Got to get fit first, so it'll be the Malverns, Forest of Dean etc. this winter then work up to Peak District, Lakes, Brecons etc.

Cheers

Ian

NBW

Scoobabe, gentle peddling over Mam Tor ?

I suppose you think Jacobs' Ladder is a slight incline with a few pebbles!

Crapaud62

I love mountain biking

The whole family is into it so the garage is full of Cannondales of every size and shape (at last count I had more than the local dealer!).

You should consider joining a local club and entering a few races. Don't worry about not being fir enough. I wally around at the back and have a great time. It sppeds up your fittness training and your technique a lot. Your local bike shops should be able to put you in touch with local clubs and races. Enjoy.