What mountain bike?
13 February 2008, 01:52 PM
#1
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What mountain bike?
I'm looking for a mountain bike to use for work occassionally, havent a clue, budget is upto £200, ideally something that has good suspension and brakes, so far this looks a good buy Shockwave XT950 Mens Mountain Bike from Halfords Price £129.99 so I am interested in thoughts/opinions from those in the know!
Cheers
Gary
Cheers
Gary
13 February 2008, 02:13 PM
#2
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I was told by someone in the know (i know bugger all btw) not to buy a full suspension MTB unless it was over 2k.
maybe better to get a hardtail as they are called.
Bicycle doctor do entry level treks for 200 quid.
i'm in the market for a cheap mtb so will watch this thread with interest
maybe better to get a hardtail as they are called.
Bicycle doctor do entry level treks for 200 quid.
i'm in the market for a cheap mtb so will watch this thread with interest
13 February 2008, 02:55 PM
#3
Can't go wrong with a Marin.
More commuter friendly...
Marin Bikes UK - 2008
or
Proper entry level mountain biking...
Marin Bikes UK - 2008
Or something a little sexier, my new purchase
Marin Bikes UK - 2008
More commuter friendly...
Marin Bikes UK - 2008
or
Proper entry level mountain biking...
Marin Bikes UK - 2008
Or something a little sexier, my new purchase
Marin Bikes UK - 2008
13 February 2008, 02:59 PM
#4
Within your budget, I would steer clear of full suspension bikes, they will weigh a ton and probably not stand up to much serious off-road punishment.
£175: Evans Cycles: Product: Trek 3500 2007 Mountain Bike
£175: Evans Cycles: Product: Trek 3500 2007 Mountain Bike
13 February 2008, 03:00 PM
#5
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13 February 2008, 03:16 PM
#6
The Marin NailTrail seemed to be the best spec for the money compared to moving up or down the range price wise. Although I have invested in a better saddle as long rides will hurt your **** Overall I really like it, very light and very easy to ride. I went for the 17" and I am 5'11" which was spot on for me. ESC Tiny has the Hawk Hill which is also really good, in fact any from that range seem to be excellent. I didn't intend spending that much but I had a discount and the extra £100 or so just bought so much more spec.
Whatever you get run some 'slime' in the inner tubes to prevent punctures. I have given the tyres a good bashing and the tubes haven't deflated once yet.
The key is to spend as much as you can afford cause even though you can upgrade later, the parts can be pretty expensive. For example the forks on the Eldridge are £550 ! just as a part !! yet its only £200 more than the Nail Trail initially.
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13 February 2008, 05:20 PM
#8
I bought one from Costco last Christmas, can't remember the name, not one of the well known brands. But for £169 + vat it had an aluminium frame, front and rear suspension and disc brakes front and rear. I use it on road and dirt cycle paths. Wouldn't manage any serious mbk'ing but there again nor would I.
14 February 2008, 12:06 PM
#13
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Gary - check whether your employer is part of this Get a tax free bike for work | CYCLESCHEME, as it could potentially double your budget
14 February 2008, 01:54 PM
#14
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Gary - check whether your employer is part of this Get a tax free bike for work | CYCLESCHEME, as it could potentially double your budget
I bought this with it.
Genesis Core 1.0 Review | BikeRadar.com
Genesis Core 1.0
Great bike but you can't lock the front forks and they are too soft.
14 February 2008, 02:56 PM
#16
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Think I've paid a little over £300.
Gets added to our wages as a benefit in kind. The bikes belong to the company until 12 months time and we pay a notional % and the bikes become ours.
With cycle scheme you can get a new bike every year.
For me biking to work is a dream as its all downhill. Going home is the killer. Must admit though, I'm only a fair weather biker.
What I do need is road tyres and I would like lockable forks.
Gets added to our wages as a benefit in kind. The bikes belong to the company until 12 months time and we pay a notional % and the bikes become ours.
With cycle scheme you can get a new bike every year.
For me biking to work is a dream as its all downhill. Going home is the killer. Must admit though, I'm only a fair weather biker.
What I do need is road tyres and I would like lockable forks.
14 February 2008, 03:17 PM
#17
There's a set of Continentals that ChrisB uses - great for tarmac and light off-road hard-pack like forest trails. I forget the exact model, if he's online and sees this I'm sure he'll share the info 
14 February 2008, 03:53 PM
#19
Nor me TBH. I looked at the Scott Scale 50 which seemed to be in the same league but more race focused. The seat was like a razor blade The Marin NailTrail seemed to be the best spec for the money compared to moving up or down the range price wise. Although I have invested in a better saddle as long rides will hurt your ****
Overall I really like it, very light and very easy to ride. I went for the 17" and I am 5'11" which was spot on for me. ESC Tiny has the Hawk Hill which is also really good, in fact any from that range seem to be excellent. I didn't intend spending that much but I had a discount and the extra £100 or so just bought so much more spec.
Whatever you get run some 'slime' in the inner tubes to prevent punctures. I have given the tyres a good bashing and the tubes haven't deflated once yet.
The key is to spend as much as you can afford cause even though you can upgrade later, the parts can be pretty expensive. For example the forks on the Eldridge are £550 ! just as a part !! yet its only £200 more than the Nail Trail initially.
The Marin NailTrail seemed to be the best spec for the money compared to moving up or down the range price wise. Although I have invested in a better saddle as long rides will hurt your **** Overall I really like it, very light and very easy to ride. I went for the 17" and I am 5'11" which was spot on for me. ESC Tiny has the Hawk Hill which is also really good, in fact any from that range seem to be excellent. I didn't intend spending that much but I had a discount and the extra £100 or so just bought so much more spec.
Whatever you get run some 'slime' in the inner tubes to prevent punctures. I have given the tyres a good bashing and the tubes haven't deflated once yet.
The key is to spend as much as you can afford cause even though you can upgrade later, the parts can be pretty expensive. For example the forks on the Eldridge are £550 ! just as a part !! yet its only £200 more than the Nail Trail initially.
This is his Marin:
14 February 2008, 03:57 PM
#20
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I've been thinking about some Conti Travel Contacts for road / fireroad use. Quite narrow though.
14 February 2008, 05:36 PM
#21
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Bought one of these last year
Scott Reflex 20 Disc Review | BikeRadar.com
Very pleased with it - so I would have a look at the Scott range as well
Scott Reflex 20 Disc Review | BikeRadar.com
Very pleased with it - so I would have a look at the Scott range as well
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