On-Line site for Mountain Bikes?
 

Hi All,

Other than Halfords are there any good on-line stores selling mountain bikes?

I'm not wanting a super pro jobby costing £1000's but a bike for the odd country park ride and to use around town. Only wanting to spend around £200-£300

Cheers
Lee

If you don't mind having last year's model, Paul Cycles have some very good deals.

Lee

I have a very low mileage bike I'm looking to get rid of. Would be fine for what you're looking to do. Drop me a line if you'd like more details.

Mark

Hey see you are in the Notts area, why not try Leisure Lakes at Breaston, just over the M1 bridge. They have a good web site too. Ask for Paul or Andy and tell them Steve sent you.

Good shop with plenty of choice and good advice, its easy to spend loads on something thats not right. They also do a number of used bikes too, so its possible to pick up a bargain.

Open till 8.0 pm on thursdays. Then if you fancy doing a bit more (good for the old ticker and the waistline) try www.natsmtb.com

Let me know how you get on ........
STEVE.................

Ironically, I too am in the hunt for a MTB. Looking to spend £500-£600ish. Don't want a full suspension bike but something that can be upgraded as time goes on. Currently looking at the Specialized Rockhopper range. Any ideas or opinions from here?

I bought one on Sat! My g/f was the one who wanted one and we ended up getting 2. We went to Halfords and they really couldn't bothered with us. No customer services whatsoever, and nothing in the way of product knowledge or an interest in selling us what we wanted (vs what they wanted to shift).

Next stop was an independent place in Canary Wharf. What a difference! Lots of attention and advice. Shop was on a little side road and whenever something was picked off the rack, they made (yes made!) us ride up and down the road on them to make sure they felt right.

So.... g/f eventually bought a Giant (dual susp, 21sp for £200). As I said, I didn't really have the intention of buying one but they had a Scott which was bought and returned within a month by someone who wanted something else (all receipts proved this). He sold it to me for £250 as we had the Giant as well - front susp, disk brakes, 24sp, retail £550 - BARGAIN!

They did a PDI before we collected! Everything tightened and balanced and checked. They even offered a free 6 week first service and gave a six month warranty on the Scott.

Moral is... go independent. Unless you are buying a kiddy bike or a clonker to leave at the station avoid the chains and get the professionals to help you decide what is best for you.

Merlin Cycles
 

Can definately recommend Merlin Cycles. Based in Leyland (Lancashire), but think they do mail order. I picked up a slightly upgraded Merlin Malt 1 last year and am well happy with it :)

Have a chat with Ralph at Allens Cycles in Yorkshire, and he'll give you the best deal. Tell him that Martin Stirling sent you.

He always has unbeatable deals on last year's models and specialises in mail order.

Give him a try.

Good luck,

Mart.

Also Evans Cycles & Edinburgh Cycles