Recommendations for first MTB

[indiekid007]

I am sure this has been asked many times before but I am looking at getting into mountain biking but need some recommendations .

I have a budget of £350 and I would class myself as an intermediate cyclist but novice mountain biker

Cheers

[hamster]

Most bikes at this level from decent brands (Kona, Specialized, Trek, Cube, GT, Felt etc) are fairly similar. Avoid full suspension or disc brakes(they are still pretend bikes even at this price). Try before you buy of course. Personally I like Konas, they seem to handle nicer than most.

But for £350 you are possibly worth looking for secondhand, as you will get something substantially better for your money.

[al_yrpal]

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12846847

Look on Bikeradar forum. You will see their recommendations for entry level bikes. Bikeradar is THE forum for MTBS. They often recommend Halfords Carrera bikes or Decathlon bikes as the best buys. You will find that a lot of people are sniffy about these bikes but they are often way ahead of branded bikes in handling, quality and value for money. As an owner of two Carrera bikes and one Decathlon bikes I know that is true.



http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12620617

Al

[indiekid007]

Hi
Am looking at getting my first mountain bike and have seen this one

http://bit.ly/KxoV9Q

What do you think ?

[hamster]

Not bad, it's an odd bitsa of things from different ages. Check if that rear wheel is a screw-on freewheel hub or freehub/cassette. If the former (with bolt-on axle) then avoid.
Also what model of RockShox fork? Ask if the seatpost is stuck, too.

[alpgirl]

If you trawl the internet you can often buy a 2011 or 2010 model vastly reduced. I would suggest Specialised (Hardrock), Kona or Trek (although Trek only allow you pick up at store.) If you can wail until September, shops will start reducing current season bikes. The GT aggressor looks good. If you are looking secondhand, what about ex-hire bikes (that have mostly done railway tracks)! Good luck.

[RobMac]

Firstly make sure you know what size you need THEN go looking

[al_yrpal]

The Decathlon is now £200 and the Vulcan is now only £380! Time to bag a bargain rather than a totally unknown knackered heap from EBay or an overpriced low spec brand. You should be reading the Bikeradar forum for clues.

Al