Budget MTB for beginner

[shoom]

Hi all, I'm going to get something new with the cycle2work scheme, so not interested in 2nd hand Budget is 500-600. I won't be doing jumps or anything particularly fast downhill. Halfords have the Voodoo Horde on sale for £540 which looks like a very well-specced entry level bike for the money.

Anything else I should consider for a similar price?

Thanks!

[jimster99]

The Voodoo Bizango is not much more expensive and well regarded (I've bought 2 used ones in the last week!), the Carrera MTBs are cheap & good (see this, slightly out of date but still useful https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers ... rera-bikes) and of course, Decathlon Rockriders are also good.

Also question: why do you want an MTB? There are many other options which may be more suitable depending on what you plan to do with the bike.

[shoom]

Thanks for the link! I did look at the Carrera Fury but would prefer 29inch wheels. The Horde was the cheapest I could find with an air fork and a single chainring, but there are soooo many entry level bikes around I may well be missing a better option for a similar price. A Bizango is a bit over budget for me.

Want a MTB because there are loads of nice trails where we live.

[Jdsk]

Welcome

If you're going to commute on it do you want a rack and mudguards?

IIUC it's generally recommended not to buy a bike with suspension forks in this price range... there's a lot of discussion around this in the archives.

Jonathan

[Nearholmer]

Whether you actually need suspension for trails depends hugely on what the trails are like.

Personally, I prefer to keep things simple, so ride off-road on rigid-fork bikes, including over some fairly bumpy stuff, using my legs as suspension, but I don’t do drops and jumps (lack of courage and skill!).

[peetee]

If you are considering owning the bike for a number of years and using it I all weathers I would advise you to avoid suspension forks and look for bike that has or will facilitate the larger width tyres.
A cheap suspended fork will have a short service life, add weight and on trails will give you no advantage that a large volume tyre wouldn’t.

[pjclinch]

If you're going to commute on it do you want a rack and mudguards?

I don't commute on my MTB but it still has a rack and mudguards. Not getting covered in muddy water is a definite bonus and the rack means I can go out on extended trips without faffing about with rucksacks. The rack also helps keep the rear mudguard tidy, as it has more clearance around it than a typical road mudguard so it doesn't clog in serious porridge.

Pete.

[jimster99]

Thanks for the link! I did look at the Carrera Fury but would prefer 29inch wheels. The Horde was the cheapest I could find with an air fork and a single chainring, but there are soooo many entry level bikes around I may well be missing a better option for a similar price. A Bizango is a bit over budget for me.

Want a MTB because there are loads of nice trails where we live.

Just to mention that Halfords don't have a sale on at the moment so their prices are higher. If you can wait, they have frequent sales - the Bizango is sometimes a lot cheaper (e.g. it was £600 in July - see e.g. here: https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/voodoo ... es-4380081).

I don't know if you can negotaite in store for the most recent price? If you can wait, might be worth it.

Another option is to consider buying a used bike for a fraction of the cost, obviously requires payment up front and no cycle to work benefit and you have to find a used bike so more hassle, but much cheaper overall! And if the bike gets nicked it's less painful.

[VinceLedge]

Trek Marlin - pick which one fits your budget. A good hardtail with a quality frame, which has mudguard and rack fitting points. We have older Marlin 6's with 2x8 in the UK and 6's with 1x10 in NZ. Slightly prefer the 2x8.
We use them for trail type riding and bikepacking - mix of off road and tarmac.

[Jezrant]

Specialized Rockhopper.
Great first MTB and easy to sell on if you get hooked and one day want something better.