£500 to spend - what mountain bike?

[EV11NED]

Hi, got some cash unexpectedly and decided I want to get a bike again. Looking for some tips on what is best as the choice and reviews are bewildering for a novice.

Thanks

[Usget]

Voodoo Hoodoo or Carrera Kraken both worth a look from Halfrauds at that price. Also Rockrider 560 from Decathlon.

British Cycling membership and the Halfords Select voucher scheme should see both the first two under £400, leaving you a few quid to spend on a set of M520 pedals, nicer grips, and a Charge Spoon.

Alternatively, scan the Facebook groups - I picked up my barely used 2014 Kraken for £170!

[GG89]

Said it before in previous similar threads but at this price point you really cannot beat a used mountain bike. They will be so much better than the low end new bikes you will get for the same outlay.

[wilbo83]

For £500, I would build one myself, which is what I am doing currently. My route was On One Inbred frame for £200 with quite a bit of the finishing kit included currently, SLX groupset from Ribble cycles for £180, Clarks M2 brakes £40 and then some second hand wheels and forks (may need to extend the budget slightly). Plus you get the satisfaction of building it yourself.

[Tc24]

wilbo83 said:

For £500, I would build one myself, which is what I am doing currently. My route was On One Inbred frame for £200 with quite a bit of the finishing kit included currently, SLX groupset from Ribble cycles for £180, Clarks M2 brakes £40 and then some second hand wheels and forks (may need to extend the budget slightly). Plus you get the satisfaction of building it yourself.

Interesting - when I put mine together, I thought costs racked up pretty quickly. Bits I hadn't even considered seemed to eat into the budget quickly. Cost wise, how much more/less do you think it cost to build yours compared to buying one of a similar spec?

OP - something cheapish by GT or Specialized with a little cash left to uprate any weak links?

[anonymous-user]

GG89 said:

Said it before in previous similar threads but at this price point you really cannot beat a used mountain bike. They will be so much better than the low end new bikes you will get for the same outlay.

If you can find one that is in good condition/Close/Not busted or issues
In other words, go to Halfords or Decathlon Sports & buy a new one!

Push the budget & buy a VooDoo Bizango from Halfords. Silly name but great bike...

[joema]

I sold my last full sus bike for £600. Nothing that wrong with it. Certainly better than any new £500 bike and far more useable especially if you want to get into mtb'ing properly. Had shimano xt brakes, reverb dropper post, tubeless. Trouble is its 26" so not fashionable.

There is a risk but if the main bits like frame and forks are working, bearings ok then it's not going to cost a lot to put right.

I'm sure there's some guides how to check out second hand bikes. You just need to be willing to put effort in.

Try singletrackworld and pink bike classifieds

[militantmandy]

I would get yourself onto Pinkbike classifieds and find a good second hand bike.

[Craikeybaby]

I got my Vitus Nucleus from ChainReaction Cycles for under £500, well worth a look.

The 2015 Nucleus 275 VR would be the one to have, as it has an air fork, rather than the usual coil fork at this price. With Quidco you could get it closer to/under £500.