Budget mountain bike?

Author
Discussion

TheCarFather

Original Poster:

293 posts

137 months

Saturday 19th April 2014
quotequote all
Basically right now I'm after something that is under £250 if possible but the cheaper the better, is it best to buy used at this price point?

It'll be used for some road, some trails and on the beach.

Any reccomendations/ advice? Is it best to wait a bit and get something more expensive that'll last longer and be a lot better?

Cheers

bingybongy

3,858 posts

145 months

Saturday 19th April 2014
quotequote all
Cycling along a beach is virtually impossible. I know having tried from Sandsend to Whitby the other week.

You stand no chance of getting anything useable new for that budget.

Check Gumtree/ebay for a Giant, Trek, Specialised in that price range.

Sarkmeister

1,664 posts

217 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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If you want to ride on a beach you'll be wanting one of these:

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/moonlander

(massively out of budget, sorry)

bingybongy

3,858 posts

145 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
quotequote all
I prefer this one.

Again massively out of budget.

anonymous-user

53 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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Be careful on beaches. Sand destroys bikes, it gets everywhere and forms a grinding paste with lubricants which rapidly wears out components. If I were you I'd buy a cheap bike from your local classifieds, police auction or something once every six months rather than spend 250 on one which has budget level components which are going to wear quicker

Justin S

3,637 posts

260 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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Not everyone is a racing god here, so , although the budget is set, you can buy a bike for that money. As you would expect, its not going to be used by elitest, but to get out on a bike is better than saying you need to spend at least 5 grand.
Decathlon do decent bikes for your budget and something like this might work if the frame fits.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3852/GT-AGGRES...
Also have a look at the budget Specialized bikes like here
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/16957/...
Second hand is always risky in the way that, you may spend the same as you bought it fixing it.
Good luck and hope you find a bike.

Laurel Green

30,770 posts

231 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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Halfords have a half-price Easter special on(finishes tomorrow) so might be worth a look.

Clicky.

TheCarFather

Original Poster:

293 posts

137 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for all the help. Will definetly look at all the links in a couple of weeks, was going to buy a bike today but a puncture in my car last night on an unusual tyre size means that funds won't allow it just yet

Legacywr

12,017 posts

187 months

Sunday 20th April 2014
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I'd go the secondhand route myself, and, you should be able to spot if it's worn or not easily enough IMO!

TheLemming

4,319 posts

264 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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I've a mint 18" carrera Vulcan I keep meaning to put up for sale.....

TheCarFather

Original Poster:

293 posts

137 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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TheLemming said:
I've a mint 18" carrera Vulcan I keep meaning to put up for sale.....
Dammit! Literally about 3 hours too late, went down to halfords before it shut and got an 'Apollo evade' I know it's not great but it'll get me out and about for this year and then I can get something with a bigger budget next year when I'm more into it.

The bike's RRP is apparently £370 and I got it for £175 and the helmet, repair kit and lock only came to £9 cause the man messed up the transaction so happy days.

Think I'll get a yearly membership down at bedgbury forest, anyone got any experience of how it is there?

budgie smuggler

5,359 posts

158 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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TheCarFather said:
Think I'll get a yearly membership down at bedgbury forest, anyone got any experience of how it is there?
Flat, but fun flat-out!