Getting started (again) in "mountain" biking
Discussion
All,
I've seen a couple of threads on here where people have posted their newest mountain bike purchase and have received knowledgeable comments in return, so I'm hoping I can trade on that...
Basically, I need to get fit. So this morning, I pulled the old bike of storage, oiled it up, pumped up the tyres and headed out.
Now, this is an old bike which was bought off a student about ten years ago and it's never been used in anger because it's just too big.
This morning's session reminded me of just how much fun this is, even when you can't quite get off the seat because of the size of the thing.
So, I'm looking to spend maybe £500 to say £700 on something that will be fast on road and good fun on trails. Eventually, I want to move onto downhill stuff but right now I just need to build up a basic level of fitness.
Can anyone offer any pointers? To put things in context, disc brakes just didn't exist when I was last into this. I've completely lost touch of which manufacturers make good bikes and what desirable features are.
So, do you guys have any thoughts? I'm basically looking for something solid that will reward an enthusiastic amateur. Let's put it that way.
Also, I should point out that I'll be using this to get to work in all weathers using a mix of trails, roads and cycle routes to do it. So it's got to be pretty durable. If it could be light as well, that'd be fantastic, because then I could bring it into the office rather than having to lock it up outside.
Is my budget realistic? Can anyone recommend a good all-rounder?
Cheers!
Dxg.
I've seen a couple of threads on here where people have posted their newest mountain bike purchase and have received knowledgeable comments in return, so I'm hoping I can trade on that...
Basically, I need to get fit. So this morning, I pulled the old bike of storage, oiled it up, pumped up the tyres and headed out.
Now, this is an old bike which was bought off a student about ten years ago and it's never been used in anger because it's just too big.
This morning's session reminded me of just how much fun this is, even when you can't quite get off the seat because of the size of the thing.
So, I'm looking to spend maybe £500 to say £700 on something that will be fast on road and good fun on trails. Eventually, I want to move onto downhill stuff but right now I just need to build up a basic level of fitness.
Can anyone offer any pointers? To put things in context, disc brakes just didn't exist when I was last into this. I've completely lost touch of which manufacturers make good bikes and what desirable features are.
So, do you guys have any thoughts? I'm basically looking for something solid that will reward an enthusiastic amateur. Let's put it that way.
Also, I should point out that I'll be using this to get to work in all weathers using a mix of trails, roads and cycle routes to do it. So it's got to be pretty durable. If it could be light as well, that'd be fantastic, because then I could bring it into the office rather than having to lock it up outside.
Is my budget realistic? Can anyone recommend a good all-rounder?
Cheers!
Dxg.
Edited by dxg on Sunday 10th July 14:25
I'm certainly no expert but I would recommend one of these while you save yourself a few bob. If your still doing it after a while then spend allot more on your pro mountain bike but until then one of these will be more than adequate imo. Had one of these for a couple of years now and its a great bike, no problems at all for me... possibly a comfier seat though lol.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Something like a cross-country hardtail with a decent set of tyres would be your best bet. You're obviously never going to find a bike thats perfect for road and off-road but at least a xc hardtail will be fairly light and pedal well, on and off road.
Spec wise; disc brakes are a must for the money you're looking to spend. Its swings and roundabouts whether you want hydraulic or cable operated, hydraulic are more powerful and shouldn't need as much adjustment, but they are more expensive. Cable systems can be almost as good - in fact a well set up cable system will beat a poor hydraulic one - but they don't fare well with mud and grit (and this Britain...) and will need adjustment as the cable stretches. Brands - Shimano, Avid, Formula and Magura are the big players and make good brakes for all budgets.
Suspension has come on a long way in 10 years! 4" of travel is the accepted norm for a xc bike - on a £500 bike you would expect an entry level fork with some adjustment, for £700 you can expect something a little better with more adjustments. The most useful adjustments for you will likely be preload/lock out so that you can make the fork a lot firmer, or even stop it moving all together which will help on the road and when climbing off road, and you would get these at the £500 mark. For a little more you would get rebound and compression adjustment which, without trying to patronise you if you already know, will change how quickly the fork moves through its travel. Rockshox, Marzocchi and Fox are the leading brands in your price range and any fork from these companies will work consistently well.
Drivetrain wise - Shimano and SRAM are the big players and are OEM on most bikes. I personally prefer the feel of SRAM shifters, and find them easier to set up, but really it comes down to personal choice as there's not much between them in terms of performance.
Aside from this, you will find that most of the rest of the spec will be in house parts made by the frame manufacturer. This is no bad thing - Bontrager is Trek's own parts company and make some very good kit. Similarly, Specialized have been designing their own parts for years with a lot of success.
As far as suggestions goes:
Trek make good value bikes for all budgets - £500 will see you on a '4300 Disc' which would be my choice as it has well sorted geometry and a pretty good spec list for the money. £700 would get you a 4900 Disc with better components all round.
Likewise, Specialized, Giant, and the other big name brands will sell a well sorted bike for your budget.
Shop around is really your best bet. Most bike shops will let you at least ride around the car park on a bike before you buy it and many will have a demo fleet so you can really try it out.
If you are serious about doing miles, I would urge you to steer clear of Halfrauds - Carrera bikes are heavy, made very cheaply and built down to a price. It won't be long before parts start failing and, having seen the standard of mechanics in my local one at least, it won't have been set up well from the off. But that's just my opinion, some people swear by them.
Anyway, I hope this helps a bit - see you on the trails!
Spec wise; disc brakes are a must for the money you're looking to spend. Its swings and roundabouts whether you want hydraulic or cable operated, hydraulic are more powerful and shouldn't need as much adjustment, but they are more expensive. Cable systems can be almost as good - in fact a well set up cable system will beat a poor hydraulic one - but they don't fare well with mud and grit (and this Britain...) and will need adjustment as the cable stretches. Brands - Shimano, Avid, Formula and Magura are the big players and make good brakes for all budgets.
Suspension has come on a long way in 10 years! 4" of travel is the accepted norm for a xc bike - on a £500 bike you would expect an entry level fork with some adjustment, for £700 you can expect something a little better with more adjustments. The most useful adjustments for you will likely be preload/lock out so that you can make the fork a lot firmer, or even stop it moving all together which will help on the road and when climbing off road, and you would get these at the £500 mark. For a little more you would get rebound and compression adjustment which, without trying to patronise you if you already know, will change how quickly the fork moves through its travel. Rockshox, Marzocchi and Fox are the leading brands in your price range and any fork from these companies will work consistently well.
Drivetrain wise - Shimano and SRAM are the big players and are OEM on most bikes. I personally prefer the feel of SRAM shifters, and find them easier to set up, but really it comes down to personal choice as there's not much between them in terms of performance.
Aside from this, you will find that most of the rest of the spec will be in house parts made by the frame manufacturer. This is no bad thing - Bontrager is Trek's own parts company and make some very good kit. Similarly, Specialized have been designing their own parts for years with a lot of success.
As far as suggestions goes:
Trek make good value bikes for all budgets - £500 will see you on a '4300 Disc' which would be my choice as it has well sorted geometry and a pretty good spec list for the money. £700 would get you a 4900 Disc with better components all round.
Likewise, Specialized, Giant, and the other big name brands will sell a well sorted bike for your budget.
Shop around is really your best bet. Most bike shops will let you at least ride around the car park on a bike before you buy it and many will have a demo fleet so you can really try it out.
If you are serious about doing miles, I would urge you to steer clear of Halfrauds - Carrera bikes are heavy, made very cheaply and built down to a price. It won't be long before parts start failing and, having seen the standard of mechanics in my local one at least, it won't have been set up well from the off. But that's just my opinion, some people swear by them.
Anyway, I hope this helps a bit - see you on the trails!
For 750 bucks you can get a fantastic bike! Do not buy that crappy Carrera!
Something like this perhaps:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/core-1...
What I personally would do is find a 1100 or 1200 quid bike that I really liked, then buy the 2010 version second hand for 750!
Pinkbike is good for second hand stuff as is the Bike Radar forum.
Good luck! Get fit(ish) and get out to some trail centres. It is just about the best fun thing ever!
Something like this perhaps:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/core-1...
What I personally would do is find a 1100 or 1200 quid bike that I really liked, then buy the 2010 version second hand for 750!
Pinkbike is good for second hand stuff as is the Bike Radar forum.
Good luck! Get fit(ish) and get out to some trail centres. It is just about the best fun thing ever!
In a not too dissimilar situation myself a couple of months ago - look up a thread entitled '£700 hardtail' or something like that. In the end I bought a 2011 Specialized Rockhopper which at the moment retails for pence under £700.
I use it for a once a week commute to work (just over ten miles each way), and again at weekends on the trails at Haldon Forest not far from where I live in Exmouth. It's got a decent frame, 27 speed, hydraulic discs, lockable front forks and I've swapped the pedals for a pair of clipless jobs.
So far I can't really find a downside.
I use it for a once a week commute to work (just over ten miles each way), and again at weekends on the trails at Haldon Forest not far from where I live in Exmouth. It's got a decent frame, 27 speed, hydraulic discs, lockable front forks and I've swapped the pedals for a pair of clipless jobs.
So far I can't really find a downside.
Fast on road + decent off road is a tricky combination because the tyres are completely different.
Cyclocross bikes are the closest thing to matching that requirement but a bit niche and perhaps not the most friendly of bikes for the first time back on again.
The most sensible option would probably be a mountain bike with compromise tyres. note not a hybrid!
Alternatively.. for 700 quid you could get
A triban 3 (basic but good value road bike)
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/triban-3-173178017/
and
A rockrider 8.0 - decent mtb
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-8-0-2010-1...
Cyclocross bikes are the closest thing to matching that requirement but a bit niche and perhaps not the most friendly of bikes for the first time back on again.
The most sensible option would probably be a mountain bike with compromise tyres. note not a hybrid!
Alternatively.. for 700 quid you could get
A triban 3 (basic but good value road bike)
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/triban-3-173178017/
and
A rockrider 8.0 - decent mtb
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-8-0-2010-1...
... or a hybrid. Depends on the mix of road/cycle paths vs off road, and whether "off road" is more than just trails/tow paths really. Because if it *is* more road oriented, you could do a lot worse than this:
http://www.whytebikes.com/2011/bike_page.php?ModNo...
http://www.whytebikes.com/2011/bike_page.php?ModNo...
Thanks, everyone for the comments. Some really good advice here.
As the the off / on road combination - it's just a consequence of the route to work. I would hope to be spending more time off anything that's paved. No great hills, but we're talking woodland paths, brideways, that sort of thing. I was picking up on the tyre combination as, when leaning over at speed on the road, I could feel (and hear!) the blocks on the edge of the off road tyres not really liking it.
As the the off / on road combination - it's just a consequence of the route to work. I would hope to be spending more time off anything that's paved. No great hills, but we're talking woodland paths, brideways, that sort of thing. I was picking up on the tyre combination as, when leaning over at speed on the road, I could feel (and hear!) the blocks on the edge of the off road tyres not really liking it.
Wilk0 said:
Something like a cross-country hardtail with a decent set of tyres would be your best bet. You're obviously never going to find a bike thats perfect for road and off-road but at least a xc hardtail will be fairly light and pedal well, on and off road.
Spec wise; disc brakes are a must for the money you're looking to spend. Its swings and roundabouts whether you want hydraulic or cable operated, hydraulic are more powerful and shouldn't need as much adjustment, but they are more expensive. Cable systems can be almost as good - in fact a well set up cable system will beat a poor hydraulic one - but they don't fare well with mud and grit (and this Britain...) and will need adjustment as the cable stretches. Brands - Shimano, Avid, Formula and Magura are the big players and make good brakes for all budgets.
This sounds good. I'll see if I can get hydraulic on my budget, but I may have to settle for cable.Spec wise; disc brakes are a must for the money you're looking to spend. Its swings and roundabouts whether you want hydraulic or cable operated, hydraulic are more powerful and shouldn't need as much adjustment, but they are more expensive. Cable systems can be almost as good - in fact a well set up cable system will beat a poor hydraulic one - but they don't fare well with mud and grit (and this Britain...) and will need adjustment as the cable stretches. Brands - Shimano, Avid, Formula and Magura are the big players and make good brakes for all budgets.
Wilk0 said:
Suspension has come on a long way in 10 years! 4" of travel is the accepted norm for a xc bike - on a £500 bike you would expect an entry level fork with some adjustment, for £700 you can expect something a little better with more adjustments. The most useful adjustments for you will likely be preload/lock out so that you can make the fork a lot firmer, or even stop it moving all together which will help on the road and when climbing off road, and you would get these at the £500 mark. For a little more you would get rebound and compression adjustment which, without trying to patronise you if you already know, will change how quickly the fork moves through its travel. Rockshox, Marzocchi and Fox are the leading brands in your price range and any fork from these companies will work consistently well.
Not patronising at all. All this is new to me. I did not know about when and where the firmness is meant to apply. I *have* been reading mb forums and the like, but they're full of jargon and it's a steep learning curve. Wilk0 said:
Drivetrain wise - Shimano and SRAM are the big players and are OEM on most bikes. I personally prefer the feel of SRAM shifters, and find them easier to set up, but really it comes down to personal choice as there's not much between them in terms of performance.
Aside from this, you will find that most of the rest of the spec will be in house parts made by the frame manufacturer. This is no bad thing - Bontrager is Trek's own parts company and make some very good kit. Similarly, Specialized have been designing their own parts for years with a lot of success.
As far as suggestions goes:
Trek make good value bikes for all budgets - £500 will see you on a '4300 Disc' which would be my choice as it has well sorted geometry and a pretty good spec list for the money. £700 would get you a 4900 Disc with better components all round.
I'll speak to the girl at work who evangelises bike riding. I'll never go that far, but she'll know where the good local shops are. And I guess I'll be looking for a Trek.Aside from this, you will find that most of the rest of the spec will be in house parts made by the frame manufacturer. This is no bad thing - Bontrager is Trek's own parts company and make some very good kit. Similarly, Specialized have been designing their own parts for years with a lot of success.
As far as suggestions goes:
Trek make good value bikes for all budgets - £500 will see you on a '4300 Disc' which would be my choice as it has well sorted geometry and a pretty good spec list for the money. £700 would get you a 4900 Disc with better components all round.
For info, the old bike turns out to be a GT Zaskar and it's wonderfully fast. The front forks seem to be worn out as there's a lot of play in them (with the front brakes locked, it can be rocked on the front wheel). But, at 20" (I've been out measuring), it's just too big. I'm 5'9" and, from what I can see, 18" should be more my size...
Likewise, Specialized, Giant, and the other big name brands will sell a well sorted bike for your budget.
Shop around is really your best bet. Most bike shops will let you at least ride around the car park on a bike before you buy it and many will have a demo fleet so you can really try it out.
If you are serious about doing miles, I would urge you to steer clear of Halfrauds - Carrera bikes are heavy, made very cheaply and built down to a price. It won't be long before parts start failing and, having seen the standard of mechanics in my local one at least, it won't have been set up well from the off. But that's just my opinion, some people swear by them.
Anyway, I hope this helps a bit - see you on the trails!
dxg said:
Okay, so I'll be looking for a Trek, a Cube, or a Specialised!
I would try them out. I really don't think you will go wrong with the makes above. What ever you do get hydraulic disc brakes, so mich better than v brakes! I was a doubter till I got mine, smoother and harder stopping in mud and wet weather.
What ever you get, we want to know. Good luck and have fun.
Well, it seems that my employer can supply Trek bikes on the cycle2work scheme. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait another month before I'm eligible, but it would mean that I can get something a bit better. The Trek 6000 has some good reviews, but reviews of the 4500 and 4300 seem a bit lacklustre. Anyway, if it's a way of getting a bike for minimal outlay and for less in the long term, then Trek it will be... Cable brakes only at this price point, though.
I'll find out tomorrow, but this may not be relevant as I thought Cycle2Work had ended?
I'll find out tomorrow, but this may not be relevant as I thought Cycle2Work had ended?
I picked up my one of these today.
Not actually been out on it yet but spec wise I don't think you'll find anything to beat it at the same price point.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/8-1-2011-172069577/
Unless the name on the stickers matters that much to you?
Not actually been out on it yet but spec wise I don't think you'll find anything to beat it at the same price point.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/8-1-2011-172069577/
Unless the name on the stickers matters that much to you?
dxg said:
The Trek 6000 has some good reviews, but reviews of the 4500 and 4300 seem a bit lacklustre.
The 4900 was my third choice, I think it retails at exactly £700.Trek: http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain/spor...
Cube: http://www.cube.eu/en/hardtail/comp-series/acid-wh...
Specialized: http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBCProduct.jsp...
Mars said:
... or a hybrid. Depends on the mix of road/cycle paths vs off road, and whether "off road" is more than just trails/tow paths really. Because if it *is* more road oriented, you could do a lot worse than this:
http://www.whytebikes.com/2011/bike_page.php?ModNo...
If you want to go mountain biking don't get a bloody hybrid.http://www.whytebikes.com/2011/bike_page.php?ModNo...
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