Hardtail Mountain Bike £300-£400

[Allyc85]

Right I need to shift some lard and get back into a sport that I loved when I was a teenager (I sound old at 26!) so I need some recomendations for a hardtail mountain bike.

Id love to splash out loads on one but funds will probably streatch as far as £400 if need be, before I stock up on things like a skid lid, and bike rack for my Ford Focus.

All ideas welcome, fire away

[anonymous-user]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-53-2011-id_81...

I reckon this is about as good as it gets for the money..

[nammynake]

I would avoid buying new at that budget. Second hand will get you a much better bike.

[Allyc85]

Ay recomendation as yo what I could get second hand for that money?

I will be going for a 17 inch frame if that makes any difference

[XG332]

I bought a carrera vengeance from halfords a few months ago £400 (supposedly) but for it for £270 with a promotion and 10% voucher.

The bike is great. I've used to to commute 6 miles to work a lot and it's good. The components are very good quality.

I have also taken it mountain biking and some light down hill and it did very well.

[Allyc85]

They are £300 at the moment, and I had wondered if they were any good. Might go take a look at one on Friday and have a nose around a couple other bike stores in the area.

[mmcd87]

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...

[American iv]

I did this a few years ago picking up a GT Avalanche Peak 3.0 and ruined it in a year By the end of the year, riding it on moderate trails and not taking it that far off the beaten track had everything rattling and the pedals had a chronic vibration from the crank. I swapped up to a £750 bike and it made the world of difference. It rode smoother, inspired more confidence and was just "nicer"

I'd suggest looking for a second hand bike to get back into the sport (anything will do) and when you find you like it, you find the money for a better bike...

If you're buying second hand, insist that you see the receipt or at least service manual etc from the original sale.

[vrtrooper]

Several years back I wanted a similar bike. I bought a new Kona Firemountain; that years model had just come out and I purchased a old model that was in stock. I searched the web and found a shop within easy travelling. Saved a few £££. The bike has been excellent and well used. I'm thinking of a hybrid as well now, again looking for an previous years model or good second hand,

[missing the VR6]

If you can get one for the money I'd get a Specialized Hard Rock Sport, it's the bike that got me back into riding and never once complained about carting my then 22st about.

[Allyc85]

Ooh liking the look of the Specialized a lot! hello credit card

http://www.scotbycycles.co.uk/bikes-c19/hardtail-m...

[Lucky13]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Boardman-Pro-HT-Mountain...

Seems very cheap to me. Might be worth a look.

[mmcd87]

vrtrooper said:

Several years back I wanted a similar bike. I bought a new Kona Firemountain; that years model had just come out and I purchased a old model that was in stock. I searched the web and found a shop within easy travelling. Saved a few £££. The bike has been excellent and well used. I'm thinking of a hybrid as well now, again looking for an previous years model or good second hand,

I bought a Kona Firemountain also and it has been spot on. Great starter bike.

[missing the VR6]

Allyc85 said:

Ooh liking the look of the Specialized a lot! hello credit card

http://www.scotbycycles.co.uk/bikes-c19/hardtail-m...

I'd try and go for one with hydraulic (spelling?) brakes, I got one with discs but not hydraulic, felt under braked as I started to ride it harder.

[Gizmo!]

And as everyone should know - does your employer do Cycle to Work / Cyclescheme / etc?

[Allyc85]

It dsont at the moment, but il have a word with them about it.

My commute is 9 miles, up and down steep hills with a 6am start in the Summer so I dont know how many times id actually cycle to work, but then I guess its not checked out much?

[Gizmo!]

Allyc85 said:

It dsont at the moment, but il have a word with them about it.

My commute is 9 miles, up and down steep hills with a 6am start in the Summer so I dont know how many times id actually cycle to work, but then I guess its not checked out much?

Almost impossible to police. The rule is "more than half of the bike's use", not "more than half of your commuting" anyway. So if you only ever rode to work twice and rode to the pub once... That's ok.

[Heathwood]

Considering a 2012 GT Avalanche 4.0. Any thoughts / comments before I order?

http://www.damianharriscycles.co.uk/prod/har_0044_...

[UberMeister]

I'm in a similar position to you at the moment, £400ish budget and looking for a Hardtail.

After a bit of research I'm opting for secondhand, oldest model bike I'll consider is a 2010 year. I've been keeping an eye on ebay and I think the following bikes are attainable:

Specialised Hardrock Pro Disc
Chris Boardman Comp
Trek 6300
Carrera Fury

It's just a waiting game for something to come up that is well looked after and localish.

You do get some very nice bikes listed as 'mountain bike' or similar so there are definitely some bargains to be had if you're prepared to look.

[Allyc85]

Gizmo! said:

Allyc85 said:

It dsont at the moment, but il have a word with them about it.

My commute is 9 miles, up and down steep hills with a 6am start in the Summer so I dont know how many times id actually cycle to work, but then I guess its not checked out much?

Almost impossible to police. The rule is "more than half of the bike's use", not "more than half of your commuting" anyway. So if you only ever rode to work twice and rode to the pub once... That's ok.

Well I got a firm no to the idea today, I guess it was worth a try!

Will be buying my new bike at the end of the month, which cant come soon enough as my old chrome framed GT has had it!