Which bike do I need?

[Pulse]

I should start off by saying I'm very much your average bloke on a bike. I've never really got that into it, and have always ridden a mountain bike; but I'm wondering if this is the best bike for me.

Is there a general guide for what type of bike you may be best suited to? I like to get off road quite a lot, so imagine a mountain bike is still probably best for me, but I'd like to get it right this time.

I've just sold my GT Chucker. A 'jump' bike I really loved the look of, but completely stupid really. Nice and robust though, which I liked.

Now I don't want to spend a fortune, and previously have looked at bikes such as the Specialized Hardrock. Would this seem a sensible choice?

Sorry, that's about 3 questions in one there... Big thanks for any help in advance!

ETA: This is the sort of thing I'd look at. If I'm totally wrong, please tell me! http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

Edited by Pulse on Wednesday 20th June 21:28

[anonymous-user]

Pulse said:

I should start off by saying I'm very much your average bloke on a bike. I've never really got that into it, and have always ridden a mountain bike; but I'm wondering if this is the best bike for me.

Is there a general guide for what type of bike you may be best suited to? I like to get off road quite a lot, so imagine a mountain bike is still probably best for me, but I'd like to get it right this time.

I've just sold my GT Chucker. A 'jump' bike I really loved the look of, but completely stupid really. Nice and robust though, which I liked.

Now I don't want to spend a fortune, and previously have looked at bikes such as the Specialized Hardrock. Would this seem a sensible choice?

Sorry, that's about 3 questions in one there... Big thanks for any help in advance!

ETA: This is the sort of thing I'd look at. If I'm totally wrong, please tell me! http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

Edited by Pulse on Wednesday 20th June 21:28

Buy the cannondale, its perfect for you. joking aside, its a stnadard alu frame and some reliable components. the fork might not be the msoothest in terms of compression and rebound over the rough stuff but at £379 you cant expect a ride quality akin to a magic carpet. it will be comfy enough for long days in the saddle and it has nice geometry meaning it will be easy to pedal efficiently and you wont feel too tucked in like the chucker, the frame dimensions will be a bit elongated and you should be happier on it.

cue a dozen people suggesting something roughly similar but from the same manufacturer that they own....in all honesty, most bikes at each price bracket b it £500, £750 or £1000 are roughly the same regardless of the name on the side. if you like it and they have the right size in stock, buy it.

[Pulse]

Thanks Pablo, I appreciate it! I know what you mean; at this price point they're much of a muchness I guess, and down to personal preference.

I've really no idea what to look for in terms of spec, but I'd like something which will last.

The alternative of course is to go a little cheaper again, with something like...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

or

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

[Pulse]

Or alternatively, a more direct comparison (in terms of price, at least):

http://www.dalescycles.com/2012-specialized-hardro...

I know, as above, it's much of a muchness; but what parts are better/worse?

[Pulse]

Having done a bit of research, this seems to get rave reviews; especially about the forks.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

It seems better spec'd from my VERY limited knowledge than the Cannondale, but I've always thought of Cannondale as a better brand.

Can anyone steer me right? The Voodoo is more expensive, but I can get 10% off that Halfords price.

[Bacon Is Proof]

A Cannondale was the first ever bike to be broken on an MBUK group test.

Now read this review:

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/m...

Now thank me for making up your mind.



I'm sure the 'dale is a fine bike as well, just go for the one you like the colour of.

[Pulse]

That's the review I read! I really like the look of it, but the other half said "You can't have something called Voodoo Hoodoo!"

So it's clear it's a far better bike than the Cannondale then? If so, it's worth the extra few quid. I absolutely don't mind paying for quality.

[mike13]

I bought the hoodoo this time last year after local bike shop messed me about waiting on a cube.I would buy the same bike again,yet to see another on my travels,only problem was Halfords not setting it up properly(gears).Would recommend it.

[anonymous-user]

Bacon Is Proof said:

A Cannondale was the first ever bike to be broken on an MBUK group test.

It is a well known fact that the value of an MBUK group tests is directly equivilent to the North Korean spce programme.

[Pulse]

That's my concern, as I'm not technical in the slightest. I'd at least like it to work out of the box!

Also, what do I need to be aware of with hydraulic brakes? I always thought mechanical was easier to maintain, but it suggests hydraulic is better.

When were the new lines released? Recently? I'd not want it replaced by a new bike straight away. It says it's a 2011/12 model, so perhaps up for change soon?

[anonymous-user]

hydraulic discs are better in the sense that they are more powerful, a sealed brake system will always be better than pulling on a cable but in all honesty, good mechanical discs are fare just as well for most types of riding bar the extremes and are far less faff if you need to change fluid (cable snags on branch etc) as they can be easily fixed on the trail. there are lots of people who fit cable discs on their bikes because the power/faff ratio is favourable

[Pulse]

Thanks. I guess there's some thinking/viewing to do. Out of everything so far, the Cannondale and Voodoo are my favourites, so it's basically between both of them.

I've no idea where to look for some bargain bikes though, apart from the usual places. Are there others I should try? I've tried:

- Halfords
- Paul's Cycles
- Wiggle
- Chain Reaction
- Evan's Cycles

[Pulse]

I've just discovered Rutland Cycles, too. Anyone know much about them?

I've seen this, which is half the price, but would it do just half the job? http://www.rutlandcycling.com/40274/GT-Aggressor-2...

I'm 6 foot with a 33" inside leg (roughly). Would a medium be too small? Would the bike be too rubbish? Am I better spending that bit more for something which'll last a lot longer?

[Kermit power]

I'm surprised nobody has yet recommended buying second hand for this budget?

[anonymous-user]

I'd say a medium is far too small. Large should be fine but best to try..
Have you looked at decathlon.co.uk ? Pretty unbeatable spec for the price there..
Review:-
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 21st June 12:11

[scrwright]

Kermit power said:

I'm surprised nobody has yet recommended buying second hand for this budget?

ditto, I picked up a 6 month old cube last year for 1/2 the RRP that was like new.

[anonymous-user]

scrwright said:

Kermit power said:

I'm surprised nobody has yet recommended buying second hand for this budget?

ditto, I picked up a 6 month old cube last year for 1/2 the RRP that was like new.

I think given the OP is a self confessed "average bloke on a bike" going to look at second hand bikes might be a daunting experience and whilst he may get better value for money, he may also end up buying a lemon without realising it hence recommending something new makes more sense to me.

[scrwright]

I was in the same position, went round shops looking for what I wanted then checked out ebay & happened upon the same bike I was after. Granted you can get shafted & buy a heap though

[Pulse]

pablo said:

I think given the OP is a self confessed "average bloke on a bike" going to look at second hand bikes might be a daunting experience and whilst he may get better value for money, he may also end up buying a lemon without realising it hence recommending something new makes more sense to me.

That is probably being generous, too. I don't maintain anything myself. I just break stuff when I try. I'd get ripped off with a second hand bike, knowing me - otherwise I would definitely buy one second hand.

With a medium being too small, that rules the GT out. I'll likely nip to Halfords to take a look at the Voodoo Hoodoo. It seems to represent the best VFM.

[anonymous-user]

scrwright said:

ditto, I picked up a 6 month old cube last year for 1/2 the RRP that was like new.

I sold my HardRock Pro for 80% of what I paid for it when a year old! Think I'd rather buy new, knowing the abuse it had. Unless an obvious bargain, eg ex cyclescheme bike which was never used..