Best MTB for £500 or less.

[Rob175kks]

I'm reasonably fit and want to start occasionally going on trails in the lakes, what would you recommend?

[paulmon]

E-Bay or for sale ads on Bike Radar. Lots of choice from the most popular brands. Trek, Specialized, Boardman, Giant, etc.....

[anonymous-user]

why bother going secondhand when £570 gets you this....
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1830/a58202/zr-t...

I promise you, its not a cheap and cheerful halfords-esque special, bike discount are reputable and i've used them for a few bits and you absolutely do not need to sit on a bike in a shop to determine the correct sizing....

be brave, if this bike had "specialized" on the down tube it would retail for twice this price

[gradeA]

Makes Decathlons look overpriced...

[Gumstabber]

That is incredibly cheap. I used bike discount for forks earlier this year. cheapest rockshox anywhere by more than £50, and they arrived in 4 days too.

[paulmon]

pablo said:

why bother going secondhand when £570 gets you this....
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1830/a58202/zr-t...

I promise you, its not a cheap and cheerful halfords-esque special, bike discount are reputable and i've used them for a few bits and you absolutely do not need to sit on a bike in a shop to determine the correct sizing....

be brave, if this bike had "specialized" on the down tube it would retail for twice this price

That's very good value. The forks alone RRP for £400 and sell in sales at £279.

[Roman]

pablo said:

why bother going secondhand when £570 gets you this....
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1830/a58202/zr-t...

Excellent!

I'd say this is equally unbeatable at £250 - if size 18" is OK:
http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/mounta...

[Gizmoish]

Simply as an alternative: Voodoo Hoodoo, £500, but £40 off for reserving online and then either £50 or £46 off (not sure) if you join British Cycling and get 10% discount... Not too far off £400 let alone £500.

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

[muckymotor]

I've got the Hoodoo and it's a great bike for the price. I can't remember which magazine it was in but it won best "budget" mountain bike.

[Or888t]

pablo said:

why bother going secondhand when £570 gets you this....
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1830/a58202/zr-t...

I promise you, its not a cheap and cheerful halfords-esque special, bike discount are reputable and i've used them for a few bits and you absolutely do not need to sit on a bike in a shop to determine the correct sizing....

be brave, if this bike had "specialized" on the down tube it would retail for twice this price

That's a incredible price!
Can't believe it has Reba's at that price point. And 10 speed mech too!

[Rob175kks]

Cheers for the replies guys. The voodoo hoodoo is what seems to come up a lot on Google. Bike radar said it was the best kit for the money, I'm just not mad keen on halfords, or the look of the bike to be honest, that's not to say I'm definitely not going to get one. Do any of the seasoned riders on here have an opinion on the hoodoo?

[Or888t]

Get this bike above, from that german site.
Amazing spec for the money!

[Rob175kks]

Cheers for the replies guys. The voodoo hoodoo is what seems to come up a lot on Google. Bike radar said it was the best kit for the money, I'm just not mad keen on halfords, or the look of the bike to be honest, that's not to say I'm definitely not going to get one. Do any of the seasoned riders on here have an opinion on the hoodoo?

[Gizmoish]

Or888t said:

Get this bike above, from that german site.
Amazing spec for the money!

I agree, in terms of spec it's awesome...

[Roman]

Gizmoish said:

I agree, in terms of spec it's awesome...

+1

[offendi]

Or888t said:

Get this bike above, from that german site.
Amazing spec for the money!

Never buy a bike on spec !!!!! the spec wears out so will be replaced at some point.

The frame is the heart and soul of a bike , then wheels ( road ) or suspension ( mtb ) So choose you bike on these things first and last

I'll probably get flamed for this but ive only been riding for 30 years so dont mind me

[snorkel sucker]

There is a very nice looking cube for sale in the classifieds ...

Or if you are looking at buying new, how about a KHS Alite 2000 or Carrera Fury?

[wilbo83]

Went to look at a Rockrider 8.1 today and was very impressed. Am considering getting one, but just working out if I really need it as I already have a Scott Scale 70.