£400 half decent MTB for commuting - possible?
£400 half decent MTB for commuting - possible?
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v15ben

Original Poster:

16,217 posts

270 months

Friday 26th June 2015
quotequote all
My 16-year old commuting MTB has just cost a load in replacement parts again and it's got me thinking it might be time for a new one finally.
What would be the best MTB for on and off-road riding (nothing hardcore) for both my commute and weekend track/canal towpath riding?
Budget ideally up to £400, maybe £500 at a push, 26, 650 or 29er - any would be good.
New or last year's model would be fine.
No problem with brand/supplier, but ideally something available sooner rather than later.

Thoughts on a postcard smile

Sorry, badly worded.
Should have said due to yet more broken components, it will cost another £200 or so in repairs/replacements now which doesn't seem economically viable.

Edited by v15ben on Friday 26th June 17:25

yellowjack

18,434 posts

195 months

Friday 26th June 2015
quotequote all
Keep the old thing.

If you've just slung some cash at it, it's now an old frame with a load of shiny new bits on it. Just like a new bike, but less attractive to ne'er-do-wells. The replacement parts will last just as long as the shiny new parts on a brand new bike and the cunning part is this - you can keep doing the same thing over and over again, until manufacturers no longer make the bits that fit your bike, or until the frame gives up. It's what I'd do. Then, if I still found myself wanting new, I buy a second bike to compliment the first one, not to replace it.

v15ben

Original Poster:

16,217 posts

270 months

Friday 26th June 2015
quotequote all
I see your point, but I've done the whole throwing cash at it for the last 2 years.
Probably down £200-250 in parts for something worth £50, maybe a bit more at a push.
I also have secure indoor parking both at home and work so no worries about it being nicked.
I think after 16 years and approx 8k miles, that it's about time for a new one!

v15ben

Original Poster:

16,217 posts

270 months

Friday 26th June 2015
quotequote all
A possible option could be a Pinnacle Ramin One?
Currently discounted at Evans to £375.

bingybongy

4,143 posts

175 months

Saturday 27th June 2015
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A tad under budget.

Gets great reviews.


www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-point-50-alloy-hardta...

v15ben

Original Poster:

16,217 posts

270 months

Saturday 27th June 2015
quotequote all
That looks nice but I just put a deposit down on the Ramin One to collect tomorrow.
First new bike since '99!

pembo

1,244 posts

222 months

Saturday 27th June 2015
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Good choice with the Pinnacle. They are doing some great bikes at the moment, my mate has a road bike in bright green and loves it. Was it the colour that swayed you? wink

MC Bodge

29,625 posts

204 months

Saturday 27th June 2015
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A cyclocross style bike sounds as if it could be more suitable for your needs.

v15ben

Original Poster:

16,217 posts

270 months

Monday 29th June 2015
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pembo said:
Good choice with the Pinnacle. They are doing some great bikes at the moment, my mate has a road bike in bright green and loves it. Was it the colour that swayed you? wink
hehe Apparently the 2014 colour of choice for Pinnacle was a very reserved blue.
The bright green certainly helped, plus car drivers certainly notice me more now!

TheAllSeeingPie

865 posts

164 months

Monday 29th June 2015
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Evans do a few flat bar 29ers but they are single speed / fixie though. Nice and quick through traffic and low maintenance though.