Hardtail Recommendation - Low budget

[NK51XXX]

Hi all,

A bit of background, I want to get out on a bike to improve my fitness levels which are non-existent at the moment (sedentary during the day and no motivation in the evening) I'll try and overcome this personally - thanks!

In the past I have had a Specialized XC comp (something or another) full sus mountain bike, which got about 5miles of use before it was sold.
I currently have a Specialized Allez Pro Elite (I think) ((It's red)) road bike - which again has had about 10 miles of use (getting better right(?)...

So now I'm in "need" of a hardtail mountain bike as the Road bike is not up to the canal paths near my house and the full suspension was just bouncy and took too much effort to ride on flat, gravel.

I've set myself a mental budget of £200 and was wondering what the best option to buy was in that price range. No doubt it will sit unused after the first few weeks, hence the budget setting - BUT i'll try to gain some motivation for it as I did enjoy riding in my youth! The above 2 bikes were quite expensive dust gatherers...

I am roughly 6ft3 and of large proportions so need something sturdy and robust. I am open to a used bike but don't know what frame size, wheel size, make model to choose so hoping the PHPP collective could assist? Ideally some links would be useful, even to ebay/gumtree ads in the Hertfordshire area so I can just bid/negotiate and collect ASAP, before this wave of motivation is dispatched with the velocity it came in with...

Thanks in advance!

[Usget]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/540916272611009/?f...

Knock yourself out.

[NK51XXX]

Thanks, I have requested to sign-up.

[Usget]

In terms of what to look for - find something that is basically the hardtail equivalent of your own bike! Something that someone bought on a whim, which has done ten miles and sat in the garage ever since. I picked up a basically brand new Carrera Kraken for 3/4 of your budget from that FB page.

[paulmon]

With that budget I'd been keeping an eye out for a used Boardman.

[nammynake]

Have you considered fitting some wider tyres to your Allez? 28 or even 32 may fit depending on clearance under the brake callipers and around the chainstays. Unless your canal paths are VERY rough.

[cirian75]

nammynake said:

Have you considered fitting some wider tyres to your Allez? 28 or even 32 may fit depending on clearance under the brake callipers and around the chainstays. Unless your canal paths are VERY rough.

My Allez can fit 28 Durano's under the stock callipers just

now fitted a Shimano 105 brake on the front, a smige more room, maybe a 28 treaded tyre will fit, but a 32? would not want to commit

Edited by cirian75 on Friday 10th July 12:03

[NK51XXX]

I have requested access to the FB group, but as yet still waiting...

Carrera Kraken and a used Boardman added to the watch list - thanks!

I don't really want to mess around with the Road bike and put new wheels on it, as its a bit uncomfortable riding with the fixed front suspension on the canals path (when I have tried) It is quite rocky in places not smooth gravel and gets bogged down somewhat.

I am going to go to Evans and Halfords at the weekend to have a sit on some bikes to try them for size and comfort. I also heard Decatholon had lots of bikes in stock to try so may have to find my closest one to take a look.

thanks for the replies so far!

[MiltonBaines]

I have a specialized hardrock chrono in mint condition that i plan to sell, bought abought 5 years ago but did less than 50 miles on it. Suntour fork plus original fixed fork, mint grey frame. 21 inch frame so will fit you, i'm 6'2". I am in herts too. Wouldn't be asking more than 200.

Edited by MiltonBaines on Wednesday 5th August 22:52

[NK51XXX]

MiltonBaines said:

I have a specialized hardrock chrono in mint condition that i plan to sell, bought abought 5 years ago but did less than 50 miles on it. Suntour fork plus original fixed fork, mint grey frame. 21 inch frame so will fit you, i'm 6'2". I am in herts too. Wouldn't be asking more than 200.

Edited by MiltonBaines on Wednesday 5th August 22:52

Can you send me some more details please? Like Wheel size, gears, model year and whereabouts in Herts you are?

I am still on the hunt for a bike, going to see this one on Saturday my LBS has got one in stock for me to try finally.

Can anyone comment on it please?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/tra...

I've refined my search slightly so now looking for an XL frame, 29" wheels, hardtail and front shocks with lock-out - with a budget of around £500-£600.

Any recommendations? Ebay and the cycling group on FB, don't really have anything in my size - hence looking at new.

[MiltonBaines]

I still have the brochure from when I bought it that lists every spec so I'll find that tonight and send you the details. I'm no expert so there is little point in me trying to remember. Obviously it's not up to the spec of that cannondale you link to or even your new criteria but then it's a lot cheaper. Will get details for you anyway. Am in Rickmansworth Herts.

[Craikeybaby]

You should be able to get a Vitus Nucleus 290 for that - have a look at Chain Reaction Cycles.

[NK51XXX]

That would be great!

Well the budget creep has come in as the more I look the more I want! But your bike could be an option before investing nearly 3 times as much on a bike.

I'm just round the corner from you near Croxley!

[MiltonBaines]

I used to live in Croxley and grew up there so I know it well