What MTB £600

[curtisl]

After trying to choose between a new Road bike or a MTB from my Cycle to work, I THINK I have decided on a Hardtail MTB. I have spent ages looking and still none the wiser. Can anyone give any advice on what would be a decent 27.5"? I see mostly Suntour's in the price range and a few Rockshox XC30. The Bike that I keep returning to is a Boardman MTB.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...

Then there is this that is slightly over budget but not enough to rule out.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...

Can anyone help me out please?

[Richard-G]

The usual answer to this question is the voodoo bizango. Also from Halfords, I bought one and it is very good! Air fork, really REALLY good frame, all the important bits are in place. Would be a great bike to upgrade if that's your bag

[nammynake]

You sound a bit undecided on whether a road or MTB is the better choice. What's concerning you?

[curtisl]

nammynake said:

You sound a bit undecided on whether a road or MTB is the better choice. What's concerning you?

Well I started looking at a Cube Pelton Sl but I have a Boardman Road Carbon that is fine. It's just new amdshimey and a bit better with the full 105 and 11 speed. I don't have a mtb at the moment and miss a bit of single track riding so the mtb is a cheaper and more sensible option. I'll check out the voodoo then and see what that's about. Thanks for the suggestion.

[curtisl]

Richard-G said:

The usual answer to this question is the voodoo bizango. Also from Halfords, I bought one and it is very good! Air fork, really REALLY good frame, all the important bits are in place. Would be a great bike to upgrade if that's your bag

Just looked at this and it's a 29er. I was looking for the best of both worlds and a 27.5

[nammynake]

You sound a bit undecided on whether a road or MTB is the better choice. What's concerning you?

[audikentman]

If its just for a commute, don't forget the ability to fit mudguards and possibly a rack. do you need gears? If not then get a single speed.

I have 1 of these

http://bombtrack.com/bikes/arise/

but these are cheaper

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-vee...

or

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-uni...

If you need gears then then why not get a hybrid?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-vee...


http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes...

or

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-mac...

or

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRDAPEXFB/plane...

[anonymous-user]

curtisl said:

Just looked at this and it's a 29er. I was looking for the best of both worlds and a 27.5

For what you want, there is nothing good about a 26" mtb so a 27.5" bike really isnt "the best of both worlds". For regular/occassional road use a 29"er makes perfect sense.

[anonymous-user]

I commute on a 29er, I make pretty good pace on mine and I'm a big lump.

You can't go wrong with a Boardman or a Bizango or your lbs will have Spesh, Cube or Cannondale all for the same pennies.

Just buy it from somewhere where you know they will look after you when it goes wrong, preferably recommendation from friends/family who ride.

[With these feet]

Just to add to the debate - if you look at a 26 & 27.5 next to one another the difference is quite insignificant.
I thought about a 650b Stumpy but ended up with another 29 as I feel they just ride so much better for my level of ability and general use/abuse.

I know its out of budget but isnt there a new full susser from Go Outdoors out soon? Bit of an odd name of I recall but apparently gets rave reviews. Linky below.


http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-bossnut-full-s...

[curtisl]

Thanks everyone for your pointers. I ended up going to have a look at the Boardman's and the Boardman Team at £699 had another £50 off on a flash sale so I managed to reserve it at £650. I took it out for a spin on the road and it felt pretty nice. It's been about a year since I rode a 26" but I could notice a bit of difference in the turning. I can't wait to get it down some single track now and get it muddy.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...

[straight dad]

Don't be too hasty:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rafal-740-mountain-bike...

Edited by straight dad on Tuesday 21st July 23:39