Novice - advise please

[Chris77]

Hi guys, after some advice from you knowledgeable people .

me and the missus got the old bikes out at the start of summer (trusty 15 yr old diamond back), gave them a clean and oil and did some riding up and down the prom, got the bug for more so have been to grizedale a few times, hiring good bikes and doing the trails

So we are now looking at getting ourselves some decent bikes, bike rack and and a bit of off road adventure.

So we are looking around £400 each on a bike. so far we have been on gravel/mud Forrest paths, we would like to go on the narrower more challenging paths in the future, so they would have to suit this type of riding.

After a bit of reading have come across a couple of ideas:

http://merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&productI...
(Going to merlin cycles for a look round on Saturday)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/GT_Avalanche_2_D...

The other option to be a second hand bike, but being some what new to all this, I am wary of what to look for.

We are in no rush, so is there a good time to buy?(end off season??)

Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks in advance

Chris

[mk1fan]

The Combi Disc is an excellent choice and with 20% off is a very good buy. It is certainly capable of dealing with Trail Centre trails. Have a ride on it at Merlin and see how comfy it is. It maynot suit your lady though - different anatomy etc... Bear in mind though that it is still a 'budget' bike. The forks will certainly have their limitations, however the frame is, imo, worth upgrading as components wearout.

Have a chat with the guys at Merlin. Going to the shop on Saturday might be your only option, but you may not receive the best of service unless you get there for opening time as they likely to get very busy.

The back of WMB has a section of 'The Best Buys' although I can't remember what the sub £500 bikes were.

Your lady maybe better off with one of the increasing numbers of women specific bikes. Although, a 'proper' womens specific bike will have tweaked geometry as well as different components. So be on the look out for a 'mans' bike with just a paintjob and change of saddle and grips. For example, women need 'softer' forks because they tend to be lighter.

ETA - don't forget to ask for the additional 10% off on-line deal, that way you'll pay £370.

Edited by mk1fan on Thursday 4th September 12:37

[littleandy0410]

Well, your timing is pretty much perfect - all the '09 models are coming out now, so you should be able to get some great deals on '08 models.

Have a look at a few of these for ideas:

www.paulscycles.co.uk

www.evanscycles.com

www.edinburghbicycle.com

But, as previously said, go to your local bike shop and have a sit on a few, to get a feel for what size and style suits you best.

[anonymous-user]

the spec on that GT avalanche looks pretty ropey to be honest, i would be suspicisous of the wheels in particular, especially if you want more to tackle more challenging terrain.

secondhand is your best option where you will find a good frame and components which an enthusiast has probably replaced and improved over time. granted you dont get the "new bike" feel but you will benefit from better parts which will stand up to more abuse than cheaper components fitted to a cheaper new bike. probably not what you wanted to hear but its going to be the best option with that sort of cash.

£400 should probably get a reasonable Kona, Scott or something similar with a trusted spec, have a look on retrobike, bike radar or ebay.

[JPJ]

While at Merlin, also have a chat with them about their Malt bikes. Can be made up to suit a budget, and then you know what you're getting. The GT is okay, but the forks are probably the weak spot on them at first glance. As the other point out, your timing is fantastic, so there should be lots of bargains coming up in shops now and in the coming month.

[AbarthChris]

pablo said:

the spec on that GT avalanche looks pretty ropey to be honest, i would be suspicisous of the wheels in particular, especially if you want more to tackle more challenging terrain.

secondhand is your best option where you will find a good frame and components which an enthusiast has probably replaced and improved over time. granted you dont get the "new bike" feel but you will benefit from better parts which will stand up to more abuse than cheaper components fitted to a cheaper new bike. probably not what you wanted to hear but its going to be the best option with that sort of cash.

£400 should probably get a reasonable Kona, Scott or something similar with a trusted spec, have a look on retrobike, bike radar or ebay.

I agree with the spec on the GT, it looks pants!

you can get proper women specific bikes at your price point so I would definitely try to get one for your missus, slimmer grips and shorter brake levers will all make it more comfortable for her

see http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gary-fisher/ma...

This is a good buy

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ro...

[snotrag]

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?...

This is an absolute billy bargain... I would say that, but then an M4 alloy frame for 400 notes... thats what you got on a Stumpjumper not many years ago

ETA - the other sizes are there just punch 'myka' into the search box.

Edited by snotrag on Thursday 4th September 14:32

[Chris77]

Thanks for the info guys, I am drawn more to the combi disc at the moment but hopefully will get a better idea once Ive tried it out.

I get what you are saying re second hand but I just don't know enough about what i am looking at to buy with confidence, also like the idea of having somewhere to go with any problems

Cheers

Chris

[anonymous-user]

you mihgt find the geometry of the sinesi at £500 more comfortable for xc and singletrack work, the sloping top tube on the commencal is quite severe.

some other options to consider:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/blast-del...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/scale-70... which looks quite well specced...

[Chris77]

Well I looked at some bikes over the weekend and the combi disc was on top, and i thought I had made a decision, but at evans i saw this cannondale:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/f6-...

Now the only difference to me is that the gears on the cannondale are what I'm used to (Thumb and forefinger) as appose to the combi-disc (all thumb)

so is there any real difference between the 2 I should consider???

cheers

Chris

[mk1fan]

Better model of fork on the Combi.

TBH, which ever you feel most comfortable on. That's not a cop out, but if the bike feels good then you'll be more inclined to ride often.