New bike purchase advice - £650

[markoc]

I've been out of MTB'ing for about 5 years, having been an absolute nutcase since the early days of MTB's. Got a proper job and didn't have the time for it. Also snapped a Lave Dome frame, which dented my confidence a touch...

My Orange P7 is looking a bit shabby and I've decided to splash out on a new bike in the New Year. Budget is no more than £650 for a hardtail. I prefer steel to aluminium (having had a Kilauea before the P7, and the Lave Dome before that). Will happily buy a 2008 model over a new 2009 one.

I've seen the Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo discounted into that price range, which looks like a lot of bike for the money. Also the Cannondale F4 Headshok, but I'm not sure how I'd get on with the Headshok over telescopic forks (I could get an RS fork instead of the H/S…)

Any ideas/links out there...

[Chairman LMAO]

on-one, the only place to get a steel bike on your budget. Look at the Inbred, probably one of the best selling hardtails to regular MTBers. Ignore the sold out bit just email the owner (brant).

http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/On-One_Compl...

[snotrag]

Find a Genesis dealer. The frames are EXCELLENT, very well made, classic steel feel, they do geared and S/S, and you should be able to find a deal somewhere on a 08 Altitude.

You could also blag yourself a very nice 2nd hand bike for £600 if you know what to look for and are confident enough to check one over.

[notax]

I agree with Snotrag - buy a second hand bike. I've helped various friends track down some absolute bargains on Ebay - ie my girlfriend's Santa Cruz superlight which was £650 on Ebay compared to £3000 new. Good luck.

[rsturbo]

rutland cycles have 06/07 marin full sus starting about that price