WANTED : Cheap mountain bike

[Garett]

Hi guys, my first post in this section. I'm after a cheap sub £100 mountain bike, for light off road use.

I don't know much about mountain bikes, but used to into BMXing a few years ago. I realise I could get something horrifically bad from Halfords but this would be a waste of money, so I'm looking to spend my money second hand.

I've spoken to my mate who's into his down-hilling and bikes in general who said I'd be better off with a mid-90s Kona rather than anything new in my price range, so has anyone got anything reasonably priced but not a complete shed?
I've looked on gumtree and ebay and i'll keep scanning them to see if anything new pops up.

Simple is better, not too bothered about suspension, I'd prefer something old but well made rather than something newer that will fall to pieces after 20 miles.

Feel free to input advice too.

Cheers

p.s I'm in Lancashire so local to me would be better.

[mat205125]

Ebay is your best bet, and I'd advise sitting there with your mate to get something that meets your criteria. I'd agree with him that I'd rather have a 2nd hand known brand bike that had been well maintained, than some no-brand pig iron POS made from 3rd rate materials and components, in a far off communist sweat shop.

Should be able to find an entry level GT, Spesh, Marin, Kona for around your budget, however you may end up spending 50% more than you budget by the time you've put a tank of fuel in the car to collect it.

Without wanting to reply with one of the usual constructive comments that you sometimes see on here when someone wants advice on a £800 bike, and someone recommends a £2000 Commencal (you know who you are ), your choice of bikes, and the likely quality of those bikes will dramatically increase of you were a little flexible with your £100 budget ... Sacrificing a Friday night on the beer with a curry would add a worthwhile percentage

ETA

This couldn't be much further away from you unfortunately, however serves as a good example of the kind of thing that is out there. Halfords Carrera bikes aren't the worst by any means, and have received some good reviews in magazines.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/779348.htm

Edited by mat205125 on Monday 5th January 14:42

[Garett]

Cheers for the input, I've looking around on ebay and I know there are bargains to be had its just a matter of patience really. I've heard good things about Carrera bikes they are supposed to be great value, but you're right that one is 400 miles away from me!
These are a couple I'll be keeping my eye on.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

[snotrag]

I have something that may be right up your street... Rigid Steel Kona MTB, with lots of good bits on, going spare in my garage. Bit over your budget but its very good for the money i'm asking. PM me if your interested.

[snotrag]

YGM Garret - just a heads up as yours went into my Spam bin for some reason.