Some advice on which bike please

[Panclan]

I'm looking at getting a bike through Halfords Cycle to Work scheme, to the max of around £600. Looking on their site, I have narrowed my choice to the GT Aggressor XC 1 2009, GT Avalanche 1.0 (if ordered in) or the Kona Cindercone 08. The bike will mainly be used around the Swinley Forrest tracks.

Any advice or tips on which bike, or others to consider would be welcome.

[craig_s]

The Aggressor is probably the best value components wise, with pretty good quality and dependable parts all round. I can't comment on how they all ride in the real world as I've only had a quick play on the ones in the shop (I work part time in Bikehut). Out of those three, I would probably go for the Aggressor but also have a look at the Boardman range. I don't think this year's are as good value as the '08 models so it might be worth checking if your local store have any of the '08 bikes left in stock. Almost all manufacturers are strugling to offer the same value for money this year though because of the rising costs of everything.
That's probably confused you even more but then what are Halfords employees for?

[Gazzab]

I would only look at Boardman if I had to buy from halfrauds.

[Panclan]

Would you recommend a Boardman Sport?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

[anonymous-user]

can only speak of the boardman road bikes but i think they are great bikes and the 09 sport looks good. you wont find a bettter specced bike for the money as boardman are stil ltrying toget bums on seats so are over speeccing the bikes, not to the 08 standard but still higher than the competition. Ally frame, rockshox, ritchey finishing kit, SRAM X5 throughout and hydraulic brakes for <£600?! a lot of snobs wont touch them because of the name and the retailer but there are some good staff at bikehut and the stigma doesnt do those few people justice

dont know many people who find the lauminium Konasa n exciting ride so would go for the GT over it but 120mm travel when all you are doing is forest trails might seem overkill and be hard work on the climbs... the mix of SLX components is a nice touch though it doesnt say what and might just be the ubiquitous rear mech upgrade that people always seem to like.

[Muzzlehatch]

I got a Boardman Team MTB a couple of months ago on the CTW scheme.

It's an excellent bike, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a well equipped hardtail.

[craig_s]

Panclan said:

Would you recommend a Boardman Sport?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

Yes very much so. As said above, you would have to look hard to find something that is better value for money. Make sure you try the three sizes to get a feel for the one you are most comfortable on before buying one. I know it's stating the obvious but you'd be amazed at the number of people who don't think to try a bike before buying one.

[Gazzab]

If you are over 6ft a large is normally ok. Under 6ft and over midget then a medium is normally best. But it really depends on the make of bike and your overall shape etc....

[Panclan]

6'2" and about 15 - 16st, so a large I would think.