cycletowork mtb??

[sideways dan]

Hi all. Newbie to all this bike stuff but work has just opened the cycle to work scheme so thought i'd take advantage. Budget up to to £1000. Will be used predominantly off road but no need for full suspension. Looking for ideas really. Have heard a lot of good things about Boardman stuff but what else is out there in my price range? Thanks in advance

[mackie1]

Depends on who you can buy from. If Halfords then you can't really go wrong with a Boardman Pro.

[Matt London]

I have had my Boardman Pro Hardtail for 3 months and love it. I have only used it XC so cannot comment on other riding styles.

[eastendlad]

I got this on my work scheme and am very pleased with it:

Orange Crush (ride to work special)
I just paid £20 delivery on top to have it sent down South !

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/.aspx?&am...

[Gooby]

eastendlad said:

I got this on my work scheme and am very pleased with it:

Orange Crush (ride to work special)
I just paid £20 delivery on top to have it sent down South !

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/.aspx?&am...

ohhh NICE!

[mackie1]

The On-One 456 Trail is good value at £999 too.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO456TR/456-trail

[sideways dan]

thanks for those. can get from anywhere, halfords or independent so should widen the choice a bit!

[Matthew_Eames]

Take a look at the Genesis Core 40

[sideways dan]

well my local bike shop stocks these and they do look interesting. anyone ridden one/got any views??

[curlie467]

I had a look at a cube aim today, beautiful bikes, very well specced and although the aim is the entry level one at £430 you will be able to get the other models, well worth looking at and get excellent reviews.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/LargeImage.aspx...

Or Ghost
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/LargeImage.aspx...

[sideways dan]

now i LIKE the look of the cube. and they stock them nearby so might just pop over there on the weekend i think!

[curlie467]

Even better in the metal, stunning looking bikes and very comfortable, i am sure you wont be disappointed! Check out the shape of the frames, really cool and looking good is important too!

[mk1fan]

Boardman are great value and very well speced but they are the XC racey side of the geometry charts. On One are very good 'cope with 97% of things' geometry, as are Genesis. Also check out the Rock Lobsters or Merlin Malts from Merlin Cycles.

To be honest with you, you could pick any of the above and you won't be unhappy or disappointed. Don't look for the 'best' bike because this means different things to different people. Find the best deal. Don't forget that you can also buy equipment with your £1,000 voucher along with your bike. So factor in a helmet, gloves, shorts and a [good] lock.

With these last points in mind, as a newbie, you're better off buying from a shop you can visit and try out the bike and equipment - such as Halfords, Evans and you LBS's.

A bike can be made very uncomfortable or very comfortable by simply changing the length of stem, type of handlebars, saddle or the grips. If you're buying from an LBS they will propably swap these items out for 'free' or for very little charge but distance buying means you're stuck with what you've ordered or have the hassle of returning goods etc...

Finally, the best time to visit a bike shop (be it an LBS or a Chain) is during the week in the morning or afternoon. Not at lunchtime or the weekend. This way the store is empty and you [should] get the service and help you require.

[sideways dan]

Thanks for those wise words. i shall heed your advice good sir! talking of deals, what about one of these. seems a lot of kit for the money but cant seem to find any reviews anywhere???

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

I know its an 09 model but does seem good value

[mackie1]

Looks like a good deal. Very good fork.

[mk1fan]

Supernormals are a no compromise XC Race bike. If that's what you're looking for then great. If not then you may find it a bit harsh or twitchy on 'trails'.

Additionally, the rules laid down by HMRC exclude bike that are already discounted - ie; in Sales. I've already said [recently] that there are shops that 'massage' the rules but don't go in expecting them too.

[sideways dan]

well had a good look round this weekend and i've got it narrowed down to 2

this http://www.cyclelogical-newcastle.com/webshop/prod...

or this http://www.cyclelogical-newcastle.com/webshop/prod...

so what do you think!!! i'm tending towards the orbea but my LBS didn't have one to ride

[mackie1]

I'd go for the Genesis Core. Supposed to be excellent and the 40 and 50 have very good frames.

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/m...

[sideways dan]

Well after much deliberating..... i still haven't picked one!! so i throw it open to you all!

genesis core 40
http://www.cyclelogical-newcastle.com/webshop/prod...

or genesis altitude 10
http://www.cyclelogical-newcastle.com/webshop/prod...

have ridden both and in the short time i had, still couldn't decide! HELP!