Help needed advice on new bike

[wetny]

Hi, been looking for a new bike for around £500 or so, the cheaper the better really. Will be used on local trails and road. The following have caught my eye, but I don't really know a lot about bikes, or perhaps you could recommend a better alternative. I am six foot tall, so what size do you advise?

Thanks.

Scott Aspect 35 £494

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

Dawes XC 2.2 £419

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/7401/Dawes-XC-2-2---...

Giant yukon fx2 £424
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

[WeirdNeville]

Sizing: If you're a normal sort of shape then you're probably a 19" or 20" shape, but it depends on your leg length, Arm length and the geometry or shape of the bike frame. Only way to be sure is to get down to a bike shop, sit on a few and get the assistants to advise. They usually know their stuff. Buying online could end up a mess - bike shapes vary wildly and if it doesn't fit you it will never be comfortable for longer rides.

I don't really know about that price point. Your choice basically boils down to if you want a proper MTB or a kind of hybrid or city bike with more of a road bias. If you're going to spend less than say 20% of your time on trials then I'd suggest a hybrid. They're just so much more efficient on roads. Of course, £40 spent on a pair of slick tyres for an MTB will give you 90% of the benefits of a hybrid.

Look for last years models with discounts. I just got a £900 bike for £600 through Wiggle. I can't recommend any specific bikes as I'm not really au fait with current models.