Cheap but reasonable MTB

[VRSphil]

I’m looking for a mountain bike for riding on trails, through the woods, etc. Nothing too serious but I’d like to go on decent and fairly long rides, and something which can handle a short stint on the road if required.

I got a bargain of a road bike from decathlon a while back, around £350 and it’s brilliant for a beginner especially what you get for the money. It’s actually better equipped and nicer to ride than some much more expensive bikes I’ve tried and friends have.

Is there anything at a similar price point or lower I could look at which is recommended for a beginner mountain biker? Decathlon was my first thought because of the value for money I got with my road bike, but perhaps you guys have some good suggestions for me....

TIA

Phil

[Johnnybee]

The Voodoo Hoodoo is slightly over your budget at £440 but it's usually £550. Not a bad bike at all for the budget.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...

[Usget]

Rockrider 540 is a good bike for the money. Alternatives are Voodoo Hoodoo or Carrera Kraken, but don't pay full sticker price, google for how to get Halfords discounts.

[Herman Toothrot]

Calibre - have a look at Go Outdoors, they have so hard to beat bikes at the lower end of the scale.

[BeirutTaxi]

Avoid any of the big brands at this price range. If it was me I would go for a Cube https://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/cube-aim-pro-201...

[Usget]

Herman Toothrot said:

Calibre - have a look at Go Outdoors, they have so hard to beat bikes at the lower end of the scale.

Another good option

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-v2-mou...

Some Deore, some Acera kit with Shimano hydraulic discs and a RockShox fork. Decent spec for a pittance.

Edited by Usget on Monday 9th April 22:10

[kingb]

Ebay for something used - Managed to snag an Orange 5 for £470 - full Hope kit on it and Fox forks and shock - Its grand

Keep your eyes open as there are some proper bargains out there particularly if you don't mind 26in wheels

£350 would get some something nice with just a front shock and potentially something reasonable with a rear too!

[TwistingMyMelon]

As above have a look on ebay

If you want low risk just go for something that someone bought and never used/rode once, which people often do with bikes

[Craikeybaby]

I bought a Vitus Nucleus for £350 in 2014 and it has lasted well.

[stuckmojo]

Johnnybee said:

The Voodoo Hoodoo is slightly over your budget at £440 but it's usually £550. Not a bad bike at all for the budget.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...

bought that today based on this thread. I love it. proper bit of kit. Forks, gears and brakes are quality.

Single pignon up front but has 11 gears and the ratios cover 100% of my needs. Thanks

[xiodene]

Does anyone have any experience with how the rockrider 520 compares to the 540?
Is it worth the extra £130?

I will be using the bike for fairly light off road duties, muddy footpaths and forests etc. No serious downhill trails or anything.

[Usget]

Voodoo Bizango on offer over the bank holiday weekend, £360 with all discounts stacked, bargain at that money

[xiodene]

Where is the bizango for 360?

[Usget]

Sorry, it was late and I spannered up my maths. It's £380, if that makes a difference.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...

- Listed on offer at £520
- £50 discount applied in basket for £470
- Click and collect, apply BC discount in store for £423
- Play with vouchers at 10% discount for £380.70

Good value at that price IMO.

[xiodene]

That's a great deal! Thanks for that!