Cross Country type bike for circa £500

[AB]

Off the back of spending a week in Center Parcs and hiring a bike, I've decided I quite enjoyed it and that I can do a bit of commuting on one as well as the odd ride out in an attempt to keep/get fit.

No idea where to start really, I've done some research online and read through most of this site http://www.mountainbikesapart.com/what-mountain-bi... as well as others.

Am I best buying new from a retailer who will offer advice/setup and servicing? I had a bike as a kid but nothing since.

I don't want a dedicated road bike as there are some decent rural places on my doorstep.

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

If I can buy secondhand then willing to do that.

Might take a trip to local independent bike shop at some point and see what they say but any advice appreciated.

[RickRolled]

I would look into Btwin range.

[Dr Murdoch]

Cyclo-x bike.

Good on the road (commute)

Can handle off-road.

Put simply, its a road bike with strong wheels and nobbly tyres.

I've got a Genisis CDF which is ok, not light though but takes everything I chuck at it (pot holes, kerbs, canel paths etc). Other makes are available, but its (cyclo-x) a versatile type of bike

[AB]

I looked at the Cyclo-x bikes but I think I'd be wanting to go a bit more off road. I'm planning on popping in to Decathlon or similar in the next couple of days.

This looks like one of those things whereby you start off basic and end up spending a fortune just 'because'.

[KTF]

For commuting and general pottering about a hybrid would work a lot better than a MTB and you can still use them on gravel paths, etc. Something like this:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-520-flat-bar-ro...

Or

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-540-flat-bar-ro...

Edited by KTF on Tuesday 19th September 11:55

[SixPotBelly]

KTF said:

For commuting and general pottering about a hybrid would work a lot better than an MTB and you can still use them on gravel paths, etc.

I'd echo that. Also check out the Pinnacle Lithium and Neon ranges if you're near an Evans.

[Craikeybaby]

How far is your commute? Are there off road routes to make it shorter?

I only have a short commute, so occasionally use my hardtail MTB. With regards to reccomendations I have a Vitus Nucleus, which was well under £500. At that pricepoint you should be able to get something with an air fork and hydraulic disc brakes.

[SixPotBelly]

I'm not sure I'd want a suspension fork myself. Heavy and likely to be crap on budget bikes, and totally unnecessary for the type of riding the OP's talking about. I'm with you on hydraulic discs though, if budget permits, although traditional brakes would be fine for the intended use too.

[Jollyclub]

With 500 to spend i'd be looking at secondhand old school mountain bikes on retrobike classifieds.

Older mountain bike geometry is closer to a modern hybrid so fairly capable on or off road.

500 will get you something that was top of the range/ xtr kitted a few years ago, and as easy to work on as the bike you had as a kid.

Much higher quality than spending 500 in Halfords. Imho.

[opieoilman]

I have the Carrera Fury

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

Although it's £600, they quite often have deals for 20% off and then send you a 10% voucher when you register and add it to your basket but don't buy, so mine was about £430.

I like it. I used to ride a lot (mountain bikes and BMX), although never to any serious level and the Fury has been great for getting back into it. The fork has a lock out for road use. I've used it for tracks and completely off road through the woods, as well as the Camel Trail and a little bit of road use (to my nearest off road spot, about 400yds). I was a bit sceptical about the 1x11 gearing, but I'm pretty sure I would never want to go back to 3x8/9 now, it's so simple. The Sram set up seems smoother than the Shimano stuff I've had on other bikes.

Only issues with it so far is that it's developed a ticking sound from the bottom bracket, so it's going back to Halfords to get it sorted. The grips are made out of some rubbery sandpaper, so replaced those and the saddle is uncomfortable, so that was replaced.