Which new bike & what gear options.

[R60EST]

I've got back into cycling in a small way over the last year or so. I've tried a really cheap bike , moved onto something slightly better and now thinking of getting something more suited to my needs.

I ride mostly flat mixed terrain , mud , gravel mainly along canal paths and bridleways . I don't want rear suspension , but would prefer front suspension and disk brakes on at least the front.

I am looking for something robust, simple and relatively maintenance free. My last couple of bikes have had far too many gears which really don't get used and consequently don't work when you do need them to . Are there any other options other than the std dérailleur gears , like the old 3 speed Raleigh hubs for example

I'm looking to spend approx £500 , anyone suggest anything that would fit the bill

Edited by R60EST on Wednesday 10th February 21:19

[anonymous-user]

bikes will either have discs front and rear or regular, but not a mix. there are a plethora of bikes around £500, magazines like what mountain bike have good buyers guide in the back which are worth a look...

you may find that a single speed mountain bike suits you well if you dont want maintenance worries.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Kona-Unit-Mountain-Bike-20...
it doesnt have suspension forks but you may be surprised at how well it handles the rough stuff, its light enough to allow you to pick your lines.