Which hardtail mountain bike for £500?

[Beknown]

11 years ago I bought a 2006 Diamondback hardtail for £400, it was more than capable for my amateur needs but unfortunately it got stolen.

I would like to replace it with something ideally no more than £500, it'll only be used for light/slow off roading because I am a bit of a pussy and don't fancy breaking my arms so anything fancy would be wasted on me.

My local bike shop has recommended me the 2017 GIANT Talon 3 for £475 https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/talon-3

Does anyone have any suggestions? Also what size frame should I try? I am 6'2 with a 32" inside leg.

[Mave]

It might be worth taking a look at some 2016 models as well, there are still discounts around. I was in a similar situation to you a month or so ago; tried the same talon, but ended up with a 2016 Whyte 605 for £405 which worked out under £250 on cycle to work :-) I'm similar size to you, I felt felt the whyte was a much nicer frame.

[anonymous-user]

go second hand.

i bought my current bike for 450 quid about a year and a half ago, Voodoo Wanga was 1k new and barely used. Stands up to the test well.

i saw a Voodoo Zobop Mountain Bike yesterday on ebay, 575 quid hardly used was a 1k new.

if you stay away from big brands you can get nearly new, unused bikes for half price on ebay, GT.

Saracen are good as well had a zen 3, solid bike needed a few upgrades to get it perfect.

for me i am 5'9 i go for large as it suits me. so slightly bigger, it is worth borrowing or trying one to get a good fit.

Edited by The Spruce goose on Sunday 23 April 14:32

[RLE]

Voodoo Bizango always tops the best bike reviews under £1k with the various MTB magazines. Currently £625 at Halfords but they sometimes have a deals on taking it closer to your budget.

[Beknown]

Thanks guys I'll check them out.

Is it definitely a mountain bike I need or do you think a hybrid will suffice? I do do trails and rough terrain but I only go slow.

The rest of the time its riding on smooth solid surfaces e.g. the promenade.