Decent bike sub £500 budget!!!!

[CHIEF]

Before you all start rolling around laughing at what you've just read just hear me out

I'm after a bike purely for trails, canal paths, that sort of thing. I'm really not interested in going daft up mountains etc.

I realise at this price full suspension is a no no but would like front suspension (Hardtail) if possible, I just want a well built bike if possible.

I dont want a secondhand bike just a decent bike for trails etc.

I'm hearing decent stuff about Trek, Boardman or Specialized.

Over to you.

[d8mok]

Boardman hybrid comp at £499 less £40 online at the moment. Bargain in my opinion.

[nammynake]

I'd go 2nd hand at that price point, but this Canyon looks pretty good although maybe £50 over budget:

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?...

[gradeA]

Boardman Urban Team MTB - granted it has a rigid carbon fork but read what WhatMTB/BikeRadar have to say on it: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...

Currently reduced from £800 to £600 and has a further £40 off if you order online before Monday. You will not find better new for the money.

V8Wagon's just got one http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[rb5er]

I know you dont want second hand but you get more for your money.

I got a Specialized rockhopper with rock shox, disc brakes etc for 300quid. It looks literally brand new.

[coxyuk]

I've recently bought a decathlon rockrider 8.1 for £500. Excellent bike, very well equipped and perfect for your proposed use with potential for getting a bit muddier if you fancy it too!

[AlecG]

2010 Marin B17?! I just ordered one from Winstanley bikes, it's rrp in 2010 was £1k!

[nammynake]

AlecG said:

2010 Marin B17?! I just ordered one from Winstanley bikes, it's rrp in 2010 was £1k!

Not worth anything near 1k. Not bad for £500 but not great.

[CHIEF]

I'm not sure about secondhand as I wouldn't know what to look for with regards to condition etc.

Some very very good pointers on here.

As long as it can cope with trails and is almost bombproof then that will do for me.

Any views on the Specialized and Trek range of bikes at this price, although I have to say I've never heard a bad word about the Boardman range of bikes?

Thanks again

[coxyuk]

CHIEF said:

I'm not sure about secondhand as I wouldn't know what to look for with regards to condition etc.

Some very very good pointers on here.

As long as it can cope with trails and is almost bombproof then that will do for me.

Any views on the Specialized and Trek range of bikes at this price, although I have to say I've never heard a bad word about the Boardman range of bikes?

Thanks again

The only bad word about Boardman bikes you'll hear is that they are only available through Hallfords and sometimes their competence in building the bikes leaves something to be desired. I went with the Rockrider because the components were typical of a bike costing much more and I didn't care about the name on the frame. Although I wasn't over impressed with the initial customer service at Decathlon they had built the bike competently and I was able to take it home shortly after buying it in ready to ride condition they are also reputed to be good at servicing the bike and obliging when it comes to honouring the warranty.

[VinceFox]

Five hundred quid for a fking pushiron?

I'd want one with two seats and someone sat up front to pedal it for that money!

[Bacon Is Proof]

coxyuk said:

The only bad word about Boardman bikes

Gear levers.
Can't get on with the SRAM gear levers; it's like stepping back 20 years to Shimano's first STI.

[CHIEF]

I must admit the offerings from Decathlon look very good indeed. Names don't do anything for me and as long as the bike is well built and punches above its weight and offers vfm then I'll be more than happy