Which entry level bike?

[siwebster]

Hi,

Me and the wife have decided to treat ourselves to bikes this year for birthdays, will get us out and about and it's something we can do together rather than our own separate exercise things. We're also lucky to have Cannock Chase on our doorstep, plus lots of good towpaths, etc. We're not looking to do any massive trails or anything like that, so I'm looking for an entry level bike - nothing too flash, budget is around the £400-£500 mark.

I've seen a couple I like the look of, which would you choose?

Currently an offer on this one - reduced to £369.99
http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/detail/12...

or this one, also an offer available for around £399.00
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/model/ta...

Have you guys got any thoughts on these two, or maybe any alternatives?

[missing the VR6]

I started on a Specialized Hardrock Sport disc but the non hydraulic version, would recommend getting the hydraulic one, pretty decent bike really.

Don't know about the Giant but mate rides a full sus Trance and it's a pretty decent bike, a mate who used to ride semi pro rates Giant too.

[Roman]

The Hardrock has higher quality brakes and transmission and is cheaper.

[alfabadass]

I made the mistake of going for the Hardrock.

I learned the hard way. Don't do it. Great frame but st shocks and stter brakes.

If under 500 is your aim and you'll be going Cannock then the only way to go is really a Voodoo from Halfords or a Carrera.

[anonymous-user]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-80-id_8194500...
Or take a look at Decathlon - the French Halfords in the Uk..

[siwebster]

Thanks guys, I'll have a look at Decathlon & Halfords.

Only reason I'd looked at the Giant bike is for the 29 inch wheel set up, I heard that was a good thing...?

[Gizmoish]

siwebster said:

Only reason I'd looked at the Giant bike is for the 29 inch wheel set up, I heard that was a good thing...?

That right there is the second dullest argument after "Is the Texan a god or a cheat?".

29" faster on the flat and down straight hills. Less manoeuvrable (due to inherently longer wheelbase) and less choice of proper knobbly tyres.
26" better for more technical and tighter paths. More parts available. Usually sit lower so may be preferable for smaller riders.
There's also 650C which is the new thing and not worth bothering with yet.

[siwebster]

Gizmoish said:

That right there is the second dullest argument after "Is the Texan a god or a cheat?".

29" faster on the flat and down straight hills. Less manoeuvrable (due to inherently longer wheelbase) and less choice of proper knobbly tyres.
26" better for more technical and tighter paths. More parts available. Usually sit lower so may be preferable for smaller riders.
There's also 650C which is the new thing and not worth bothering with yet.

Sounds ok to me if better on the flat, I'm not too interested in technical, certainly at this stage.