What MTB for £450'ish?

[Woody]

Guys, thinking about getting a new bike.
Currently have a (cheapy) Saracen that's a few years old - good for out with the kids.
Want to get riding the trails on Cannock Chase and having done it on mine it's a bit heavy.
Had a quick look at a couple of Giant's today at Swinnerton cycles - both hard tails with disc brakes & front suspension and under £450.

Any suggestions?
Thanks
Chris

[bingybongy]

Standard response is Decathlon Rockrider 8.0

A tad under budget, well specced, all in all excellent value for Money.

[dienamic]

calibre two two from go outdoors is well specced, under budget and getting good reviews http://m.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-alloy-ha...

[Gompo]

Does it have to be new? This is about the top of my budget but I would be/am looking at used bikes too; personally I don't think I could get something new at that price that would satisfy me.

[Woody]

Gompo said:

Does it have to be new? This is about the top of my budget but I would be/am looking at used bikes too; personally I don't think I could get something new at that price that would satisfy me.

What would be a good used buy?

[Gizmoish]

Woody said:

What would be a good used buy?

Might be able to get a Boardman HT Pro for £450 if you're lucky.

[aka_kerrly]

Have a look on Pink Bike as they have plenty of second hand bikes.

A specialized Hardrock is a good option and Pauls Cycles is GREAT if you want a NEW bike but will be happy with last years or the year before model.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/offers.php?cat=1

[loudlashadjuster]

I bought a Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc a couple of years ago on CTW, has handled Swinley, Aston Hill etc. and the worst of this winter's weather no problem. Nice frame, decent brakes, OK groupset (if you keep it maintained/clean), crummy fork. Should be available for your budget.

The fork is the limiting factor with most cheaper bikes, but at least it's easily swapped out in time should your riding demand it.

[Woody]

aka_kerrly said:

Have a look on Pink Bike as they have plenty of second hand bikes.

A specialized Hardrock is a good option and Pauls Cycles is GREAT if you want a NEW bike but will be happy with last years or the year before model.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/offers.php?cat=1

Thanks for the link.
They've got some decent stuff in the sale - like the look of the Cube and Cannondale.

With regards to disc brakes - cable or hydraulic?

Edited by Woody on Monday 17th February 16:05

[TheLemming]

Gizmoish said:

Might be able to get a Boardman HT Pro for £450 if you're lucky.

I'd be surprised, I was watching a few on eBay before I bought mine new and they were hitting 600-650. If you can get one for 450 then take their arm off for it :-)

Light, fast, feels nippy and agile albeit slightly twitchy.

The voodoo bizango is a great deal and should be in budget for a secondhand one? Very nicely specced 29er that looks great and reviewed VERY highly.

Could also look at the Carrera Vulcan - I've dropped you a pm about that one...

Edited by TheLemming on Monday 17th February 16:48

[billzeebub]

TheLemming said:

Gizmoish said:

Might be able to get a Boardman HT Pro for £450 if you're lucky.

I'd be surprised, I was watching a few on eBay before I bought mine new and they were hitting 600-650. If you can get one for 450 then take their arm off for it :-)

Light, fast, feels nippy and agile albeit slightly twitchy.

The voodoo bizango is a great deal and should be in budget for a secondhand one? Very nicely specced 29er that looks great and reviewed VERY highly.

Could also look at the Carrera Vulcan - I've dropped you a pm about that one...

Edited by TheLemming on Monday 17th February 16:48

my Boardman HT Pro is for sale in classifieds for £525. ridden only a few times, as new. Would take £500 without all the extras

Edited by billzeebub on Monday 17th February 19:39

[aka_kerrly]

Woody said:

aka_kerrly said:

Have a look on Pink Bike as they have plenty of second hand bikes.

A specialized Hardrock is a good option and Pauls Cycles is GREAT if you want a NEW bike but will be happy with last years or the year before model.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/offers.php?cat=1

Thanks for the link.
They've got some decent stuff in the sale - like the look of the Cube and Cannondale.

With regards to disc brakes - cable or hydraulic?

Edited by Woody on Monday 17th February 16:05

That Cannondale looks particularly good but you an also get the 2013 model for £499!
http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/2013/bikes/mountain/...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p5160/CANNONDAL...

As for brakes, hydraulic every time. you get more power, much better lever feel that is more consistent , even more so with braided hoses and good fluid. Easier to set up to and less maintenance than cables.

also worth a butchers
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube-aim-sl-26-...

[littleandy0410]

Another vote for the Calibre as mentioned above. My FiL bought one on my recommendation, and it seems great. Gets some good reviews: http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/Lib/Img/3rd-party-prod...

[TheLemming]

billzeebub said:

my Boardman HT Pro is for sale in classifieds for £525. ridden only a few times, as new. Would take £500 without all the extras

Edited by billzeebub on Monday 17th February 19:39

Already PH stickered too :-)

[GALLARDOGUY]

I got a new Boardman HT comp for £400.

That's good value at that price.

[Gizmoish]

billzeebub said:

my Boardman HT Pro is for sale in classifieds for £525. ridden only a few times, as new. Would take £500 without all the extras

Perfect. That's a steal and someone needs to buy it.

[loudlashadjuster]

Woody said:

With regards to disc brakes - cable or hydraulic?

The only person I know with cable discs has no end of problems. I'd prefer rim brakes, no question.

Hydraulic just don't seem to have the same setup/maintenance issues and have all the stopping power you'll ever need, in any conditions.

[TheLemming]

In my experience even low end hydraulics beat anything else.

Hydraulics all the way....

[Funkateer]

bingybongy said:

Standard response is Decathlon Rockrider 8.0

A tad under budget, well specced, all in all excellent value for Money.

I got one of those recently - very, very good. I have also had a Triban 3 roadie for 3 years now - which prompted me to get the mountain bike after my old GT developed a crack in the frame.

[Woody]

Cheers guys.
Will check out decathlon's offerings and the Calibre - looks really good value.