Discussion
I'd keep your eye on classifieds ads - your 250/300 will go a lot further on a second hand bike than a brand new one.
Bikes depreciate faster than any car, so you could get a nice 4/5 year old bike for your money.
If you want disc brakes, I'd recommend that you go for hydraulically-operated ones rather than cable.
If you *really* want a brand new bike, then a set of v brakes will be miles better than cable discs.
Bikes depreciate faster than any car, so you could get a nice 4/5 year old bike for your money.
If you want disc brakes, I'd recommend that you go for hydraulically-operated ones rather than cable.
If you *really* want a brand new bike, then a set of v brakes will be miles better than cable discs.
I have to disagree re: the cable disc comments. My Avalanche 2.0 has cable discs and a friends Avalanche 1.0 has V-brakes. We've both tried each other's bikes and both agree the cable discs on mine offer far superior stopping power. Never had any problem with having to adjust them either 
Back on topic, take a look at the GT Avalanche range
Back on topic, take a look at the GT Avalanche range
I'm going to have to say it again Specialized hardrock - with hydraulic discs circa £370, with V brakes, around £300.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with V brakes for the average rider as long as they are set up and they are also lighter than discs (waits for carbon fibre nasa developed disc system to be posted to prove me wrong )
Specialized hardrock - with hydraulic discs circa £370, with V brakes, around £300. There is absolutely nothing wrong with V brakes for the average rider as long as they are set up and they are also lighter than discs (waits for carbon fibre nasa developed disc system to be posted to prove me wrong
)Not strictly on topic but the only cable discs worth considering are the Avid BB7's and you ain't going to see them on a £300 mtb. Although for the same price as the BB7's price you can Avid Juicy Three's which are hydraulic.
On topic, have a glance at the Claud Butler range. The mags all say good things about them. You can't go wrong with a Specialized Hardrock.
On topic, have a glance at the Claud Butler range. The mags all say good things about them. You can't go wrong with a Specialized Hardrock.
Edited by mk1fan on Friday 27th April 16:32
If you get a bike with V brakes the rest of the components are going to be a better spec because discs are more to buy than V brakes. My idea would be get the best bike you can find with V brakes then if the bike is disc compatable up grade when you can afford to. If you look at winstanleys cycles or somewhere like that you would get a good deal. If you got an 06 model you would get a few hundred quid off... The frame is the most important as you can buy better parts later on if needed..
v8 jago said:
If you get a bike with V brakes the rest of the components are going to be a better spec because discs are more to buy than V brakes. My idea would be get the best bike you can find with V brakes then if the bike is disc compatable up grade when you can afford to. If you look at winstanleys cycles or somewhere like that you would get a good deal. If you got an 06 model you would get a few hundred quid off... The frame is the most important as you can buy better parts later on if needed..
I bought a Specialized Hardrock Sport (V brakes) and upgraded to Avid Juicy 5 disc brakes, I am very happy with the bike and the brakes are exceptional, of course it cost me more than the £300 purchase price but I built a 'cheap' bike for the mrs using the old wheels, brakes, shifters etc (had to buy a new frame though) so I'm still happy, although, in the end, it did end up costing me alot of money I did get alot of bikes for the cash. 
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