Any good as a first bike?

[ehyouwhat]

Hi all,

The OH is buying me a mountain bike for my birthday, and a quick peak in Halfords led to me picking this one out:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

Is this any good as a first bike? The last time I rode a bike was when I was a teenager, so I'm about ten years out of touch. I would be using it for general tootling around, popping to the shops, etc.

Incidentally, the bike has been offered to me for £250 with a free trip computer.

[mk1fan]

Looks reasonable enough for the money. Forks aren't great but for the price they are fine. As long as you remember that the bike will have limitations and it fits you then go for it.

Afterall, the best bike in the world is the one you ride.

[threesixty]

Not bad, I'd be tempted to forego front suspension for the sake of better componentry at that price though.

[Mr_C]

for £250 you can't go wrong with that really

[Seight_Returns]

I think it would be fine.

As others have said, the fork/drivetrain/brakes are at the low end of the product range, but still good quality brand name kit from respected manufacturers and you won't do any better for the money.

GT have a good reputation for making tough frames and their bikes widely recomended for an entry level "proper" moutain bike capable of holding their own if used seriously off road.

Do you specifically want/need a moutain bike though ? Bouncing around on the off road stuff is great fun but you pay a penalty in terms of inefficient knobbly tyres, extra weight and excessively low gearing on the road.

If your going to use it predominantly for tarmac and light trail riding then think about a hybrid bike - will be more satisfying to ride on tarmac as it'll be lighter, have thinner wheels with lower rolling resistance tyres and more useable gearing - and as someone else said not having a suspension fork means you can have better components elsewhere for your budget.

Your budget will get you something like this:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/71-fx-200...

or if you want somthing a bit more road focused (lighter, faster, more responsive but a less tough) and are prepared to stump up another £100, then these are great :

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/si...

Autumn historically a great time to buy a bike, retailers discounting their current year stock to make way for the new year's models, even more so now - shop around and make offers.

Edited by Seight_Returns on Tuesday 23 September 17:53

[P-Jay]

She'll be right as a starter bike, but as above had a look on Evans Cycles and the like for some sale priced 2008 hardtails and you might do a little better.

You can't really fault a GT hardtail, they've been near the top of every price bracket tests for years and years.