Which mountain bike
Discussion
I don't have anything specific in mind, but generally:
1. Make sure it's a hardtail, full sus bikes at that price would be cack.
2. At list price, everything's much the same, in terms of spec
3. You can get more for your money by picking up a sale bargain or buying 2nd hand. It might seem obvious, but there are so many hardly used bikes out there, you could probably pick up an £800 bike with LX groupset and hydraulic brakes, and decent forks, for your budget
4. Get hydraulic disc brakes if poss
1. Make sure it's a hardtail, full sus bikes at that price would be cack.
2. At list price, everything's much the same, in terms of spec
3. You can get more for your money by picking up a sale bargain or buying 2nd hand. It might seem obvious, but there are so many hardly used bikes out there, you could probably pick up an £800 bike with LX groupset and hydraulic brakes, and decent forks, for your budget
4. Get hydraulic disc brakes if poss
gj88 said:
Have a look on chain reaction cycles and wiggle (google them). They always have good deals. GT Avalanche 1 is always a good package for a cheap price.
Take a look at KONA too. They make a brilliant set up with good value. They're very very hard to beat for the price.
I've been mountain biking for the neck end of 18yrs and Kona have always been a good bet for a decent frameset. Well designed, well made and well priced.Take a look at KONA too. They make a brilliant set up with good value. They're very very hard to beat for the price.
Orange IMO are a good bet too.
As said above, go for a Hardtail, but look for something with a decent frame. The rest can be upgraded in time as / when they break / wear out / money allows.
GT/Specialized etc are always safe bets for good value at this kind of price, for an alternative to the usuals I would recommend one of these:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/f6-...
it is a hell of a lot of bike for £360, Avid hydraulic discs and a Rockshox fork are great at this price, especially if on a half decent frame. Bikes at the moment are probably the best value they will be for a long time, get an 08 bike while you can as for 2009 model year most bikes are going to be 10-20% more expensive or down-specced to stay at the same price.
w.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/f6-...
it is a hell of a lot of bike for £360, Avid hydraulic discs and a Rockshox fork are great at this price, especially if on a half decent frame. Bikes at the moment are probably the best value they will be for a long time, get an 08 bike while you can as for 2009 model year most bikes are going to be 10-20% more expensive or down-specced to stay at the same price.
w.
G T 3 said:
Think I just got advised Kona by a bike shop...are they German?
Canadian.In car terms, they're your Chrysler - big range, various s
te, but some real gems in there too, but for really good prices.Always look for last years bargain with Kona.
Carrera, at that price point, will be fine.
Have a look on the biking forums at http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/index.php
There's a sticky in the mountain biking section with the best bikes in each price group, and what to look for. Here you go: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=125...
As every one else has said, look for a 2008 model in the sale. You'll get better spec for your money.
There's a sticky in the mountain biking section with the best bikes in each price group, and what to look for. Here you go: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=125...
As every one else has said, look for a 2008 model in the sale. You'll get better spec for your money.
Cube are a big name in Germany, and the LTD is a well regarded bike. Don't know much about the Acid, but I have the feeling it's lower down the range.
The only drawback with Cube, is that if the bike has to be ordered, rather than physically being in a shop, there can be a waiting list - 3 months not uncommon at all.
I have a different Cube, which I am very happy with. A 20" frame was ´the best compromise for me (6'2"). Standover is less than I would like, and the top-tube length was shorter than ideal. I fitted a slightly longer stem, to give the same tt length as a 22" frame.
Personally, if I wanted another bike, I probably wouldn't look much further than Cube. If you are happy with mail order, then www.Canyon.de and www.rose.de also have a high reputation as mail-order only builders.
The only drawback with Cube, is that if the bike has to be ordered, rather than physically being in a shop, there can be a waiting list - 3 months not uncommon at all.
I have a different Cube, which I am very happy with. A 20" frame was ´the best compromise for me (6'2"). Standover is less than I would like, and the top-tube length was shorter than ideal. I fitted a slightly longer stem, to give the same tt length as a 22" frame.
Personally, if I wanted another bike, I probably wouldn't look much further than Cube. If you are happy with mail order, then www.Canyon.de and www.rose.de also have a high reputation as mail-order only builders.
It's hard to say. It depends more your inside leg measurement than your height, and how much ground clearance the bike is running.
You really need to try a 20" for size, and also an 18" for comparison. If the shop only has the 20", they might have a conflict of interest regarding sizing.
You really need to try a 20" for size, and also an 18" for comparison. If the shop only has the 20", they might have a conflict of interest regarding sizing.
Cube is very popular in Denmark and along with Canyon you get a alot of bike for the money. Cube are one of the few that wont be raising prices next year but still maintaining a good spec level.
20" sounds WAAAAAY to big if you are only 6 ft... try an 18 instead, remember its a mt and needs to moved around under you and not a road bike with no standover clearance.
20" sounds WAAAAAY to big if you are only 6 ft... try an 18 instead, remember its a mt and needs to moved around under you and not a road bike with no standover clearance.
personally i'd steer clear of anything halfords..... get down to one of your local bike shops and see what deals they can do for you.... there will be plenty of '08 models going cheap, they will give you good advice and much better after sales service..... i just wouldnt trust any halfords employee to build or set up a bike for me. good luck!
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