What bike thread for complete newbie

[Jaykaybi]

OK, I lied, I can ride a bike but I don't currently have one and I know the sum total of diddly squat about them in any detail. I want a mountain-bike type bike (so not a BMX type bike or a skinny racer type bike) for preferably under £300.

Where would an informed bikerist start?

Cheers in advance!

[Sarkmeister]

This months What Mountain Bike has a review of £300ish bikes. The Specialized Hardrock Sport came out top. Its a good all round bike, might be worth trying find one to sit one somewhere.

Carerra Vulcan came second. Might mate has one. Very sturdy bikes, if a little heavy.

Also, do you have cycle2work scheme you can join?

[anonymous-user]

ebay, online classifiieds etc, go for a aluminium framed bike with front suspension, the older you go, hte better the deal, try things like Kona Lave Dome/Cinder Cone/Fire Mountains, Specialized Rockhopper/Hard Rocks or something by GT.

dont get hung up on groupset spec, the parts will be old and some may need replacing (dont worry about this, they are quite cheap for reasonable spec) look for a bike that has been used regularly and thus more likely to be well maintained and one with sensible upgrades that improve performance and durability rather than looks.

buying new isnt really an option at that price as you just wont get a quality, durable bike. i know you may want a new bike but secodhand is the only real option and does offer you a lot of choice and value for money

try the ads here, singletrackworld or bikeradar

[156silver]

Aluminium frames are not that great for hardtail MTB's ;)

[Gooby]

156silver said:

Aluminium frames are not that great for hardtail MTB's ;)

But they are common, durable and plenty good enough for a newbie who is developing skills and fitness rather than feeling the "zing" of chromo...

[Gnarlybluesurf]

What do you plan to use it for? Commuting to work? Weekend mountain biking? If so on what tarmac, toe paths or anything thats infront of you? This will change the advice that's given and probably be of more use to you than the stock answers...

[Louis.]

Jaykaybi said:

OK, I lied, I can ride a bike but I don't currently have one and I know the sum total of diddly squat about them in any detail. I want a mountain-bike type bike (so not a BMX type bike or a skinny racer type bike) for preferably under £300.

Where would an informed bikerist start?

Cheers in advance!

Scott Scale 60
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Scott-Aspect-60-Mountain-B...

Diamond Back
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Diamond-Back-Sorrento-Moun...

Going £50'ish north of your £300 will get you the following:

Stone River
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Claud-Butler-Stone-River-M...

Bianchi
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Bianchi-Doss-4800-Mountain...

[Jaykaybi]

Thanks for all the advice so far guys, it's all appreciated and has given me plenty of options.

Gnarlybluesurf said:

What do you plan to use it for? Commuting to work? Weekend mountain biking? If so on what tarmac, toe paths or anything thats infront of you? This will change the advice that's given and probably be of more use to you than the stock answers...

I'll mostly just be doing a few miles here and there, not commuting, some country paths, some roads, just generally getting about with the intention of doing something besides playing COD MW2 for an hour or two.

[anonymous-user]

156silver said:

Aluminium frames are not that great for hardtail MTB's ;)

i am actually aware of that but as the other reply said, they are durable and hugely popular thus there are loads on the market. good steel frames are collectable and a fair bit of money. st steel frames are horrid.