Mountain bike and kit - suggestions for a beginner?

One place you may wish to consider is Edinburgh Cycles, they do their own range called 'Revolution' and cater for most types e.g. Mountain, Hybrid, Urban etc at very reasonable prices.

http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/catalogue/collections.cfm?ID=328

Never ordered from the website but my son bought his last-but-one bike from them and the service and free advice/expertise were spot on (Newcastle branch).

If you're near the Aberdeen or Edinburgh shop you should certainly pop in and have a chat and see what you think, they never hardsell.

HTH

Bubba©

I recently bought a bike to commute on. Initially I was going to buy a MTB but after some good advice I purchased a Hybrid, which is a great ride, and very lightweight.

To give you some indication on what to look for, give us a clue how far your commute is, and on what type of road/path/terrain. And budget?

As for my commuting accesories kit:

I wear a MET helmet (not everyone agrees with helmets, but I do)
Cheap wrap-around polycarb sunglasses (also keeps bugs out of my eyes)
A cheap-ish breathable windproof packable waterproof jacker (isotext/sympatex) with reflectors
Bike clip
cycle shoes/cleats (optional)
Kryptonite U-lock and tether for wheels
Cycling gloves with gel pads

I have clip-on mud guards, and really bright cateye lights.

however the most important accessories are eyes in the back of your head.

If you havn't cycled for a while talk to you local councils "cycle to work" department, if they have one. If they are like my local one they do free afternoon's refresher classes for commuters (and free reflectors!)

As mentioned above, why not consider a road bike? They are certainly quicker - with thin tyres, and less weight. On the other hand, they have a less comfortable riding position, and a mountain bike would feel more safe if you are new to cycling.

However, for just commuting, a road bike would be best - even if the first couple of weeks were a little bit wobbly! Again, on the other hand, if you have access to the country, a mountain bike would let you explore at the weekends, whereas a road bike is just for the road.

Having bought (and built!) a number of bikes, it's probably easier to suggest what not to buy. Although many discount warehouses and multiple chains often seem to be giving away bikes at really cheap prices, my personal experience is that most of this stuff is really only suited to very infrequent use.

My personal suggestion would be to visit a specialist bike shop in your area, and then buy the cheapest model from a "proper" manufacturer - last years models are always a good bet, if they have them to clear.

The bad news is that buying a "proper" bike will cost at least £300, and maybe £400. The good news is that it will always have resale value. A bike costing £300 is sadly not 3 times better than one costing £100 - but it will last much longer, be built from better components, and feel much nicer to ride.

A decent helmet is essential - again, a bottom of the range model from a recognised manufacturer, maybe last years?

Other people have suggested loads of good gear - I'd just add that a small saddle bag, equiped with a spare inner tube, some tyre levers and a CO2 powered tyre inflater will at some time be handy.......

On the whole, I'd also suggest a visit to a proper bike shop to discuss your exact needs - you'll always find someone who is happy to bang on for hours about the alternatives........

For accessories;

Back light + free shipping on everything

http://www.bikesyoulike.co.uk/products/productdetails.asp?search=cat&keyword=cateye&cbomodels=515&pg=1&cbobrands=62&cbocategories=4&cbomodeltypes=59

Front light and other things; French company but good prices

http://xxcycle.com/php/boutique/page.php?nom=PRODUITpp&key=3892

Shoes - You might want some SPD shoes - again free shipping

http://www.cyclexpress.co.uk/categories/Touring__Casual_Shoes_602.asp

https://www.wiggle.co.uk is a very useful website where I get most of my cycle stuff. Free delivery too!
HTH