Which bike

ktownkid

Hiya
Im looking at buying a mountain bike to get fit/hobby, can any one recommend what would be best.
Looking to pay £200 ish, Im 5ft 10, 12 stone, I ive added this as it might help on frame sizes.
Not that bothered on colour, as long as its not pink, prefer black. Do I go to a big store or an independent one, which would be cheaper?
Thanks in advance to your responses.

butler_helen

I don't know much about bikes, although my work have a bike to work scheme, through which I'm getting my bike with a nice discount- worth seeing whether your work do it too?

H

ktownkid

Hi
My work is a bit far to bike too, but I will find out.

Woby_Tide

No idea what sort of riding you intend but the bikeradar forum for Mountain bike ssuggested the below for sub- £300

UNDER £300

Decathlon RockRider 5.2 - £230: sets the budget standard with quality aluminium frame, adjustable forks, great 8 speed shimano gear and very competetive weight.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-2-red-48722203/

Giant Boulder - £230: Giant keep the same formula as last year to again bring affordable XC quality to the beginner market.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/mountain/2449/32673/

Summer Skye - £300: specially designed for women, this bike combines a good frame and wheelset and a damped Rockshox fork - unheard of at this price.
http://www.summerbicycles.com/Bikes/Skye.html

ktownkid

Thanks for your advice

Do you guys recommend the Carrera Vulcan, its selling at Halfords at £199, sounds a good deal too.

knowsleyroader

Personally, I wouldn't go to a huge retailer for a bike. Much better to visit an independent, they'll size, assemble and look after it for you. I cycle 6/7 hours daily and use a Claud Butler. Also, buy a hybrid type mountain bike not a pure mountain bike because they make road biking too hard.
Don't forget your high visibility vest and helmet either.

Enterprise_1701C

I would suggest going to an independant retailer and try a few on. You can only tell if a bike is right for you by actually sitting on it, feeling how the seat feels and the position of the pedals relative to the size of the frame.

I also agree on the high visibility vest and the helmet - though I am sure there is still a few people that simply don't see me!

ktownkid

Been offered a GT Timberline, in good condition for £100. Ive Googled it but cant find any reviews. Has anyone got this bike or know of it?
He might throw in the vest and helmet.
Thanks again

Steve_Groves

ktownkid wrote: »

Been offered a GT Timberline, in good condition for £100. Ive Googled it but cant find any reviews. Has anyone got this bike or know of it?
He might throw in the vest and helmet.
Thanks again

GT Timberlines are quite a few years old and were in the £250 range when new so I would say £100 is too much.

If you want to start biking then I would suggest looking at hybrid bikes. The reason being that you will spend most time on roads, pavements, tracks. Mountain bikes are slow and exhausting but with a hybid you will zoom along on nice skinny tyres with ease.

Don't worry about ruining skinny wheels due to stones etc. I take my road bikes on all manner of terrain and other than a puncture, I have never had any problems or buckled wheels.


Evans Cycles has quite a range (http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/complete-bikes/hybrid-bikes) and they are far better equiped than the old GT mountain bikes.

ktownkid

Thanks Steve, you really got me thinking now on the hydrid bikes, a cross between a racer and a mountain bike. These must be quite new as Ive never heard of them before.
Going to visit my local branch at the weekend. What frame size is standard, im male 5ft 10.

boyse7en

What frame size is standard, im male 5ft 10.

There isn't really a standard, as each manufacturer (and model) have different geometry. That is why you should go and try a few out for size/comfort.