Mountain Bike

missreid9283

I want to buy my partner a mountain bike for his 30th birthday but am getting bamboozled when trying to research into them. He doesn't have a bike at the moment and is not much of a cyclist but enjoys outdoor activities. He would be using it in the country on some paths and some quite rough terrain. I don't know whether or not to get rear suspension or not and I'm unsure of brands etc. I don't feel he needs a top range bike but I don't want to be disappointed if I get him one that isn't up to much. I have looked in cycle shops and also in a discount outdoor shop and Decathlon. The prices in the cycle shops are so much higher than in the budget stores (for what looks to me like similar products) so I am confused as to how their standards differ? Can anyone give me advice as to decent but cheap cycle brands?

Vuze

I've been through the cycle buying process and I understand where you're coming from with the choice and price differences. What I have learnt from the time spent researching is that generally you get what you pay for. You will see some bikes advertised at low prices like £80-£120 and will look really fancy with triple triangle frames and whatnot, but in reality, you are buying junk - those types of bikes are designed to pull customers in who don't know any better. It's the equivalent of the £300 laptop you will see advertised on TV to pull you in - those types of products offer the bare minimum, when you could spend just a bit more and get much better quality and value for money.

The extra money you pay, is reflected in the quality of the components - you pay more, you get much better quality brakes and gears, and a lightweight bike frame. These things really do make a huge difference when cycling.

I don't know what your budget and price range is but if you can afford it I would highly recommend the Boardman range of bikes which are exclusively sold at Halfords. The entry level MTB (mountain bikes) start at £550 and go up and over £1000+ but the starter MTB Boardman bike at £550 is top quality. It's like cars, you see a Kia, a Honda, a BMW, and then a Ferrari or Lamborghini - outwardly you could say they all resemble each other, have 4 wheels, windows, a steering wheel etc lol but that's where the similarity ends, because in reality and practice there is a world of difference in performance, quality and drive.

I first bought some Raleigh £200 odd bike and took it home, and used it for a day or so. I knew about the Boardman bike at the time but didn't think I could justify spending that extra £300 for a better bike. After running into some problems with the bike I had I figured I had to take it back to get it checked out and while there I tested the Boardman bike and didn't look back - they exchanged the bike for me and I see where the money was spent. Because of that, I actually look forward to getting out on my bike and going for long cycle runs - I can perform better and go further on the Boardman bike and it is a rush. I don't know why I am trying to sell you this bike haha but seriously, your man is turning 30 and from what I have heard from older family is that it is downhill once you hit that age and they all talked about how quick the decline is that you don't realize it until it has already happened. So from that perspective I would encourage him to keep fit, get a good diet (i.e. not to lose weight but eat good food) and do regular exercise. Cycling will help you work up a good sweat and is a natural drug/rush, so as well as improving health, he will have better stamina and increases in other drives wink wink nudge nudge. One quick tip, try to vary the exercise too, cycling is great but throw in a couple running sessions a week too.

Ok I think I've said my bit

Vuze

Oh by the way, forgot to mention, going by your intended use, some off-road, country paths etc then a general mountain bike with front suspension should be sufficient (rear suspension is not really necessary unless he is heavily into off road and very rough routes).

EDIT: another thing, check out the 'cycle to work scheme':

http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/

I don't know how it works fully, but if you're employed, you can ask your workplace to sign up and the gov will help you pay for your bike or a good chunk of it, if you use it to get to work.