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Incyder

I am thinking of a new mountain bike to zapp about on and get fit. I'm heading towards middle age.
There are so many makes out there, trek, giant, marin, saracen to name a few.
I may be able to russle up £400 max, I dont want rear suspension or poor quality disc brakes.

Any do's or dont's or avoids?, thanks.

MsHoarder

Do go to your local bike shop (not the supermarket/halfords) and look at their whole range that you can afford.

Why do you want a mountain bike if you don't need rear suspension or disc brakes? A normal (or hybrid) bike will probably be better for nipping about town/on cycle paths. A mountain bike is extra weight and expense for extra grip/comfort when on serious off-road.

marlot

I agree with the recommendation of a Hybrid.

Once you've decided, have a good look on ebay/local papers. The average lifetime mileage for a bike is apparently something like 20-100 miles. A few do very high miles, the majority sit in the shed! I got a nice Trek on ebay for about 1/3 the cost of a new one, then got it serviced by the dealer for about £15.

fred7777

Remember to leave a bit of budget for some kit/clothing. Nothing too fancy is needed but the right scarf gloves or waterproof will make much more difference than another £100 on the value of a new bike.
£200-300 would get you a decent bike (even if the magazines as shops say you need £500+) and you would be looking to halve that for a decent 2nd hand bike.
I cycle to work all year round and with just a few bits of the right kit I'm never too hot,cold or wet.