Help to buy a mountain bike

therabbitt

Hello one and all,

I am going to buy myself a new mountain bike, something to get to work (uphill), get back from work (downhill :rotfl:) and to do some light 'off-roading' (pottering about forrest parks).

However every bike I have ever owned was delivered by santa or a gift of some sort, so my knowledge is pretty base, can anyone help me? Im nearly 6"3 so it'll need to be a big boy. My first port of call was to check out Halfords online, they have two on what looks like class offers: £79.99 and £149.99 (links) both at about half price.

Does anyone have any experience of buying bikes to tell me if these are good offers or if they can tell me a better place to buy from, my budget would be £150 tops

Ta much
Rab

spreadtrader

Hi Rab
the bikes you have found are both fullsuspension bikes at a very cheap price but i doubt they were ever worth the full retail price.
Bikes like these which are full susupension will be very heavy and all your energy will be sapped by the rear suspension unit. You are better off going for a good quality branded aluminium bike but most big bike manufactures start around £200.00, this is not because you are paying for the name but this is around as cheap as you can get a decent package (ie wheels,frame,etc) cheaper bikes use cheaper hubs in the wheels which will wear out very quickly You definatley get what you pay for!!
Also at 6ft 3 i doubt you will find these bikes a good fit
if you can increase your budget to around £200 you will have a far greater choice.

therabbitt

Thanks for the quick reply!

So where should I be looking then? Online? I live in the North Coast of NI, so there are not too many bike sellers (that I know of), so I may be restricted to online purchasing.....

Could you (or anyone) recommend any particular type?

vincenz

Trader is right, full suspension is good for particular applications but your better with a hard tail for your budget.

Evans Cycles are very good and they deliver,
Something like http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70218 is recommended, a decent named hard tail with decent components (shimano)

I ride a full suspension bike but I bought it because it has lock out (i.e. behaves like a hard tail) and there are times I dont even bother activating it as the terrain doesnt warrant it.

Look in the bargain section of the Evans website and get something with a good name GT Trek Mongoose etc

twocoats

Hi Rabbit,
Chain Reaction cycles are also very good, huge stock and free delivery in the UK and Ireland. Ireland.http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/?PartnerID=957&gclid=CICorvO4sJICFSXsXgodj3RFyw

saintscouple

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johnllew

Join your local Freecycle group and get one free. People are always giving bikes away. I got a Raleigh 531 racer for my son in brilliant condition.

LittleRedDragon

I'd agree with the points about full suspension. Cheap ones are usually awful, they are heavier and less efficient and some of your precious cycling energy will get used up just bouncing the springs - and it doesn't sound like you need it for what you want to do anyway. I have to say the cycling community don't tend to like halfords either, as they aren't reknowned for employing the most skilled and experienced bike mechanics. Sorry, I know this isn't too helpful for you! I'm afraid NI is not an area I'm familiar with as regards finding a reliable bike shop - maybe it'd be worth trying a cycling forum though? if you haven't already (e.g. bikeradar or cyclechat are ones I know)
*edit to add another more constructive comment* Maybe consider a hybrid too? If you can find a good cycle shop they should advise you...
I know this site is dedicated to not spending more than you need to - but do bear in mind that you are trusting your safety to a bike and one that suits and fits you and is properly set up will be way safer, more comfortable and more effective. A good bike shop can advise you on these things so IMO it's worth dedicating a little bit of your budget to paying a bit more in such a shop, if you can.

Techno

Does your work do a salary sacrifice to enable you to buy your bike tax free?
I think the way it works is they buy it for you and you pay back so much per week/month - it also includes the safety gear (and you are supposed to ride to work on it) Those OPs who use this scheme for childcare vouchers may have more info?

Woby_Tide

twocoats wrote: »

Hi Rabbit,
Chain Reaction cycles are also very good, huge stock and free delivery in the UK and Ireland. Ireland.http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/?PartnerID=957&gclid=CICorvO4sJICFSXsXgodj3RFyw

They are regarded as one of the best online bike retailers and actually based in NI(Ballyclare) with 'hardtails' starting from £120 so should be able to find something reasonable and get it delivered with little bother. Maybe even a trip to their shops if it;s possible to have a look yourself which will always be better to let you get a feel off what suits your size etc.

Shaun_d123

Would definetly recommend Chain Reaction for Speedy Service

Also have a look at Wiggle for another good online trader

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/default.aspx?cat=cycle

However the best option would be to find your local bike shop and go there for advice. You will find them most helpful and be able to try out various machines

Dave Kane Cycles is a reputable local bike shop in Belfast but all depends on how much money you are looking to spend. Dont feel intimitaed going to a specialist bike shop and just asking for advice.

http://www.davekanecycles.com/index.php