Help to buy a mountain bike

FiFi_Mad_Mum

Someone recomended a GT bike, which we also went for because of it's reputation although ours was a BMX for DS, here's our experience posted on another thread:

Went ahead and bought the bike as we had read reasonable reviews elsewhere, fortunately my DH had worked in a bike shop when he was younger and also has a engineering background so could fix all the problems except for point No.3 which the supplier agreed to pay to have fixed. Poor show for a supposed top quality bike.:rolleyes:
1 The front wheel did not spin. This was due to the bearings being tightened up too much. Again a considerable amount of force was required to release these lock nuts and bearing cups. This then enabled the wheel to spin.
2 The rear wheel only just turned due to the chain being too tight. The chain set would turn in a stepped motion as each link forced itself into the sprocket, instead of the smooth movement it now has after releasing this excessive tension.
3 Both wheels do not run true. There are up to 3mm movement resulting in the brakes rubbing. These wheels will need to “trued” up by professional cycle repairer. With suitable equipment.
4 The front brake adjuster where the cable runs through did not fit correctly. THIS WAS DANGERIOUS. This adjuster did not fit its mount to the nut “bottoming out” at the end of it’s thread before the making it tight. This then resulted in a great deal of movement when the front brake was applied. The problem was rectified with correct sized washer enabling the nut to clamp.
5 DH had to use all his strength (and he's no weakling) to undo the Allan bolts holding mount for the handlebars on. These bolts were so tight that he thought they were going to snap.
They had obviously been fitted using a powerful pneumatic gun.


We ordered online from http://www.bikesyoulike.co.uk/ who we cannot fault and they did pay for repairs.FiFi

MonkeySaving?

Like Shaun_d123 said, Wiggle is great as an online retailer, i got my bike from there! As for full suspension, a waste of money for anything costing less than a grand and that's assuming you're only doing basic cross country. Full sussers are built for downhill and racing, forget them for commuting!