Wanted mountain bike-good quality,front suspension ,disc brakes

Peakma

I am on the look out for a good quality mountain bike,with front suspension and preferably hydraulic disc brakes.I don't want any old cheap thing,I would like something that can take some stick off roading.But at the same time I don't want a thief magnet( I used to ride a lot 10+ years ago before I had kids,and had 3 excellent bikes stolen,and its so gutting)
Looking at Marin,Scott,Trek,cannondale type brands.
I am 5"7 so I think I need a 18" frame.
Has anyone spotted any bargains anywhere?I am looking at spending between £300-£450 ish.I'm not really sure whether to go for new(preferably with 50% off!) or second hand.I live around the Sheffield area,well out in Derbyshire nearby.
Any help appreciated.

matthewking26

Hi,
I can't help with where to get one but have a suggestion.
I'm six foot 1" and ride a 17" frame. If you're 5 ft 8" I'd suggest a 15" frame.
Pop into a bike shop when you have chance and stand over some of the bikes, there should be (on average) two or three inches of clearance between crotch and frame.
There's a few reasons for this,
one if you fall off pedals/seat you don't immediately remove the chance of having kids later in life.
It makes the bike lighter as its smaller
its more manouevrable as the turning of the handlebars is closer to you,
plus you can shift your balance better on smaller frames.
Feel free to yell at me though! I started out riding years ago with a 21" frame, thinking I'm tall I better get a big bike. Huge mistake, it was heavy and hard to turn corners. Then I tried my ex's bike, hers was 15", on my first ride I got a higher top speed than I ever had on mine. Now I stick to 17" as on long distance rides the 15" made my back ache a bit.
Not sure if I'm allowed to post links but I've bought my last 3 bikes from paulscycles.co.uk, I got a Gary Fisher last time for £500 down from £750. Free delivery too. Wouldn't get Gary Fisher again as didn't perform as well as the previous Giants I had
Am thinking of getting another one but debt decreasing versus bike buying is a tough decision!
On that site they have the one I'm thinking of getting, a Giant XTC 4.5 2007 model for £400 with giant mph hydraulic discs. I love the mph discs as they have a little wheel on the brakes on the handlebar so you can tighten and loosen the brakes whilst riding. And the forks have lockouts for climbing the big hills again, adjustable whilst riding.
Personally I'd always get new instead of second hand as you can never be sure with second hand if its been in any big crashes, stress damage to frames is hard to spot.
Best of luck finding something!

buyitall

I would second going into a bike shop and trying out the bikes. I almost bought a Giant last year, but when I actually sat on the bikes, it was clear straightaway that Trek bikes were much more comfortable and suitable for my particular body! DH ended up also changing his mind when he bought a bike about 6 months ago. He bought a GT in the end.
Once you have found what you are looking for, you could always google for the best price - maybe the original shop would price-match or you can always take your custom elsewhere! I got the same £200 Giant model for my son last month for £160 from Tredz - based in Swansea, free next day delivery. Of course, it is more hassle if you buy mail order and things go wrong, but we haven't had any probs and the initial service from Tredz was excellent.
Have you looked at the reviews in MBR magazine? I found those helpful. The ads in MBR will also give you ideas for websites to check out.
Finally, next time I or DH buy a bike, we will definitely get it through the 'Cycle to Work' scheme, where you pay for the bike out of your salary and it ends up being about 1/3 cheaper. http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/
Most bike shops seem to be involved in this scheme.

Peakma

Thanks,Pauls cycles certainly seems to have some good offers.I've joined the bike Radar forum for more info also.
Went browsing in shops today and quite liked this bike http://www.langsettcycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b24s1p5142&tbv=SCOTT_Aspect_20_Disc_BIKES_Mountain_Bikes_-_Full_Suspension
Tried a medium(felt a bit small) and a large( not sure if too big!!) But its been so long,my body isn't used to being in cycling position,god I'm difficult! Think the large would be best as then my partner could also use it.Ticked all the right boxes but I didn't really like the colour! I cant really decide how much that should matter,as I guess its not really a big issue, I'm in two minds on that though,as if I'm going to spend a fortune,I really want to love it in every way.
Also liked the look of this one but only seen online
http://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=606&category_id=21

unrich

I've seen some Chris Boardman stuff in Halfords recently. One of the bigger ones with the bikehut upstairs.

There are a few different models and differing specs.

I'm half tempted.

Might be worth a look.

Also worth keeping an eye on as if they don't sell, the price will drop to shift them at some point.

boatman

That Orange sure does look nice at sunsetmtb!!

Peakma

I'm also wondering about this one from Decathalon,I think the thing thats putting me off is that it is a Decathalon bike rather than an established Name.I guess this is silly as I don't want to be paying for the name,and maybe it would be less of a thief magnet than say a Kona,Cannondale Marin,Scott etc.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-8-1-34963132/

esuhl

Well, I love off-road cycling (and on-road if I have to!) but I don't have the Lycra, so I'm obviously not a total biking fanatic...

I got my chunky (i.e. strong) mountain bike from Parkers of Bolton. It was a 21-speed, aluminium frame, front suspension, front disc brake thingamajig and cost a mere £130-ish.

I'm sure something like this is going to be too basic for your needs (there's got to be a reason for spending £500 on a bike... hasn't there?) but I thought I'd mention it in case they just happen to be the bargain of the century.

I'm absolutely delighted with my bike that I got about 3 or 4 years ago.

Here's the link: http://corporate.marketworks.com/storefrontprofiles/default.aspx?sfid=101713

Peakma

Ha ha,I put "chunky"
in the search bar of the site mentioned above,and it came up with this.
http://corporate.marketworks.com/storefrontprofiles/deluxeSFshop.aspx?search_text=chunky&submit=GO&sid=1&sfid=101713&c=0
Made me laugh anyway! Thanks but this isn't quite what I'm looking for!!

Too be honest I don't really know if I should be spending so much,I started off by thinking I'd spend about £200,with no ideas what I'd get for that,like I said previously it's been over 10 years since I was cycling regulary.Our car is not worth much more,and is on it's last legs,or wheels rather!Some how my budget seems to of crept up and up,£300-£400, then it just seems that if I up it to £500 I get so much better components for the money.
It does seem like an awful lot to spend,and I am in two minds about it,we are not well off,but hell its only money!!
I do feel a bit selfish spending so much on myself,but some of my reasoning to myself have been ;
1.)when my last bike was stolen we got £500 insurance,which we spent on a holiday together,as I was just pregnant,so was last chance of an adult only break.
2.)my partner has recently treated himself to a new laptop for £550.
3.)I f I'm going to get a new bike at all,I want to use it to the full,without a fear of just breaking it,also if I spend a fortune I really do HAVE to get off my !!!! and use it!
4.)I am on my 2nd week of no smoking and no drinking and it will help me stay on the fitness bender state of mind.
5.) If I am happier,and healthier it's going to be better for my whole family in the long run,and if I can get my cycling body back,both my partner and I will be very pleased!Also I have more clothes that are too tight than fit,so could save a fortune by getting back into them.
6.) I was toying with joining a gym but I would rather spend on a bike
7.) I got nothing for Xmas,valentines,mothers day,or birthday.
8.) I'l manage with the piddly fridge I'm always moaning about,until I get one on freecycle,rather than a new one!

So I think I've justified the spending to myself!! Also my partner is happy for me to,and is encouraging me to go with one with a better spec.

boatman

Couple of others to look at
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=9471&f%5FFullProductVersion=1&f%5FSupersetQRY=C106&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c003155c002909
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360032163&N=Focus%20Fat%20Boy%202008

Peakma

A friend lent me his June copy of Mountain bike Rider magazine to have a flick through.
There is an offer inside for a free Altura Nevis cycling jacket worth £49,99 with a 6 month subscription costing ££23.40.
Subscribe today and get this Altura Nevis Jacket worth £49.99 FREE

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PLUS save 10% of the full subscription price. http://www.mbr.co.uk/subs_offer/Subscribe_today_and_get_this_Altura_Nevis_Jacket_worth_4999_FREE_article_198869.html


Alternatively you can call ;0845 676 7778
and quote these codes; small-46M medium-46N large-46P XLarge-46Q


Seems like a good deal,so I went for it,thought I'd post it on this thread aswell as the Grab it now one.
Thanks again for your help hunting for my perfect buy,really appreciate it.
I've still not bought one,I went into Sheffield today with the intention of going to check out the Rockrider 8.1 at Decathlon.But after years of intending to I went to give blood for the first time,a bit spur of the moment,and felt too woozy after for bike shopping!