FS Mountain Bike Suggestions

_-J-_ · 22 Jul 2009 at 09:37

Hi All. Looking to get a new mountain bike but have been out of biking for a few years now, used to have a hardtail Carrera Kraken. Looking to get a bike to improve my fitness and also get into a bit of riding down hills etc and cross country hence the need for a full suspension.

My budget is around £400, and i am not sure wether to buy new or used. Any recommendations?

#Chri5# · 22 Jul 2009 at 11:58

A new full-susser for £400 is a challenge. At that price, a HT would be a better buy IMHO.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s1p1748 - Giant Yukon 1 for £560. Got a good review a month or two ago somewhere (MBR maybe).

Beyond that it's time to trawl for something 2nd hand.

Supercow · 22 Jul 2009 at 12:05

Used is your only option.

LordSplodge · 22 Jul 2009 at 12:37

_-J-_ said:
get into a bit of riding down hills etc and cross country hence the need for a full suspension.

My budget is around £400

You are not going to get a full suspension mountain bike that is any good for £400 and even second hand you will be pushing it.

Get a decent hard tail. You can go XC and Downhill on a hard tail and it will teach you proper technique rather than just using the boing boing in tne rear.

_-J-_ · 22 Jul 2009 at 13:04

Ben having a bit of a look around, what do people think about these?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/fuel-70-2006-mountain-bike-ec019621
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Giant-Trance-Full-Suspension-Trail-Mountain-bike-Large_W0QQitemZ230356607557QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item35a252e245&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A10|66%3A2|39%3A1|293%3A3|294%3A50
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p1497
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p1747
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110415655653
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=140334365161

Josh107 · 22 Jul 2009 at 13:27

The Trek

Get that if you can, looks a top buy

_-J-_ · 22 Jul 2009 at 13:38

The one from Evan's Cycles?

***F1ZZY*** · 22 Jul 2009 at 14:45

be careful with the size; a 21.5" bike frame is for quite tall people (6 foot plus)

Supercow · 22 Jul 2009 at 15:32

***F1ZZY*** said:
be careful with the size; a 21.5" bike frame is for quite tall people (6 foot plus)

Indeed - it's massive.
Deffo the Trek or the Trance though

Izi · 22 Jul 2009 at 16:17

I just purchased a Voodoo Bantu 2007/8 model from Halfords for £400. The new season 2009 model is £600 so if you can find any halfords with any left I would highly recommend one.

_-J-_ · 22 Jul 2009 at 18:16

Well i'm 6" 2 so thats why i was looking at that frame, think there shop is in the MetroCentre so will have a look after work tomorrow.

Cheers for the recommendation Izi but im after a FS.

Trusty · 22 Jul 2009 at 19:58

***F1ZZY*** said:
be careful with the size; a 21.5" bike frame is for quite tall people (6 foot plus)

Huge mate, 21inch TT is meant for 6ft5 people.

_-J-_ · 28 Jul 2009 at 13:50

http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/detail.asp/sku=Bott-670/Bottecchia_670_Full_Suspension_Mountain_Bike_2009 This any good, managed to find thier website and it seems to be a italian company http://www.bottecchia.com/articolo.asp?ID=274&IDCatProd=33

ichabod crane · 28 Jul 2009 at 13:56

They look awful! I know its already been said but a FS within your budget is going to be a waste of money.

_-J-_ · 28 Jul 2009 at 14:00

Ok, can people recommend a good HT then?

ichabod crane · 28 Jul 2009 at 14:02

Take a look at specialized, trek, commencal and see what falls within your budget from them. You will defienately get more for your money with a hardtail.

Chong Warrior · 28 Jul 2009 at 14:20

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custo...ountain-bikes/commencal-normal-disc-2009.html

I just bought the bike above last month and very happy with it. If you do go for it do yourself a favour and buy the pedals linked below which are a bargain! Free P&P aswell.

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mountain-bike-pedals/flat-bike-pedals/wellgo-platform-pedals.html

They're just these but for half price, made in the same factory!
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mountain-bike-pedals/flat-bike-pedals/dmr-v-12-pedals.html

_-J-_ · 28 Jul 2009 at 14:23

Chong, that bike is sold out. Can people recommend any good websites?

Chong Warrior · 28 Jul 2009 at 14:27

Ah bugger didn't see that. They still had them a few days ago as I was showing a mate...

_-J-_ · 29 Jul 2009 at 14:04

Finally narrowed it down to these, which would people recommend. Obviously the cheaper one's if they are good would be great but don't mind paying a bit more if its worth it.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/xc-12-disc-2009-mountain-bike-ec018578
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/19779/GT_Avalanche_30D_Mens_Bike_2009
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/20832/Iron_Horse_Maverick_5_Bike_2009
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/19863/Kona_Fire_Mountain_Bike_2009
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=12145&categoryID=69
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=18121&categoryID=675
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Kona-Fire-Mountain-Mountain-Bike-2009-Hardtail-MTB_20563.htm
http://www.nwmtb.com/productdetails.asp?productid=08514
http://www.nwmtb.com/productdetails.asp?productid=05657