Mountainbike for a mate - £170 budget/6" tall

buchtis · 6 Aug 2011 at 14:09

As per title, wondering if any folks can help me here. He's got £170 maximum to spend on it and he's 6 foot tall. Mentioning this because I have no idea what size frame he'll need.

In a 30 mile radius of Derby if possible or cheap shipping on eBay that doesn't exceed £170.

Thanks.

Raikiri · 6 Aug 2011 at 14:24

Rockrider 5.1 should be worth a look.

buchtis · 6 Aug 2011 at 14:32

Just had a look, at Decathlon, right? Isn't there a better one he could get with disk brakes anywhere?

tom_e · 6 Aug 2011 at 14:41

At that price point disc brakes will be crap, unless you want to go 2nd hand then you may be able to pick up a bargain but it's not something I've ever looked at.

buchtis · 6 Aug 2011 at 17:35

So can anyone link me to some decent bikes please? Got till Monday.

SDK^ · 6 Aug 2011 at 17:50

buchtis said:
So can anyone link me to some decent bikes please? Got till Monday.

That budget is seriously low !!

Your only option for a bike that will be enjoyable to ride off road is to go 2nd hand.
If you have to buy new then look for something with no suspension and standard cable brakes. Like this : http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/trail-xr-2011-mountain-bike-ec026068

Ideally your friend needs to up his budget another £100 before he has enough for a decent low end bike.

Hamster · 6 Aug 2011 at 23:39

SDK^ said:
Ideally your friend needs to up his budget another £100 before he has enough for a decent low end bike.

Completely agree.

A new bike for £170 is likely to be heavy, consist of poor quality components and give your friend no end of future problems. You can pick up a bargain second hand, however if your friend doesn't know what to look out for he can also get stung. Ask your friend if he wants to buy a bike for £170 that he'll soon regret or up his budget and buy something he will enjoy riding. Has he also budgeted for accessories such as helmet, lights, pump, punture repair kit etc? I know you've emphasised £170 maximum and I don't want to come across as a snob but you'll be doing your friend a favour by telling him to reconsider.

Raikiri · 7 Aug 2011 at 00:01

SDK^ said:
That budget is seriously low !!

Your only option for a bike that will be enjoyable to ride off road is to go 2nd hand.
If you have to buy new then look for something with no suspension and standard cable brakes. Like this : http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/trail-xr-2011-mountain-bike-ec026068

Ideally your friend needs to up his budget another £100 before he has enough for a decent low end bike.

Well you can get the 5.2 for £199, it reviewed pretty well:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-decathlon-rockrider-52-8964/

buchtis · 7 Aug 2011 at 00:17

Forgot to mention that he isn't/won't be a bike nut like some of you guys. He just needs it to potter about to work and back which is a combined mileage of about 8 or so miles. That and the occasional riding around so he's after a mountain bike.

Is this any good?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-1-c1-2011-172068512/