Spec me a Mountain Bike

Antony101 · 5 Jun 2013 at 13:21

I need to start exercising more due to bad joints and have trouble walking, I use to ride my bike most places and cycle a few hours a day to keep myself healthy.

I have however not had a bike in a while as the last one I bought from Halfords broke very quickly. I don't have a large amount of money to spend and understand bikes can get very expensive.

Budget would be around £300-£500 and would need to include every part. I'm not very confident on building it myself and don't have a clue what I am doing so any advise is great.

Has to be a mountain bike.

R-evans · 5 Jun 2013 at 20:53

You're not gunna get a great one for that price.

Why does it have to be mountain?

Great road bike under budget - http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-road-bike-id_8167038.html

Antony101 · 5 Jun 2013 at 20:55

I won't be riding it on the roads is probably the best reason I can think of.

I know I won't get a great one but it's all I can afford.

R-evans · 5 Jun 2013 at 21:01

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-hardrock-sport-disc-29er-13

I'd personally go second hand. I built mine for £500 with no experience and have the spec of a bike over twice the price.

snapdragon · 5 Jun 2013 at 21:04

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3694/CANNONDALE-TRAIL-SL-3-2011

Begbie · 5 Jun 2013 at 21:06

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-81-2012-mountain-bike-grey-id_8168918.html

R-evans · 5 Jun 2013 at 21:08

Yea, get the Specialized

I'd look for a second hand Rockhopper.

R-evans · 5 Jun 2013 at 21:09

Begbie said:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-81-2012-mountain-bike-grey-id_8168918.html

That looks quite cool actually.

snapdragon · 5 Jun 2013 at 21:24

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENESIS-CORE-20-2011-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-NEVER-USED-/230992667985?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item35c83c6551

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Merlin-Mountain-Bike-Good-Spec-Build-17-5-Frame-/221228890754?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item338244fa82

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/voodoo-wanga-steel-mountain-bike-XT-Used-Once-Not-Ragley-On-One-Specialized-/171049621450?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27d35a17ca

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Boardman-Comp-Mountain-Bike-2012-Large-/271217268168?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3f25cf15c8

Antony101 · 5 Jun 2013 at 21:47

Some nice looking bikes here, thanks.

I'll save up a tad more as I don't quiet have £500 yet.

Is there anything I need to know for taking care of a bike? Do I need to dry it after riding in the rain or?

I kept my old cheap one in a shed when it wasn't being used but still rusted incredibly quick and the breaks just stopped working properly.

R-evans · 6 Jun 2013 at 19:27

If you ride often, no worry about keeping it in a shed.

You will need to look after it though, bikes don't keep themselves

Just ask when buying it.

GJUK · 6 Jun 2013 at 20:12

I have a specialized hardrock disc 2009 model...great bike..

Current 2013 model here...

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/spec...id72376.html?gclid=CNCr1uSQ0LcCFaTItAodWDAAyQ

GJUK

Buchanan0204 · 6 Jun 2013 at 20:19

Bike Radar recommends a few of the Halfords Carreras. I also had a Carerra for many years and was one of my favourite bikes, it was so solid and took a lot of abuse. Was the Banshee.

These can be had well within your budget. Halfords also have a genuine 20% off their bikes at the moment online only.

R-evans · 6 Jun 2013 at 20:23

Halfords always have a 'something%' off.

It is there way of making you think you are getting a good deal for what is usually a terrible bike.

Begbie · 7 Jun 2013 at 00:15

Antony101 said:
Some nice looking bikes here, thanks.

I'll save up a tad more as I don't quiet have £500 yet.

Is there anything I need to know for taking care of a bike? Do I need to dry it after riding in the rain or?

I kept my old cheap one in a shed when it wasn't being used but still rusted incredibly quick and the breaks just stopped working properly.

Make sure you clean the chain, De-reailers, cassettes and lube up everything that is meant to be lubed. Grease everything that is meant to be greased. I normally wash after every ride (most of the time) and re-lube every 3-4 rides though this is probably overkill as the chain always feels nice and sticky.

The chain should be kept clean and dry as much as possible though.

I've just found out so much is wrong with mine and needing replaced, but most of the stuff you can do by yourself. I.E replacing hub bearings, stripping pedals apart and re-greasing etc etc...

Cycrow · 7 Jun 2013 at 15:58

R-evans said:
Halfords always have a 'something%' off.

It is there way of making you think you are getting a good deal for what is usually a terrible bike.

unless you buy the boardmans

Antony101 · 8 Jun 2013 at 16:16

A friend is selling an almost new Specialized Hard Rock 2013 Model for £300, this sound any good if it's the right size?

Anything to look out for?

Buchanan0204 · 9 Jun 2013 at 00:30

Antony101 said:
A friend is selling an almost new Specialized Hard Rock 2013 Model for £300, this sound any good if it's the right size?

Anything to look out for?

If its from a friend and its £300... That's pretty decent.

Just borrow it for half an hour, take it a proper ride and get the feel for it. Try it out and see if you like it. If it performs well, with no clicking or rattles etc I'm sure it'll be absolutely fine. It's a bike remember! Not an old puegeuot.

Begbie · 9 Jun 2013 at 11:14

Antony101 said:
A friend is selling an almost new Specialized Hard Rock 2013 Model for £300, this sound any good if it's the right size?

Anything to look out for?

Sounds like a decent deal, these are normally worth £500~ depending on the model and meant to decent frames.

Antony101 · 9 Jun 2013 at 11:53

I've had a read of a few sites and they seem to agree it's a great bike however the front forks let it down. However they do say the frame is worth keeping so I can change parts whenever I have the spare cash.