Bike suggestions.

xen_ · 2 Apr 2009 at 21:34

Hi, I need of a new bike. No real specific requirements but do need it to be a mountain bike <£200 if possible. I don't really know where is good to be looking for bikes so even just suggesting some websites and pointing in the right direction for brands would be appreciated.

Also a quick question, I've seen "hybrid" bikes on some sites, anyone had any experience with these and are they worth purchasing over standard mountain bikes, typical biking won't be all on road, nor will it be particularly rough going either. Road biking isn't really a priority as bike would only be used for relatively low distances, but how different would say a hybrid bike to a normal mountain bike with some slicker tyres for road riding?

Thanks in advance.

Jadds · 2 Apr 2009 at 21:52

Hi there. At that price I'd suggest a hardtail (no rear suspension). I'd probably look at Halfords, or see what your local bike shops have for that price. As for hybrids, I've had no experience with them. If you're just cycling bridleways/cyclepaths or similar, I suppose they'd be fine.
See here for some suggestions http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12590132

weescott · 2 Apr 2009 at 22:22

3 words of advice:

Up your budget

Anything at that price will fall apart, be heavy, put you off biking, kill you.

xen_ · 2 Apr 2009 at 22:29

Thanks for advice so far, weescott what sort of price do you reckon the decent stuff starts?

weescott · 2 Apr 2009 at 22:36

c£350 new. Less second hand if the bike is in pristine condition. Go to your local bike shop for advice. Brands to look out for are Trek, Specialized, Kona, Iron Horse, GT...plus loads more.

Jadds · 2 Apr 2009 at 22:36

I agree with weescott, if you can you would be better to increase your budget to at least £300-350.

xen_ · 2 Apr 2009 at 23:02

Hmm there does appear to be much more available at this budget, <£200 was very limiting.

xen_ · 4 Apr 2009 at 18:02

Seen a Pinnacle I may be interested in, what is the general reputation for this brand? In comparison to the brands suggested above like GT.

6thElement · 4 Apr 2009 at 18:10

weescott said:
c£350 new. Less second hand if the bike is in pristine condition. Go to your local bike shop for advice. Brands to look out for are Trek, Specialized, Kona, Iron Horse, GT...plus loads more.

Avoid anything Iron Horse, they've gone bust big time. Certainly wouldn't want to have one of their full sussers and need new parts anytime soon.

Jadds · 4 Apr 2009 at 21:55

xen_ said:
Seen a Pinnacle I may be interested in, what is the general reputation for this brand? In comparison to the brands suggested above like GT.

They usually get pretty good reviews. What model were you looking at?

Oh, and whatever you do choose, make sure you can try it out before you buy it!

xen_ · 4 Apr 2009 at 22:24

Pinnacle Peak 2.0. Seen a place where I can get an 08 model a lot cheaper than this years one. Look like a decent bike? I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to spec for bikes but I have had a look at one in a shop and I like what I saw. Will hopefully ride it before buying

.

Jadds · 4 Apr 2009 at 22:49

xen_ said:
Pinnacle Peak 2.0. Seen a place where I can get an 08 model a lot cheaper than this years one. Look like a decent bike? I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to spec for bikes but I have had a look at one in a shop and I like what I saw. Will hopefully ride it before buying .

That doesn't actually look bad at all for the price. What will you be using the bike for? You can get silly money off the 08 models now, I only suggest trying it out because the shop will probably only have that one size.

xen_ · 4 Apr 2009 at 23:15

Yeah I sat on one, but I'll make sure it's my size by giving it a proper go before buying. I'll be using it for a bit of everything really, I'll use it on the roads even though a mtb isn't ideal it isn't really for commuting or really long distance so it will be fine for that, also off road a bit but not to the level that some people on this board do. I mainly needed a new one because my old one was falling to pieces, was a bit rubbish and finally broke this week. Hopefully this new one should last a while.

Conan D Barber · 6 Apr 2009 at 12:19

Prob best to save a few more pennies and get a bike for 250 +.
I used 2 spend 1 or 2 bill on a bike every yr o so until I bought my Trek 4700, had it for 7 yrs now. [Dont mixx Trek up with HAlfords ripp Trak bike!]
Stay away from Halfords they know JAck about bikes, bunch of monkies put my kids bike together without attaching the front brakes properly.

xen_ · 7 Apr 2009 at 19:54

Thanks for the advice everyone, I got the bike posted above. Very happy with it so far.