Buying a bike but which one?

infernox · 18 Apr 2013 at 17:23

Looking to get a bike to keep fit and hopefully at somepoint be fit enough to ride to work without dying, but I also want to go out with friends sometimes on a ride through forests and all that jazz.

Been looking at this one. Which is already my limit on budget.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products...disc-2013-mountain-bike-ec040961#BVRRWidgetID

My question is, is there anything better than this at that pricepoint. I have been looking but you guys might be better than me.

[DOD]Asprilla · 18 Apr 2013 at 17:29

What's your route to work like and how often, realistically, are you going to go off road?

A[L]C · 18 Apr 2013 at 17:36

If you're not a brand snob, this has quality components http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-81-2012-mountain-bike-grey-id_8168918.html

or the canyon yellowstone http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3001
better off in the sports arena forum though

apeksdiver · 18 Apr 2013 at 17:55

Nice choice I have had a Specialized for years and has been great. I would be tempted by some of the carrera ones Halfords sell too.
Do you have a cycle to work scheme? If so you will save a lot of money doing it that way.

Nix · 18 Apr 2013 at 17:58

Good old Rockriders

Nick1881 · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:05

If you plan on riding it on the road I wouldn't bother with suspension, it will take energy out of your pedalling and will also add weight.

Look at hybrid bikes, something with slightly bigger tyres if you don't want to go too extreme.

Kosmiche · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:07

I got a Trek hybrid bike last year, I don't know much about bikes so all I've got to say is nothing has gone wrong with it.

A[L]C · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:09

Nick1881 said:
If you plan on riding it on the road I wouldn't bother with suspension, it will take energy out of your pedalling and will also add weight.

or make sure you get a bike with remote lock out

infernox · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:16

I mean like cycle paths and stuff.

I'm 20 I want to go jumping and stuff, I don't really want a dedicated road bike

l33th3tr33 · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:23

infernox said:
I mean like cycle paths and stuff.

I'm 20 I want to go jumping and stuff, I don't really want a dedicated road bike

Jumping what? Curbs or proper dirt jumps? That will change the bike you need.

infernox · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:26

it will eventually be dirt jumps, which is why I linked the specalised one. its that sort of bike I want.

That Canyon one looks good spec wise, but over budget and imo yellow and black really?

DrunkRufie · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:27

Can't fault Specialized, something like a Rockrider 5.3 or 6.3 (full suspension) are other possible options within your price range

l33th3tr33 · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:30

infernox said:
it will eventually be dirt jumps, which is why I linked the specalised one. its that sort of bike I want.

That Canyon one looks good spec wise, but over budget and imo yellow and black really?

You're going to kill yourself jumping that then.

DMR Drone. /thread.

Brilliant bike for the money, and it's sexy as hell. Set the v-brakes up properly, and I do mean properly..... And you'll have an awesome setup.
Plus if the need arises, you can chuck some dj3's on it for next to nowt.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=48600

gettothechopper · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:31

infernox said:
it will eventually be dirt jumps, which is why I linked the specalised one. its that sort of bike I want.

That Canyon one looks good spec wise, but over budget and imo yellow and black really?

I would not go anywhere near a dirt jump on that specialized - its an xc bike

A bike thats good to riding to work on and a bike for jumps / trails are pretty much polar opposites

"jumps" has a wide meaning too, do you mean trail centre forest trails with the odd little jump in (like 1 foot high takeoffs) or proper jumps (5ft takeoffs with 20+ ft gaps)

the bike the guy above linked to is for the latter
the former id suggest the voodoo hoodoo - its the best value for money £500 mtb at the moment

Tefal · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:33

get one with an engine

Conscript · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:34

I recently bought a Btwin Triban 3 from Decathlon, £300 - apparently the best VFM at that price point. Came recommended by a friend and he should know, he works for Cycling Weekly

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/tech/bikes/129441/2/bike-test-do-you-get-what-you-pay-for.html

So far, very happy with it. Comfortable, fast, decent gearset and more than suitable for an amateur cyclist like me. An excellent starting point. I'm not using it for commuting but leisure rides at the weekend with friends - aim to get my fitness back on track, lose some weight and hopefully take part in the London to Brighton in June.

Edit: just realised you're after something for off road too, ignore me - the Triban 3 is a roadbike. :/

l33th3tr33 · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:36

Actually where are you located? I'll have a quick browse on pinkbike, that is if you don't mind second hand. You will get a lot more for your money with a used bike though, so think about that.

Westie · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:40

Get a cube if u got the money

awesome bikes!

MonsterMoshi · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:44

Dont think you can go wrong with a specialized
I have had a Scaracen Mantra X-27 for around 2 years and can not fault it
Was brought end of season though which does make things a bit cheaper
Maybe try and buy 2012 models if they are still around as they will be cheaper still
Things don't tend to change much year on year with bikes

remy87 · 18 Apr 2013 at 18:49

For £500 i would probably get a dedicated singlespeed road bike £250 and £250 singlespeed hardtail for occasional trail riding such as the vitus vee 1. Lol, less stuff to go wrong and the road bike will be more efficient than any mtb on the road. I assume you going to be on the road most of the time?