Mountain Bikes!

Matt

Matt

Matt

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
5,661
Location
Ledbury
After looking at the bike pics thread i'm getting 'tempted' into getting a bike. Basically i need a new hobby, and like most people, i could do with getting vaguly fit :D What kind of expenses would i be looking at (so i can see if it's worth going for)? bike + helmet, anything else? I'd need to take it about in the car too, so might need a rack, as i'm not sure my car would appreciate all the dirt :(

Oh, and what would be a good bike to go for (~£500), i'm assuming a hardtail would be best. I don't know where i'd ride though (you can see i've thought this through), and unfortunatly all of my friends are like i am at the moment (ie. not at all into sports), so i'd be on my own!
 
For £500 get a hardtail yes. Leave full suspension alone!

Well now choosing your bike depends on your chosen type of riding. A XC (cross country) Bike, Road Bike, Jump Bike, all rounder? So think about the ride of riding you want to do.

Bike rack wise..., I have one that clamps onto the boot on my Fiesta. Seems to do well enough and leaves my car free from muck. Helmet wise is noramally a good idea. try to get one that feels light as it'll be on your head all the time but also with some good ventilation. So holes!
 
How would looking at mountain bikes tempt you into getting a road bike? :p. Go for a Commencal Combi Disk or a Claud Butler Cape Wrath. Both are good bikes for the price tbh.
 
I'd probably want an XC bike, but able to go on the roads a bit, and i'd break all my bones trying to jump, so i don't really need that :p

My budget is a guide by the way. I could be tempted to spend a little more if it would benifit me :)
 
Rednut05 said:
For £500 get a hardtail yes. Leave full suspension alone!

Bike rack wise..., I have one that clamps onto the boot on my Fiesta. Seems to do well enough and leaves my car free from muck.
Click to expand...

absolutely hardtail for that kinda cash, i was in exactly the same situation in january 2004, after a visit to my local Ssockwave i ended up riding away on a Kona Blast.

can you elaborate a little more on the bike rack please, maybe some links of picks Rednut05 cheers.

helmet wise i would highly recoment anything by MET, they seem really great quality helmets IMO

If you ask me, this is the bike i would recomend for you......

http://www.konabikes.co.uk/2k6bikes/blast_2k6.php
 
I might go and have a look this week if i get time :)

The Specialized Rockhopper Disc, is one that i've seen online that seems ok. Though i'm going by the pictures, not by specs, as i don't know what to look for :(

Any tips on what i should actually be looking for? :D
 
Get down to you're local bike shop and ask the staff what they recommend. Have a seat on a few bike to see what feels right. Look for a bike with an upright geometry - which is good for beginners.

You can't go wrong with a Rockhopper BTW. :)
 
Matt said:
I might go and have a look this week if i get time :)

The Specialized Rockhopper Disc, is one that i've seen online that seems ok. Though i'm going by the pictures, not by specs, as i don't know what to look for :(

Any tips on what i should actually be looking for? :D
Click to expand...
I checked out the Rockhopper Disc recently as an option for myself and it is good value, and Specialized have been making mountainbikes since the year dot and know what they're doing. It's a well spec'd bike for the money too, although the v-brake version is £550 if your budget is tight.

Check out the Marin Palisades Trail too at this price, and as Phnom_Penh says the Commencal Combi is also good value.
 
Ok, current list is looking something like this:

Specialized Rockhopper Disc
Marin Palisades Trail
Kona Cinder Cone

I'll try to go and have a look this week :) Are there any others i should consider? and what should i actually look for (components wise)?

Just been have a quick browse at options for transporting the bike :eek: I have a Seat Leon, so rear mounted racks don't seem to be a good idea, but roof mounts are ~£200! This is getting more expensive than i originally thought :(

[edit] thinking about it... throwing the bike in the car with a few sheets seems a better idea, heh.
 
Last edited:
The three you've short listed are all very capable bikes and good value for money. There's not a lot between them so I'd suggest getting a test ride on all of them if possible, you should be able to decide from there.

As for transporting, don't forget these bikes will have quick release wheels so with a quick folding of the back seats (perhaps not even that) you'll be able to get it in the back of your car. Failing that though, rear mounted racks are fine as long as you fit them properly (not exactly brain surgery).
 
Big Chris said:
Failing that though, rear mounted racks are fine as long as you fit them properly (not exactly brain surgery).
Click to expand...

Can't really do that as they generally hang from the top of the boot don't they? and the Leon has a spoiler there.
 
You definitely want to go down to a decent bike shop where you will be able to try out a different range of manufacturers and check which geometry suits you best.
I recommend Kona. They are bombproof, have a fairly wide stance, and the geometry is not too agressive. My hardtail is a Hoss Dee-Lux and it has lasted me really well.
 
I remember when I was looking to get a bike, i fell in love with the Specialized Hardrock and Rockerhopper. Never had the money though - i've got my PC now, so next I want a bike :P
 
As for a helmet, I'd not pay any attention to the brand. Get that one fits, not one you like the colour of! I've got a big noggin, and certain brands fit certain shapes of head better than others.

I've got an Ibiza Matt. With the back seats down, I could fit my Rockhopper in the boot (wrapped in a big old blanket). It does the job but is a bit of a faff at times. Now I'm riding lots, I've invested in a tow bar and bike rack - total cost was around £250 hence putting the bike in the boot until I'm sure I was going to keep riding and make it worth spending the money.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom