Mountain Biking

Harl0

Harl0

Harl0

Associate
Joined
23 Oct 2012
Posts
208
Hi All

Looking for some advice on my first mountain bike purchase:

I live in Shropshire and my local trails are Cannock Chase and more downhill like the coed-y-brenin, Welsh bike parks etc

I’m 6ft2 so probably looking at the 20" frames and have a budget of around £750 initially.

So I was looking at hardtails. Some of my mates run full suspension, other hardtails which I understand is better for beginners.

Two bikes I’ve narrowed down to are:
https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs...goryId=165499&productId=1378487&storeId=10001

OR

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15903687/calibre-bossnut-evo-mountain-bike-15903687

Does anyone have any recommendations?
 

rhysduck

rhysduck

rhysduck

Soldato
Joined
25 Oct 2009
Posts
6,672
Location
Caerphilly
The Voodoo is a good bike and a great starter hardtail. I've ridden the 27.5" version and that was a blast.

I'd seriously recommend looking 2nd hand too, you can pick up some bargains these days as the 2nd Hand market is full of bikes. Check Pinkbike, Facebook, Ebay, Local MTB facebook groups too.
 

Begbie

Begbie

Begbie

Caporegime
Joined
20 Oct 2004
Posts
26,508
Location
....
Harl0 said:
Hi All

Looking for some advice on my first mountain bike purchase:

I live in Shropshire and my local trails are Cannock Chase and more downhill like the coed-y-brenin, Welsh bike parks etc

I’m 6ft2 so probably looking at the 20" frames and have a budget of around £750 initially.

So I was looking at hardtails. Some of my mates run full suspension, other hardtails which I understand is better for beginners.

Two bikes I’ve narrowed down to are:
https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs...goryId=165499&productId=1378487&storeId=10001

OR

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15903687/calibre-bossnut-evo-mountain-bike-15903687

Does anyone have any recommendations?
Click to expand...

Get the bossnut, but modern bike sizes are generally fitted by the reach (or first of). But your not doing any better for £900!
 

Harl0

Harl0

Harl0

Associate
Joined
23 Oct 2012
Posts
208
Cheers guys - I have debated 2nd hand bikes. But it's a minefield for me at the moment! My tactic has been to look at current reviews and see what's good within a reasonable budget.

The hardtail was my initial choice, but after reviewing my local trails feel I would be upgrading to a full sus very soon after anyways.

Then I spotted the Bossnut which looks like a great bike at a great price!
 

Begbie

Begbie

Begbie

Caporegime
Joined
20 Oct 2004
Posts
26,508
Location
....
Harl0 said:
Cheers guys - I have debated 2nd hand bikes. But it's a minefield for me at the moment! My tactic has been to look at current reviews and see what's good within a reasonable budget.

The hardtail was my initial choice, but after reviewing my local trails feel I would be upgrading to a full sus very soon after anyways.

Then I spotted the Bossnut which looks like a great bike at a great price!
Click to expand...

In fairness I would ride most things around here on my hardtail (cannocks also my local). But I still think I'd go for the calibre on that budget.
 

Harl0

Harl0

Harl0

Associate
Joined
23 Oct 2012
Posts
208
Begbie said:
In fairness I would ride most things around here on my hardtail (cannocks also my local). But I still think I'd go for the calibre on that budget.
Click to expand...

That's the thing I guess, the budget stretches to a decent full susser so might as well!

Do you have any recommendations for kit to start with? i.e. tools?
 

Begbie

Begbie

Begbie

Caporegime
Joined
20 Oct 2004
Posts
26,508
Location
....
Harl0 said:
That's the thing I guess, the budget stretches to a decent full susser so might as well!

Do you have any recommendations for kit to start with? i.e. tools?
Click to expand...

Tools, just buy as required but a good Allen key set is very handy. Good multi tool, pump (incl track) spare tubes helmet and knee pads are all worth investing in of course
 

bloodiedathame

bloodiedathame

bloodiedathame

Soldato
Joined
11 May 2007
Posts
8,919
Location
Surrey
Multi tool for out and about, with a chain breaker! Spare quick links, spare brake pads, tubes, hand pump, and track pump for home. I got a decent Halfords bike tool kit which has chain whips and stuff, it's been essential for my maintenance. Also get yourself a park tool chain cleaner, love those things.
 

Junglist

Junglist

Junglist

Soldato
Joined
11 Jun 2015
Posts
11,201
Location
Bristol

I've never had any interest in mountain biking but after watching this video I'd love to try a much, much, much tamer version of it. Looks like it would get the juices flowing
 

Begbie

Begbie

Begbie

Caporegime
Joined
20 Oct 2004
Posts
26,508
Location
....
Harl0 said:
Ah yes just seen the new model. Do you think it’s worth the extra £££ and does this push my budgets into a better bike from another brand?

I still think the Evo is great value at £899.

Going to have a look at the two today.
Click to expand...

The biggest change is the geo of the two, that you would notice really. Being new to the sport, you probably wouldn't notice anyway.

Even at £1100 you'd be hard pushed to get such a nice fs at such a low price. I'd be looking at hardtails, possibly 2nd hand at that kind of money. It's very good for the £££, both versions.
 

Begbie

Begbie

Begbie

Caporegime
Joined
20 Oct 2004
Posts
26,508
Location
....
Harl0 said:
Picked up the Bossnut-3 today :D

Recommend any beginner trails around the Shropshire area?
Click to expand...



Yep Cannock Chase. It's very tame.But as a beginner, it's really good.

Don't be scared of Stile Cop either, the red trail on the left after the walk to the top is actually quite tame and also the one on the right. But normally less traffic on the left one as the right splits into some harder stuff.

There is loads of trails in Shropshire though, most not really advertised. But Cannock is the most tame, easiest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom