New Bike, what and how much should i spent?

Caporegime
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Thinking about getting a bike, get some exercise and a mean of travel for the summer. I know i shouldn't get a bike from Halfords but realistically how much do i need to spent without breaking the bank and killing myself?

I've been looking at this site for last year's models as they seem to be best value for money.

http://www.evanscycles.com/dept.jsp?dept_id=1001&subdept_id=1204

Basically i want a bike that handles well on roads, and the odd time when its on some dirt. It won't be jumping off rocks and into the forrest for fancy tricks and stuff. What do i need? Budget is £250 max really (is it enough?). And do i need disc breaks? and what about those funky suspensions? and how do i know what size frames i need? I am not particularly tall, 5'8.
 
In your price range I probably wouldn't bother with disc brakes, a decent set of discs costs £100+ on their own and dual suspension in your price range is also a no-go in my view. Probably the best thing you can do is go to your local bike shop and ask for a few test rides, the bike has to feel comfortable to you for it to be worthwhile.
 
I've got a Kona myself so that is probably what I'd suggest going for but it all hinges on how well it fits you. I do think that full suspension below £500 tends not to be worthwhile as there are too many other compromises made even if the suspension itself isn't too bad. Maybe wait for more advice though because I haven't seriously been looking at bikes for a couple of years now :)
 
Syk3 said:
in that price range, £299.99 a Specialized HardRock Sport is a great idea :).

Id go for the Hardrock, think it got voted best entry lvl bike for the price in some magazine.
 
Mulder said:
For that price you will not find a better bike, period. I've worked in a bike shop for 3 years and nothing comes close.

meh, they don't have a 17" frame !

What else do you suggest, you seem to know :) £400 is a bit much really but if its really worth it over a £300 one then i would go for it. I mean i spent £550 on glasses last month !

how about these Giant bikes ?

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s2p0

I think this Terrago FS1 seems a good value, i don't know how it compare to the other giant thou. I don't even know what the spec mean !

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s2p35
 
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It's all about diminishing returns really, lets say x is an index of quality:

a £100 bike is x
a £200 bike is 2x
a £300 bike is 2.5x
a £400 bike is 3x
Yet a £1000 bike is probably only 4x

I'd recommend streching to around £400 if you could, it's where you get the most "bang for your buck", and getting something like the Giant XTC SE, i'm sure there is a 17" somewhere.

The terrago 1 is a pretty decent deal, and getting Giant's MPH hydro discs on it is a real bonus. For that money you can't do any better.

Edit - This place has a 17" XTC1 for £450, maybe you could phone them and try a price match. http://www.bonthronebikes.co.uk/15-22674
 
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I've been looking at spending about 200 quid myself on a bike, possibly stretch to 250.

Can anyone explain the difference between a specialized hardrock and a hardrock sport? They both fit within my price range and look smart bikes.

Or any others that are better for the money?

Thanks in advance guys
 
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