Spec me a Mountain Bike

[Antony101]

I need to start exercising more due to bad joints and have trouble walking, I use to ride my bike most places and cycle a few hours a day to keep myself healthy.

I have however not had a bike in a while as the last one I bought from Halfords broke very quickly. I don't have a large amount of money to spend and understand bikes can get very expensive.

Budget would be around £300-£500 and would need to include every part. I'm not very confident on building it myself and don't have a clue what I am doing so any advise is great.

Has to be a mountain bike.

 

[Antony101]

I won't be riding it on the roads is probably the best reason I can think of.

I know I won't get a great one but it's all I can afford.

 

[Antony101]

Some nice looking bikes here, thanks.

I'll save up a tad more as I don't quiet have £500 yet.

Is there anything I need to know for taking care of a bike? Do I need to dry it after riding in the rain or?

I kept my old cheap one in a shed when it wasn't being used but still rusted incredibly quick and the breaks just stopped working properly.

 

[Antony101]

A friend is selling an almost new Specialized Hard Rock 2013 Model for £300, this sound any good if it's the right size?

Anything to look out for?

 

[Antony101]

I've had a read of a few sites and they seem to agree it's a great bike however the front forks let it down. However they do say the frame is worth keeping so I can change parts whenever I have the spare cash.

 

[Antony101]

I'm barely going to be riding it, through the woods would likely be the worst.

I understand at this price range I'm not looking at much.

Anyhow, tried the bike today and other than the brakes squeaking a little it's perfect. I'm taking it into the shop tomorrow for it's free service and will grab some stuff to clean it properly.

What would you guys recommend for cleaning the frame, chain and disk brakes?



The seat is a tad to high, would cutting some of the pipe off cause any damage?