Mountain bike - help

[Lankstarr]

Hi guys,

I confess to knowing very little about mountain bikes so could do with a hand in choosing between some.

I want the bike for biking around local forests and countryside; some bumps and quite a bit of mud this time of year. I've read that a hardtail is the way forward unless you're spending big bucks so I have selected a few below. My criteria are that it has good front suspension, at least a 20" frame (I'm 6"6') and will be a good bike... the best I can get for the money.

I've been searching on ebay but some of teh deals below are nearly as cheap as the bikes go for on ebay so I'd rather get a new one.

I'd prefer to spend around £300 but some are a bit more and I've got no idea what extra I'd be getting for my money... any help with this would be appreciated!

Cheap and looks like a really great deal:
http://www.ashcycles.com/power/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1060

Cheap but no Rock Shox:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b38s2p1887

mmmmmm exposed aluminium:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b38s2p1886

getting more expensive...
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b38s2p1885

Top top end of budget... but are they worth it for a novice?

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b7s1p553

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/20423/Kona_Four_Deluxe_Nissan_Limited_Edition_Bike_2008_

Here are a few on ebay that I'm watching... but after seeing the prices above for new bikes are they really such a good deal (obviously depends what they go for... if you think there's a really good bike below then what would you pay for it!?)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=200287022467

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=170287844289

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=300280033129

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160305078440

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=180313893754

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I want to get something asap.

Thanks,

Luke

[BabyG]

If you don't mind too much about the brand the Boardman Comp you can only get through Halfords is a fantastically specced bike, rides well and you can probably get it tax free through a cycle to work scheme. I'm your size and no problems with it.

As with anything, if you're happy to go 2nd hand you'll get a lot more for your money - as long as the fork's been looked after go for something with good hydraulic disc brakes and light wheels and you'll be laughing.

[Kevin]

I bought a Felt bike earlier this year for 300, but it looks like you have found some better bikes at the same price. I guess now is the time of year to be buying cycles.

Papa James is the guy to ask about bikes.

I rode mine up a 1700m high hill this summer. Will you be doing the same?:)

[simonprelude]

Not sure what specialized are upto these days but I would recommend one going by previous bikes.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/home.jsp?a=b&minisite=10028&language=US

[Lankstarr]

I rode mine up a 1700m high hill this summer. Will you be doing the same?:)

I'm planning on mountain biking; not hill climbing:laugh:

I considered the Halfrauds stuff as some are excellent value - £80 for a full suspension bike with reserve and collect:eek: although they're a good deal the general consensus that I've read is that they're not worth the inflated sticker prices (but still a good deal at the reduced prices) and have inferior components (what do you expect!). That said they are dirt cheap and would be a good buy to see if I'm actually going to use it:laugh:

Here's a link to what they're saying about the Halfords one:
http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/295444/trax-outrage-18-5-mens-full-suspens/

It does seem great value... are the ones I've posted above really worth the extra!? You get what you pay for most of the time but when something's sooo cheap like the Halfords one maybe it should be snapped up!

I've pm'd James as I know he's the expert!

Thanks,

Luke

[Lankstarr]

Not sure what specialized are upto these days but I would recommend one going by previous bikes.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/home.jsp?a=b&minisite=10028&language=US

I've heard good things about them but as I'm not brand fussy I'm looking for a good deal. Specialized don;t seem to reduce their bikes much and some of the ones above with 30-40% off must be much better bikes for the same money that I'd spend on a RRP Specialized!

Thanks,

Luke

[Kevin]

I'm planning on mountain biking; not hill climbing:laugh:

I only said 'hill' cos round these parts 1700m is a small bump in the ground.:laugh:

[simonprelude]

I've heard good things about them but as I'm not brand fussy I'm looking for a good deal. Specialized don;t seem to reduce their bikes much and some of the ones above with 30-40% off must be much better bikes for the same money that I'd spend on a RRP Specialized!


I received over 30% off mine in 2006 when I got it, only thing is it's hardly ever been out since :(

[Lankstarr]

I only said 'hill' cos round these parts 1700m is a small bump in the ground.:laugh:

Look at that scenery... I would have thought your trip to Basingstoke would have convinced you that Hampshire is a much nicer place to live;)

I hope you have snow chains for your bike for some serious downhill action on the slopes!

[BabyG]

I'm planning on mountain biking; not hill climbing:laugh:

I considered the Halfrauds stuff as some are excellent value - £80 for a full suspension bike with reserve and collect:eek: although they're a good deal the general consensus that I've read is that they're not worth the inflated sticker prices (but still a good deal at the reduced prices) and have inferior components (what do you expect!). That said they are dirt cheap and would be a good buy to see if I'm actually going to use it:laugh:

Here's a link to what they're saying about the Halfords one:
http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/295444/trax-outrage-18-5-mens-full-suspens/

It does seem great value... are the ones I've posted above really worth the extra!? You get what you pay for most of the time but when something's sooo cheap like the Halfords one maybe it should be snapped up!

I've pm'd James as I know he's the expert!

Thanks,

Luke

The majority of Halfords stuff is built to a price, and probably not up to what you're looking for. The Boardman stuff is sourced and specced differently and has a pretty good rep for performance and a great spec for the cash.

[sassthathoopie]

I've been around bikes most of my life (and used to work in a bike shop). Haven't done much recently though. I'd suggest not spending less than £300 on a new bike.

If you want to ride it off road (and particularly if you're a big guy) the cheaper bikes won't be able to handle much use/abuse.

Failiure of cheap components either:
ruins your day, you possibly need to make a long walk
causes painful skin/metal/ground interface

Diamond Back and Giant have always offered great value and decent performance at most price points. Buying Specialized, Kona or Trek is always a safe bet even if it costs you 50 quid more for similar components.

My advice is to have a good chat with knowledgeable staff at a few local bike shops, ideally not at lunch time or on a saturday (ie when they have time to chat).