I want a bike!

[bordercontrol]

Evening chaps.

I have come to the conclusion that I want to buy a mountain bike. I have got some nice trails nearby and would like to get out and use them. Have never had a decent bike so don't even know where to start looking. But want to land the best one i can afford.

Going to start with a budget of about £400 and see if there is anything about for that. Not fussed if i have to look at second hand as long as it is in good nick and is useable.

So what does everyone suggest or at least where should i be looking?

Thanks.

[Stugots]

Ian this may look like a blatant plug for my bike (coz it is)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3215064.htm

An excellent intro into mtb'ing as its got a good spec and new rockshox forks up front. Its relatively light and a good climber, as well as quick and huge fun on the downward stuff.

OR have a gander at the Carrera bikes at Halfrauds, although the spec is lower in this price bracket and these components dont last/perform as well.

HTH

[Animal101]

Specialized Hardrock, I bought one earlier in the year. Great fun blasting around trail centers. It's a good time to buy a 2011 model and get a bargin too.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha... hardrock

[Engineer1]

Any cycle hire shops local to you they, they may have this years (2011) ex hire cycles up for sale so your £400 bike may well cost you £200 and it will have been well serviced and maintained, it's just likely to be a little scratched and scraped.

[shalmaneser]

My choice at that money would be a Genesis Core, but you'll have to bargain hard!!!