Buying advice

[nickcowen]

I am looking to get myself a new bike as I pulled mine out of the garage the other day and it feels tiny as i'v not rode it since I was about 16 and feels as if its going to fall apart. I have a budget of about £400 but could stretch to £500.
I like the look of this as it is a brand that I have herd people praise before.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...
I would be using it on and off road. Is there anything better for the money or something else to consider?

[Allblackdup]

Nope that is pretty bang on. I'm about to sell the Pro version of that bike (as I've no more room for it) that I bought in 2010 and its a brilliant all rounder. You can take it off road and if you find yourself doing lots more on the roads, get a set of continental road tyres for it and away you go.

[sloopeh]

there are loads of bikes in that bracket which i would chose over the spesh if you can stretch it a little bit more here are just two

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b... if you dont mind an older model (way better spec than the evans job)

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-81-2012-mount...

plenty more i would imagine if you look around but those two are great bikes for the money

As you are going to be using it on and off road I would say as a must, get front forks with lockout ability which the specialised does not have. the two i posted do.

Even the more budget 5.3 has lockout http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-53-mountain-b... and is a great bike for the money if you can bear the badge

[ED209]

I love how his max is 500, so someone recommends bikes at 550 !

[bingybongy]

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/best-mou...

[Eski1991]

I would be looking second hand in that budget, new bikes under £500 will not have a great spec. For instance I paid £500 plus £30 postage for my Saracen Ariel, couple of years old, great condition and new price of over a grand. You haven't really mentioned what sort of riding you're planning on doing but I'm guessing light XC use from the bike you're looking at - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DMR-Trailstar-Lt-/151077... that would fit your remit nicely and be better specced than a new £500 bike.

[nickcowen]

Thankyou for your advice. I think I might look into used bikes to get the most for my money.
What are your opinions on 26 v 29 inch wheeled bikes?