help needed buying a new mountain bike

[richatnort]

Hi all,

First post in this section. I've come to start using my mountain bike again and I knew it needed some stuff doing to it so took it in for a service and was told it would cost £200 to get it working which I thought would be the case. I've decided to get rid and sell it for cheap on Gumtree.

There for I need to look for a new bike. I've no idea what to get though. Im looking to spend around £400 and want front suspension only.

The only one I've seen that looks OK is below! Can anyone else suggest any others?
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/kona-lanai-mountain...

[dome]

What kind of bike do you have at the minute? Would £200 spent getting it right make it better than a new £400 one?

[richatnort]

Its a specialized hard rock however it's a good 10 years old now so quite heavy. There's a lot going wrong such as rear brake is bent and the old, the entire drive train is work and needs replacing.

I'm just thinking I'll be spending £200 on a old bike and for an extra 100 to 200 quid I can get a new one.

[dome]

Fair enough, sounds like it's new bike time! Loads around for that price, have a look around your local shops and see what takes your fancy.

[richatnort]

Any recommendations on brand? Been looking at claud butler, kone, or another specialized.

[yellowjack]

GT bikes are worth a look. I've had a couple (less than £400, too) that have been comfortable and 'done the job'.

I'm currently on a 2008 Avalanche 3.0, but if you go up to a 2.0 or a 1.0, you'll get better kit slung on the same frame...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b1s2p0/Mountain-Bik...

[With these feet]

Tricky price range - entry level bikes that will be pretty low spec, the Kona you looked at has basic forks and cable operated brakes.
Pauls cycles have some stonking deals on, though Google Shopping is your friend dont bother with 2014 bikes as 2015's will be out soon - the bargains are with last years models.

How much are you going to use it? If youre going to use it a couple of times then stick to your budget. Otherwise if youre going to be out on it regularly then it might be worth upping the budget a bit.

[richardxjr]

Calibre Two Two

What?

This: http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-alloy-...

[R1gtr]

Definitely have a look at Pauls Cycles, they have great deals on 2013 bikes, a brief look showed a couple of Scott and Giant bikes down from 800+ to 500, lovely bikes too.

[R1gtr]

Definitely have a look at Pauls Cycles, they have great deals on 2013 bikes, a brief look showed a couple of Scott and Giant bikes down from 800+ to 500, lovely bikes too.

[richatnort]

OK so i've narrowed it down to two.

Anyone got any thoughts on them?

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/cube-aim-disc-26-mo...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p4689/CUBE-AIM-...

[Jezzerh]

Giant tend to be good value, see what they offer for your money before deciding.

[Theoldfm]

richatnort said:

OK so i've narrowed it down to two.

Anyone got any thoughts on them?

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/cube-aim-disc-26-mo...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p4689/CUBE-AIM-...

Neither of those.

As noted above, you are much better getting a previous years model with better components such as this one:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3693/CANNONDAL...

There is no comparison to be honest.

[Theoldfm]

richatnort said:

OK so i've narrowed it down to two.

Anyone got any thoughts on them?

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/cube-aim-disc-26-mo...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p4689/CUBE-AIM-...

Neither of those.

As noted above, you are much better getting a previous years model with better components such as this one:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3693/CANNONDAL...

There is no comparison to be honest.

[richatnort]

Theoldfm said:

Neither of those.

As noted above, you are much better getting a previous years model with better components such as this one:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3693/CANNONDAL...

There is no comparison to be honest.

I understand that but when ever i've looked at previous models they don't have the correct frame size for me.

[With these feet]

Also what are you primarily using it for? Pauls also have a few 29ers withing your price range, Ive not ridden my FS 26 since buying one. If youre riding trails, bridle paths etc with no big drops then its worth looking at them as well.

As Theoldfm said, neither of those - Ive always bought last years outgoing model, saved over £500 on both my bikes by doing this and year on year the changes are usually minute. Buying a current bike in that price range means a lower spec. Ive looked at Giant but never clicked, my current bikes are Cannondale and Specialized and had little or no problems with them.

[richatnort]

With these feet said:

Also what are you primarily using it for? Pauls also have a few 29ers withing your price range, Ive not ridden my FS 26 since buying one. If youre riding trails, bridle paths etc with no big drops then its worth looking at them as well.

As Theoldfm said, neither of those - Ive always bought last years outgoing model, saved over £500 on both my bikes by doing this and year on year the changes are usually minute. Buying a current bike in that price range means a lower spec. Ive looked at Giant but never clicked, my current bikes are Cannondale and Specialized and had little or no problems with them.

At the moment it would be primarily for cross country but do want to do some downhill at Dalby Forest, Glentress, Coed y Brenin, etc. I had a Claud Butler capewrath before and it did OK at doing all that.

I looked at the 29ers as i feel this would be better but they don't have my size frame (i'm a 20/21")

[Digga]

At that price range, I'd personally look secondhand. There can be a vast different in the weight/quality of the frames between £400 bikes and ones north of £800, the latter of which would be in your grasp secondhand.