Help to pick first MTB since I was 14.
Discussion
Evening,
First time straying into the cycling sections so be gentle. I'm looking to buy a MTB for less than £500 but haven't got a clue what I'm looking for.
I've got an Enduro bike (engine powered variety) but don't get out enough as I'd like due mainly to not wanting to go out solo, so was thinking of an MTB for a bit of fitness training and generally having time on a bike for balance and practise. The area where we go on our enduro bikes have got lots of trails as well as varying levels of downhill trials/runs. I've also got a couple of mates who go to Bike Park Wales occasionally so I'll be tagging along with them at times.
The things I (think) I want are:
Hardtail, hopefully more bike for the money and won't be doing massive jumps or going at warp speed.
Hydraulic disc brakes, I'm used to decent brakes on my enduro bike and having tried mechanical discs on a cheap MTB I wasn't impressed.
Decent quality, I want something that will last me a while. I (don't think) I'll be getting seriously into it so don't/can't spend more but something that I can look after and will put in good service for a good few years.
Ability to fit a child seat, I know its a bit of a contrast to the other requirements but I can't afford to have 2 bikes and with my son nearly 1 I'm looking forward to going on family bike rides in the future.
To be honest I'd rather new if possible, not just because I don't buy things new usually (I can't afford new motorbikes or cars) so would like to have the pleasure of having something new and shiny. I also havn't got a clue what to look for on ebay, I don't know the makes and models and searching for 'mountain bikes' brings up thousands.
I also have no idea what size frame I'd need so would rather buy locally so I can try before I buy. There are a couple of small shops locally but I work in Swansea and there are couple of bigger stores there, including Tredz. I've tried looking at their site but theres so much choice it confusing. Now I know what it was like for my gran and gramp trying to pick a new car.
Any help or pointers would be great.
Thanks
First time straying into the cycling sections so be gentle. I'm looking to buy a MTB for less than £500 but haven't got a clue what I'm looking for.
I've got an Enduro bike (engine powered variety) but don't get out enough as I'd like due mainly to not wanting to go out solo, so was thinking of an MTB for a bit of fitness training and generally having time on a bike for balance and practise. The area where we go on our enduro bikes have got lots of trails as well as varying levels of downhill trials/runs. I've also got a couple of mates who go to Bike Park Wales occasionally so I'll be tagging along with them at times.
The things I (think) I want are:
Hardtail, hopefully more bike for the money and won't be doing massive jumps or going at warp speed.
Hydraulic disc brakes, I'm used to decent brakes on my enduro bike and having tried mechanical discs on a cheap MTB I wasn't impressed.
Decent quality, I want something that will last me a while. I (don't think) I'll be getting seriously into it so don't/can't spend more but something that I can look after and will put in good service for a good few years.
Ability to fit a child seat, I know its a bit of a contrast to the other requirements but I can't afford to have 2 bikes and with my son nearly 1 I'm looking forward to going on family bike rides in the future.
To be honest I'd rather new if possible, not just because I don't buy things new usually (I can't afford new motorbikes or cars) so would like to have the pleasure of having something new and shiny. I also havn't got a clue what to look for on ebay, I don't know the makes and models and searching for 'mountain bikes' brings up thousands.
I also have no idea what size frame I'd need so would rather buy locally so I can try before I buy. There are a couple of small shops locally but I work in Swansea and there are couple of bigger stores there, including Tredz. I've tried looking at their site but theres so much choice it confusing. Now I know what it was like for my gran and gramp trying to pick a new car.
Any help or pointers would be great.
Thanks
Look at websites like MBR, Pinkbike, Factory Jackson and Singletrackworld for their reviews and as a starting point have a watch of this.
http://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/hardtail/mbr-hardtail...
I'm not saying this is the definitive answer but there are a few bikes on the list that they considered for best hardtail if you don't like or can't get hold of the overall winner.
http://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/hardtail/mbr-hardtail...
I'm not saying this is the definitive answer but there are a few bikes on the list that they considered for best hardtail if you don't like or can't get hold of the overall winner.
At that price point there is really nothing to choose between the bikes available other than which one you like the look of. All will have very similar spec, usualy Suntour forks and either Tektro or Shimano discs. All are very capable but nothing special and all will have perfectly acceptable mid-range Shimano or SRAM shifters and mechs.
I'd go Giant if it was my cash but Trek, Scott, Specialzed, Cube etc. will all be similar.
Having said all that, the Calibre hardtail has Rockshox forks which could be a worthwile improvement and the full suspendion Calibre is very well regarded. Don't know about the hardtail and I probably wouldn't choose a triple chainset if it was for me.
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-v2-mou...
I'd go Giant if it was my cash but Trek, Scott, Specialzed, Cube etc. will all be similar.
Having said all that, the Calibre hardtail has Rockshox forks which could be a worthwile improvement and the full suspendion Calibre is very well regarded. Don't know about the hardtail and I probably wouldn't choose a triple chainset if it was for me.
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-v2-mou...
Edited by TwilightJohnny on Thursday 6th July 23:37
The Voodoo Bizango has won many sub £1K bike tests and it's currently 20% off at halfords, making it a bit of a bargain at £500. Not sure how long the promotional price will last.
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...
I hate to say this but I think that really enjoyable mountain biking starts below £800, particularly if venturing at BPW, even once.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-sen...
Can be bought for around that with the 10% off UK Cycling code.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-sen...
Can be bought for around that with the 10% off UK Cycling code.
If you want a bargain this is great
still very a good spec vs 2017 bikes
https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p6076/CUBE-A...
has an air fork some fork/shock pumped needed as well.
still very a good spec vs 2017 bikes
https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p6076/CUBE-A...
has an air fork some fork/shock pumped needed as well.
nickfrog said:
I hate to say this but I think that really enjoyable mountain biking starts below £800, particularly if venturing at BPW, even once.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-sen...
Can be bought for around that with the 10% off UK Cycling code.
Great spec and worth stretching the budget for.http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-sen...
Can be bought for around that with the 10% off UK Cycling code.
DE1975 said:
The Voodoo Bizango has won many sub £1K bike tests and it's currently 20% off at halfords, making it a bit of a bargain at £500. Not sure how long the promotional price will last.
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...
Pick one of these up last month. Great bike! Was in a similar position to OP. http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bik...
(It wasn't on sale at the time though
)As tempting as it is to keep upping the budget, and I do usually try to get the best I can afford, MTBing isn't going to be my main hobby, just some fitness and getting some time out when I can't go out on the motorbike. The voodoo is looking very tempting. Am I right in thinking that at 5'7 with 30" leg the 16" frame will be the right frame size. Also a stupid question, does it come with pedals? All pictures of MTBS seem to be without pedals? If I need to get them separate what do you recommend? From riding my motorbike I'm used to being able to put my foot down whenever I need to, so the clipped in type, are they called cleats?, scare me a bit and I've only ever ridden a couple of bikes with them, I just don't know how I'd have enough time to unclip if was about to fall down a hill!
Oh and what else will I need? Someone mentioned a pump for the forks? Will a normal track pump do it? I need a new pump for my motorbike tyres but havnt got round to buying one yet so any recommendations on that?
As for safety kit I'm used to MX boots, MX helmets and bike shin/knee guards, what do people tend to weat when trail riding MTBs?
Oh and what else will I need? Someone mentioned a pump for the forks? Will a normal track pump do it? I need a new pump for my motorbike tyres but havnt got round to buying one yet so any recommendations on that?
As for safety kit I'm used to MX boots, MX helmets and bike shin/knee guards, what do people tend to weat when trail riding MTBs?
Edited by gazzarose on Saturday 8th July 00:38
Right, Nobody try to change my mind now, it's too later. Voodoo Baizingo ordered! It'll be ready to pick up Monday or Tuesday! Can't wait to give it a go now. Ordered a helmet aswell so just need to find some baggy shorts and a pair of Vans and I'll be a proper MTBer!
Thanks for all the advice, I'll report back with a first ride report some time next week!
Thanks for all the advice, I'll report back with a first ride report some time next week!
About the clip in pedals. I'm probably tempting fate saying this but I've been using spd's for years and haven't fallen off failing to unclip (though I've had a few close calls). I do have a big scar on my shin from my feet slipping off flat pedals along with other painful crashes. I know what I would rather use.
nickfrog said:
Well done for sticking to your budget. I still think it's a false economy but I hope I am wrong - not sure the bike will be much fun at BPW or down anything vaguely challenging, unlike a Vitus Sentier (for instance).
Is it ever in stock though?! It is a bit of a joke Vitus supply, they shouldn't have also given 'best mountain bike under £500' award to the other Vitus model as that seems to have been discontinued not long after the reviews- makes you wonder if they over specced it as a loss leader for free PR on purpose.
OP- congrats, lovely starter bike. Shame they don't offer more colour choices though, as not everyone wants yellow, they would have sold lots more if they did. Also are you tall, as it is a 29er rather than a 27.5.
Edited by hyphen on Saturday 8th July 19:12
No I wasn't completely sold on the yellow but wasn't too offended either. I just couldn't justify spending any more than what I did, especially because I had to buy a helmet and pump on top and no doubt there will be other things that I'll 'need' that will effectively bump up the price.
I think it will do everything I'll need it to do. Even the BPW stuff I think. If I do go it will be to tag along with a couple of mates who I haven't spent much time with lately because there all into, and have got, road motorbikes so I've been a bit left out, at least I can join in a bit with the MTB a bit now.
On question, is it worth changing the pedals? The ones on it are plastic, are metal ones better or do they just hurt more when they hityou in the shins? Again I used to big.spikey steel pegs on my motorbike so slippy looking plastic ones seem like a downward step.
I think it will do everything I'll need it to do. Even the BPW stuff I think. If I do go it will be to tag along with a couple of mates who I haven't spent much time with lately because there all into, and have got, road motorbikes so I've been a bit left out, at least I can join in a bit with the MTB a bit now.
On question, is it worth changing the pedals? The ones on it are plastic, are metal ones better or do they just hurt more when they hityou in the shins? Again I used to big.spikey steel pegs on my motorbike so slippy looking plastic ones seem like a downward step.
Congrats on the new bike!
I was in a similar situation as yourself looking to get back in to cycling, I started with a £500 budget and ended up spending £1,000 on a Norco Fluid!
Tech has progressed a fair amount in the last 10 years!
A dropper post now seems a must have.
I've ordered the new DMR V8 pedals, SRAM lock on grips, quite small clip on cateye lights (just in case), camelbak, fox gloves, fox jersey, Alpinestars jersey, and some other bits I'm sure I've forgotten about... starts to get expensive!
Have fun on the new bike!
I was in a similar situation as yourself looking to get back in to cycling, I started with a £500 budget and ended up spending £1,000 on a Norco Fluid!
Tech has progressed a fair amount in the last 10 years!
A dropper post now seems a must have.
I've ordered the new DMR V8 pedals, SRAM lock on grips, quite small clip on cateye lights (just in case), camelbak, fox gloves, fox jersey, Alpinestars jersey, and some other bits I'm sure I've forgotten about... starts to get expensive!
Have fun on the new bike!
gazzarose said:
No I wasn't completely sold on the yellow but wasn't too offended either. I just couldn't justify spending any more than what I did, especially because I had to buy a helmet and pump on top and no doubt there will be other things that I'll 'need' that will effectively bump up the price.
I think it will do everything I'll need it to do. Even the BPW stuff I think. If I do go it will be to tag along with a couple of mates who I haven't spent much time with lately because there all into, and have got, road motorbikes so I've been a bit left out, at least I can join in a bit with the MTB a bit now.
On question, is it worth changing the pedals? The ones on it are plastic, are metal ones better or do they just hurt more when they hityou in the shins? Again I used to big.spikey steel pegs on my motorbike so slippy looking plastic ones seem like a downward step.
I have had a Voodoo Bizango for a couple of years now. I think it is a pretty good bike, I think in car terms it is like having a reasonably specced Ford Focus. There's not a lot wring with it, but if you want more you have to spend the money.I think it will do everything I'll need it to do. Even the BPW stuff I think. If I do go it will be to tag along with a couple of mates who I haven't spent much time with lately because there all into, and have got, road motorbikes so I've been a bit left out, at least I can join in a bit with the MTB a bit now.
On question, is it worth changing the pedals? The ones on it are plastic, are metal ones better or do they just hurt more when they hityou in the shins? Again I used to big.spikey steel pegs on my motorbike so slippy looking plastic ones seem like a downward step.
Upsides - it looks cool, does what i want it to do on the trails mostly. Downsides, I get a lot of punctures with it, I have to run slime tubes and carry a pump if I am going a distance on it. The biggest issue is the ride quality, it states that it is really good, but ( and I might be expecting too much) on whatever setting I set the dampers it shakes the hell out of me if traversing green lanes cut up with tractor tread patterns, horse shoes imprints and the like. It is most horrible. I could be doing it wrong, and maybe the technique is to stand on the pedals and not sit on the saddle, but whatever it isn't nice. Perhaps all bikes do this, it would be interesting to know.?
Edited by Jerry Can on Sunday 9th July 21:14
gazzarose said:
No I wasn't completely sold on the yellow but wasn't too offended either. I just couldn't justify spending any more than what I did, especially because I had to buy a helmet and pump on top and no doubt there will be other things that I'll 'need' that will effectively bump up the price.
I think it will do everything I'll need it to do. Even the BPW stuff I think. If I do go it will be to tag along with a couple of mates who I haven't spent much time with lately because there all into, and have got, road motorbikes so I've been a bit left out, at least I can join in a bit with the MTB a bit now.
On question, is it worth changing the pedals? The ones on it are plastic, are metal ones better or do they just hurt more when they hityou in the shins? Again I used to big.spikey steel pegs on my motorbike so slippy looking plastic ones seem like a downward step.
I would say take it out and ride it before deciding on pedal changes and so on, because as you say there will be thing you need to immediately buy, and a high quality security and so on will soon add up.I think it will do everything I'll need it to do. Even the BPW stuff I think. If I do go it will be to tag along with a couple of mates who I haven't spent much time with lately because there all into, and have got, road motorbikes so I've been a bit left out, at least I can join in a bit with the MTB a bit now.
On question, is it worth changing the pedals? The ones on it are plastic, are metal ones better or do they just hurt more when they hityou in the shins? Again I used to big.spikey steel pegs on my motorbike so slippy looking plastic ones seem like a downward step.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff