Half decent bike for £500-£700?

[smokeey]

Can I get some recommendations for a semi decent mountain bike in the £500 - £700 range.
I’m not fussed if its new or used obviously I’d get more for my money going used, and there’s plenty for sale on eBay, but not being into bikes for about 20 years I don’t know what would be a good buy.

If it matters I’d mainly be riding canal paths, country parks, roads etc. No extreme downhills trails or anything like that.

TIA

[towser44]

smokeey said:

Can I get some recommendations for a semi decent mountain bike in the £500 - £700 range.
I’m not fussed if its new or used obviously I’d get more for my money going used, and there’s plenty for sale on eBay, but not being into bikes for about 20 years I don’t know what would be a good buy.

If it matters I’d mainly be riding canal paths, country parks, roads etc. No extreme downhills trails or anything like that.

TIA

A hybrid may be better than a mountain bike if your doing canal paths, country parks and roads and not doing downhill trails etc. Far less rolling resistance and weight than a mountain bike at that price point.

[g7jhp]

Yes. Best to buy used.

A hybrid or hardtail mountain bike would be best with no suspension.

[hilly10]

Trouble is finding one, hardly any stock at any of the dealers

[Zigster]

As others have said, you don’t really need a mountain bike. A rigid 29er will do all you want, won’t have the weight of a cheap suspension fork, and the money that would have gone on the fork can be spent on better components elsewhere.

This quick search from Evans should give you a few options. Fatter tyres are more comfortable than thinner, particularly if you are doing canal paths and the like. I think the Pinnacle Lithium is good value for money, it I quite like the look of the Specialized Sirrus X as well.
https://www.evanscycles.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes_c/h...