MTB for a roadie to dip a toe with
Discussion
Following Rowntrees' thread about a new hard tail, it all went very technical very quickly.
As a roadie who vaguely fancies trying a bit of off-road for a change (easy trails to start with, obviously)... what should I look for in a second-hand MTB?
The land of Gumtree looks full of Bike Shaped Objects as much as anything useful.
Budget... from £50 to maybe £500 (if I don't tell SWMBO
)
I'll need a L/XL frame as 6' 4"; I like some sign that the bike was legally acquired; but beyond that... ???
I've always worried about the front suspension forks on cheap MTBs - as the whole bike new probably cost about the same as a quality set of forks - is it better to look for a completely rigid? Or are the chances of buying a BSO even higher that way?
Help!
Edited to add: would I be likely to get away with a "large" frame? XLs are very thin on the ground!
As a roadie who vaguely fancies trying a bit of off-road for a change (easy trails to start with, obviously)... what should I look for in a second-hand MTB?
The land of Gumtree looks full of Bike Shaped Objects as much as anything useful.
Budget... from £50 to maybe £500 (if I don't tell SWMBO
)I'll need a L/XL frame as 6' 4"; I like some sign that the bike was legally acquired; but beyond that... ???
I've always worried about the front suspension forks on cheap MTBs - as the whole bike new probably cost about the same as a quality set of forks - is it better to look for a completely rigid? Or are the chances of buying a BSO even higher that way?
Help!
Edited to add: would I be likely to get away with a "large" frame? XLs are very thin on the ground!
Edited by defblade on Tuesday 4th January 23:53
Anyone?
Are the £4/5/600 bikes from the likes of SigmaSport and StartFitness worth considering? Some proper names available:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Orbea/MX-30-Mount...
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/Trail-...
https://startfitness.co.uk/products/gt-aggressor-e...
Or are these BSOs with a good (familiar) name on?
I know you should get more for your money 2nd hand...
Are the £4/5/600 bikes from the likes of SigmaSport and StartFitness worth considering? Some proper names available:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Orbea/MX-30-Mount...
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/Trail-...
https://startfitness.co.uk/products/gt-aggressor-e...
Or are these BSOs with a good (familiar) name on?
I know you should get more for your money 2nd hand...
Regarding the sizing, check your leg measurement vs a few guides.
My height suggests I'm clearly a medium from most manufacturers, however leg is large or even xl.
Don't rule out second hand, perhaps not bargains but better value can be found.
I would get a hardtail. My cheap, coil sprung, 100mm, rockshox equipped hardtail was far more fun than when it had rigid forks.
Last year I bought a second hand voodoo bizango for under 500. It did then cost about 150 to replace and upgrade a few things. But for 650 I ended up with a bike I believe is better than any of the three options above.
I have seen them go in mint condition for 500 as well, so just a case of looking.
I had a look and there are several large and at least one xl on ebay. Some at least look in good condition. Obviously try and confirm the current owner is genuine, or original purchaser etc!
My height suggests I'm clearly a medium from most manufacturers, however leg is large or even xl.
Don't rule out second hand, perhaps not bargains but better value can be found.
I would get a hardtail. My cheap, coil sprung, 100mm, rockshox equipped hardtail was far more fun than when it had rigid forks.
Last year I bought a second hand voodoo bizango for under 500. It did then cost about 150 to replace and upgrade a few things. But for 650 I ended up with a bike I believe is better than any of the three options above.
I have seen them go in mint condition for 500 as well, so just a case of looking.
I had a look and there are several large and at least one xl on ebay. Some at least look in good condition. Obviously try and confirm the current owner is genuine, or original purchaser etc!
Edited by cml24 on Wednesday 5th January 20:48
Just to add, when I was looking for a bike in similar price range I wanted:
Hydraulic disc brakes, preferably shimano.
Shimano or sram gears, 1x.
29" wheels
Preferably air sprung fork
Half decent reviews for the frame, geometry, bike as a whole
Those were just my preferences, but take a look at some reviews for new bikes in the sub 750 range.
Hydraulic disc brakes, preferably shimano.
Shimano or sram gears, 1x.
29" wheels
Preferably air sprung fork
Half decent reviews for the frame, geometry, bike as a whole
Those were just my preferences, but take a look at some reviews for new bikes in the sub 750 range.
I reckon at 6’4” you’ll be looking for an XL frame - I’m 6’2” and ride an XL full-sus, though obvs sit on the bike first to check as they’re all different.
A hardtail should be fine esp as you’re already a roadie so the sit bones are conditioned, and you’ll have some padded shorts.
Must haves, for me, would be:
29” wheels - you’re a tall bloke on a big bike
Full hydraulic disk brakes - don’t bother with mechanical disks
Air spring forks - oil forks will be heavier and won’t be anywhere near as good. Don’t worry about features, basic air fork is all you need
Frame no older than 4/5 years - modern geo and it might not have had too much of a spanking…
Other than that, everything else is easy to change/upgrade as you go. Just got to find one now….
A hardtail should be fine esp as you’re already a roadie so the sit bones are conditioned, and you’ll have some padded shorts.
Must haves, for me, would be:
29” wheels - you’re a tall bloke on a big bike
Full hydraulic disk brakes - don’t bother with mechanical disks
Air spring forks - oil forks will be heavier and won’t be anywhere near as good. Don’t worry about features, basic air fork is all you need
Frame no older than 4/5 years - modern geo and it might not have had too much of a spanking…
Other than that, everything else is easy to change/upgrade as you go. Just got to find one now….
PomBstard said:
I reckon at 6’4” you’ll be looking for an XL frame - I’m 6’2” and ride an XL full-sus, though obvs sit on the bike first to check as they’re all different.
A hardtail should be fine esp as you’re already a roadie so the sit bones are conditioned, and you’ll have some padded shorts.
Must haves, for me, would be:
29” wheels - you’re a tall bloke on a big bike
Full hydraulic disk brakes - don’t bother with mechanical disks
Air spring forks - oil forks will be heavier and won’t be anywhere near as good. Don’t worry about features, basic air fork is all you need
Frame no older than 4/5 years - modern geo and it might not have had too much of a spanking…
Other than that, everything else is easy to change/upgrade as you go. Just got to find one now….
A hardtail should be fine esp as you’re already a roadie so the sit bones are conditioned, and you’ll have some padded shorts.
Must haves, for me, would be:
29” wheels - you’re a tall bloke on a big bike
Full hydraulic disk brakes - don’t bother with mechanical disks
Air spring forks - oil forks will be heavier and won’t be anywhere near as good. Don’t worry about features, basic air fork is all you need
Frame no older than 4/5 years - modern geo and it might not have had too much of a spanking…
Other than that, everything else is easy to change/upgrade as you go. Just got to find one now….
cml24 said:
Just to add, when I was looking for a bike in similar price range I wanted:
Hydraulic disc brakes, preferably shimano.
Shimano or sram gears, 1x.
29" wheels
Preferably air sprung fork
Half decent reviews for the frame, geometry, bike as a whole
Those were just my preferences, but take a look at some reviews for new bikes in the sub 750 range.
So, 29"s, hydraulic brakes, air fork... that's a fairly simple shopping list Hydraulic disc brakes, preferably shimano.
Shimano or sram gears, 1x.
29" wheels
Preferably air sprung fork
Half decent reviews for the frame, geometry, bike as a whole
Those were just my preferences, but take a look at some reviews for new bikes in the sub 750 range.
I think I will look for new as well as 2nd hand; there do appear some half decent bikes sneaking near budget and, once a again, what SWMBO doesn't know won't hurt her
(Although I did just spend the best part of £200 on a new helmet, long sleeve jersey, and gilet!)
PomBstard said:
Air spring forks - oil forks will be heavier and won’t be anywhere near as good. Don’t worry about features, basic air fork is all you need
Oil is not a spring medium.The heavier you are, the less likely that air springs will be ideal, coil springs will cope better.
I'd go so far as to say coil is better full stop, with exception to weight, and any spring does have to match your weight.
Bacon Is Proof said:
PomBstard said:
Air spring forks - oil forks will be heavier and won’t be anywhere near as good. Don’t worry about features, basic air fork is all you need
Oil is not a spring medium.Bacon Is Proof said:
The heavier you are, the less likely that air springs will be ideal, coil springs will cope better.
I'd go so far as to say coil is better full stop, with exception to weight, and any spring does have to match your weight.
You might well be right, but the OP is a roadie who, at 6’4” I would guess weighs around 90-95kg all-up on the bike, probably less.I'd go so far as to say coil is better full stop, with exception to weight, and any spring does have to match your weight.
When I started mtb my 6’2” frame had a riding weight of around 115kg all up, and the Marzocchi Flylight Air forks worked brilliantly. So good, in fact, that 23 years later they’re still working well on my daughter’s hardtail. Admittedly she weighs considerably less than 115kg, but the point remains - simple air fork worked well for that weight. And the simple air fork weighs around 1kg less than the cheap coil fork you’ll find on lower end bikes.
I've just snuck under 90Kg (by 0.1 ) after 18 months of riding - I started over 100Kg...
Air is not going to happen if I buy new - a Suntour coil spring looks like the default.
There's not a whole load of 2nd hand bikes around my area (west Wales)... I might extend the radius, but I'm not sure I want to have a long drive for a cheapish bike, especially when it might be wrecked once I get to see it.
) after 18 months of riding - I started over 100Kg...Air is not going to happen if I buy new - a Suntour coil spring looks like the default.
There's not a whole load of 2nd hand bikes around my area (west Wales)... I might extend the radius, but I'm not sure I want to have a long drive for a cheapish bike, especially when it might be wrecked once I get to see it.
https://www.facebook.com/FrothyBikeCo/videos/72167...
this chap is doing 25% all bikes (Kona) if that's of any interest. He's in Dumfries but will mail order. Reason for sale in video. "Losing warehouse storage"
this chap is doing 25% all bikes (Kona) if that's of any interest. He's in Dumfries but will mail order. Reason for sale in video. "Losing warehouse storage"
I was a roadie getting a mountain bike early last year, and am also just over 6ft 4.
I ended up with a Merida big trail hardtail for £1000, which has decent fork travel, 1x, hydraulic discs and a dropper post. Brand new, you'd probably have to give up either 1x or a dropper for your budget. Mine's ideal for going round fairly tame local XC trails at 'roadie on an MTB' pace, and I've really enjoyed it.
I have an XL. When sitting on it, if anything it feels slightly too small - with the seatpost fully extended I still feel that my legs aren't extended enough compared to my road bikes. It would be best to sit on a bike if you can. Modern MTB's look huge due to the slack geometry but may not be quite so big when you actually ride them. A large would almost definitely be too small for you for my Merida, not sure about other brands.
I think Pinkbike is the place to go for second hand MTB although gumtree and facebook can have some bargains.
I ended up with a Merida big trail hardtail for £1000, which has decent fork travel, 1x, hydraulic discs and a dropper post. Brand new, you'd probably have to give up either 1x or a dropper for your budget. Mine's ideal for going round fairly tame local XC trails at 'roadie on an MTB' pace, and I've really enjoyed it.
I have an XL. When sitting on it, if anything it feels slightly too small - with the seatpost fully extended I still feel that my legs aren't extended enough compared to my road bikes. It would be best to sit on a bike if you can. Modern MTB's look huge due to the slack geometry but may not be quite so big when you actually ride them. A large would almost definitely be too small for you for my Merida, not sure about other brands.
I think Pinkbike is the place to go for second hand MTB although gumtree and facebook can have some bargains.
Gin and Ultrasonic said:
I was a roadie getting a mountain bike early last year, and am also just over 6ft 4.
I ended up with a Merida big trail hardtail for £1000, which has decent fork travel, 1x, hydraulic discs and a dropper post. Brand new, you'd probably have to give up either 1x or a dropper for your budget. Mine's ideal for going round fairly tame local XC trails at 'roadie on an MTB' pace, and I've really enjoyed it.
I have an XL. When sitting on it, if anything it feels slightly too small - with the seatpost fully extended I still feel that my legs aren't extended enough compared to my road bikes. It would be best to sit on a bike if you can. Modern MTB's look huge due to the slack geometry but may not be quite so big when you actually ride them. A large would almost definitely be too small for you for my Merida, not sure about other brands.
I think Pinkbike is the place to go for second hand MTB although gumtree and facebook can have some bargains.
I'd lose the dropper - I suspect much easier to upgrade if desired later.I ended up with a Merida big trail hardtail for £1000, which has decent fork travel, 1x, hydraulic discs and a dropper post. Brand new, you'd probably have to give up either 1x or a dropper for your budget. Mine's ideal for going round fairly tame local XC trails at 'roadie on an MTB' pace, and I've really enjoyed it.
I have an XL. When sitting on it, if anything it feels slightly too small - with the seatpost fully extended I still feel that my legs aren't extended enough compared to my road bikes. It would be best to sit on a bike if you can. Modern MTB's look huge due to the slack geometry but may not be quite so big when you actually ride them. A large would almost definitely be too small for you for my Merida, not sure about other brands.
I think Pinkbike is the place to go for second hand MTB although gumtree and facebook can have some bargains.
Some years back, I did have a Kona Cinder Cone in large, which I picked up so I could ride very slowly next to my daughter as she learnt. I never actually used it for anything else - apart from one bouncy road ride after which I went straight back to my road bike
Sold on for what I paid, and sort of wishing I hadn't, now! I think it was a better bike than I knew.But it didn't feel terrible, to be fair, even tho it was just large. My daughter also has an old BSO (Raleigh Tigershark) which hasn't left the shed in years - it's a 19" and is really too low in the saddle for me... but again, I could ride it in a pinch.
I have a long back/short legs for my height (just slightly, nothing mutated!) and I had a bike fit a while back for my road bike... I'm very flexible, and the upshot from the fitter was "don't worry too much about it, you'll be able to ride pretty much anything." Not sure if that was a waste of money or not
But it does mean I can be fairly relaxed about exactly what I buy, especially as a starter bike... if I do enough that I begin to notice limitations, I'll at least have an idea of starting point and direction.
In the meantime, I've got a week off next week, and living in west Wales does limit my market searches somewhat, so it may be time to expand the radius a chunk and maybe accept a longer drive...
I have a Voodoo Hoodoo from Halfords. It was £450 in 2019. I don't think they sell it anymore. I'm 6ft 4 and bought the biggest one they make. Keeping things non technical it has 27.5 wheels, 2.25 inch tyres and ten gears. Did a hilly 60 miles around Winchcombe. That was the main reason for buying it.
Edited by Master Bean on Thursday 6th January 22:32
Master Bean said:
I have a Voodoo Hoodoo from Halfords.
Halfords are currently annoying me. All their cheap bikes (£350-850ish IIRC) seem like decent buys for the money and get reasonable reviews (again, considering their low cost).But...
I go on their website and they say "yes, we have that in XL". Then it asks you to put in your postcode, and.... "This size is not available in your five nearest stores. Try changing your location." Yeah, I'll just move.
I could spend some time plotting the minimum number of postcodes I need to enter to include all the UK branches (including NI???) by covering 5 unique branches with each postcode... or you could just tell me where does have it, and I'll decide whether it's worth driving there!
I went down the second hand route, as it appears many people bought £1000 mountain bikes and well, never went out on them.
I bought a Trek Roscoe 7 off Facebook for £650, almost new, with hydraulic discs and sram gearing. I’m not an expert when it comes to mountain bikes but I can’t fault it for what I use it for (a few local trails, canals, out with the kids).
Worth a look on eBay for Facebook for a bike bought in lockdown and rarely used, can get a bargain.
I bought a Trek Roscoe 7 off Facebook for £650, almost new, with hydraulic discs and sram gearing. I’m not an expert when it comes to mountain bikes but I can’t fault it for what I use it for (a few local trails, canals, out with the kids).
Worth a look on eBay for Facebook for a bike bought in lockdown and rarely used, can get a bargain.
Not a great deal meeting your needs on Pinkbike but this would be a good bet as a toe in the water without breaking the bank
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3150082/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3150082/
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