Wanting to get a mountain bike
Discussion
Back in my early years I was hugely into bikes. Spent all my time riding, racing DH and was a mid pack rider. Never the great, no podiums but not totally awful, happy to do jumps.
20 years on, I am on a health kick and really wanting to enjoy life more, I've been building a business for ages and just need to take a bit more time out.
I now want to get a bike, but things have changed so much.
E bikes, Mullets, no one rides 26" wheels any more.
What do I get and where do I even start? Looks like Enduro bikes are probably where I would want to be, they aren't far off the travel of a DH bike from back when I used to ride and probably a lot more useable.
Any recommendations for a decent bike shop? I am in Cheshire, used to go to NW mtb in Cheadle.
Budgetwise, I guess anything £4/5k had originally started off looking at around the £2k marker but not sure that will get a great deal. Also happy to get a 2nd hand bike, but the old place I would have looked was descent world and the forums on there.
Following whenever I manage to get one if anyone fancies a ride at Delamere or elsewhere I will need to get started somewhere.
I expect a broken collarbone by the end of the year or I am not trying hard enough.
20 years on, I am on a health kick and really wanting to enjoy life more, I've been building a business for ages and just need to take a bit more time out.
I now want to get a bike, but things have changed so much.
E bikes, Mullets, no one rides 26" wheels any more.
What do I get and where do I even start? Looks like Enduro bikes are probably where I would want to be, they aren't far off the travel of a DH bike from back when I used to ride and probably a lot more useable.
Any recommendations for a decent bike shop? I am in Cheshire, used to go to NW mtb in Cheadle.
Budgetwise, I guess anything £4/5k had originally started off looking at around the £2k marker but not sure that will get a great deal. Also happy to get a 2nd hand bike, but the old place I would have looked was descent world and the forums on there.
Following whenever I manage to get one if anyone fancies a ride at Delamere or elsewhere I will need to get started somewhere.
I expect a broken collarbone by the end of the year or I am not trying hard enough.
Do you qualify for cycle to work through salary sacrifice ?
I’m kind of the same, used to enjoy cycling as a youth, was in a mtb club, used to enjoy the trails. I bought another good spec mountain bike around 5yrs ago and found my fitness had deteriorated more than I thought, used it a bit through covid then sold it last year as I found I rarely used it and it wasn’t right for my application.
If you’re carrying a bit of timber & have been out of it for so long, I’d suggest you should go ebike. I’ve tried a few and it’s a heck of a lot more enjoyable than just using your legs.
I’m looking to buy a ebike now, but what I’ve found out from my last bike purchase is that my interest lays more in canal and gravel paths nowdays heading from my home some road & paths to get there, over previous me where the bike would be put on the car and drive to the best local hills and mountains. My interest has changed so probably so should be the bike whether that’s a gravel bike or some kind of hybridy-mtb cross with 29” wheels this time. I no longer need a full sus bike / dropper post etc etc (which I bought) as my interest is now vastly different.
I think some bike shops offer free test rides of various bikes and have events round the country as well so probably worth testing a few out. Finding what cycling you’re now into is as important as the bike purchase.
I’m kind of the same, used to enjoy cycling as a youth, was in a mtb club, used to enjoy the trails. I bought another good spec mountain bike around 5yrs ago and found my fitness had deteriorated more than I thought, used it a bit through covid then sold it last year as I found I rarely used it and it wasn’t right for my application.
If you’re carrying a bit of timber & have been out of it for so long, I’d suggest you should go ebike. I’ve tried a few and it’s a heck of a lot more enjoyable than just using your legs.
I’m looking to buy a ebike now, but what I’ve found out from my last bike purchase is that my interest lays more in canal and gravel paths nowdays heading from my home some road & paths to get there, over previous me where the bike would be put on the car and drive to the best local hills and mountains. My interest has changed so probably so should be the bike whether that’s a gravel bike or some kind of hybridy-mtb cross with 29” wheels this time. I no longer need a full sus bike / dropper post etc etc (which I bought) as my interest is now vastly different.
I think some bike shops offer free test rides of various bikes and have events round the country as well so probably worth testing a few out. Finding what cycling you’re now into is as important as the bike purchase.
Edited by Edible Roadkill on Saturday 12th August 12:19
As noted above need to work out what sort of riding you’re going to be doing first…
If you dabbled in DH and are comfortable on jumps then I suspect it won’t be long before you start riding hard again so pick appropriately! Go 29er or mixed, very few decent new 27.5 bikes nowadays. I’d go new, the used market is full of hammered bikes for too much money.
Just a quick search has found these.
https://www.saracen.co.uk/products/ariel-60
https://uk.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/capra/...
Either would be fine. Workhorse rather than fancy spec but incredibly capable. Specialized Status and Nukeproof Mega Comp have both been heavily reduced recently, there should be some still around for sale.
Obviously if you go up to or over the £3k mark then you find some other really nice bikes.
If you dabbled in DH and are comfortable on jumps then I suspect it won’t be long before you start riding hard again so pick appropriately! Go 29er or mixed, very few decent new 27.5 bikes nowadays. I’d go new, the used market is full of hammered bikes for too much money.
Just a quick search has found these.
https://www.saracen.co.uk/products/ariel-60
https://uk.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/capra/...
Either would be fine. Workhorse rather than fancy spec but incredibly capable. Specialized Status and Nukeproof Mega Comp have both been heavily reduced recently, there should be some still around for sale.
Obviously if you go up to or over the £3k mark then you find some other really nice bikes.
TT1138 said:
As noted above need to work out what sort of riding you’re going to be doing first…
If you dabbled in DH and are comfortable on jumps then I suspect it won’t be long before you start riding hard again so pick appropriately! Go 29er or mixed, very few decent new 27.5 bikes nowadays. I’d go new, the used market is full of hammered bikes for too much money.
Just a quick search has found these.
https://www.saracen.co.uk/products/ariel-60
https://uk.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/capra/...
Either would be fine. Workhorse rather than fancy spec but incredibly capable. Specialized Status and Nukeproof Mega Comp have both been heavily reduced recently, there should be some still around for sale.
Obviously if you go up to or over the £3k mark then you find some other really nice bikes.
Thank you, I see it as being uplift type stuff and aiming to have a good adrenaline rush rather than canal paths and riding round the park.If you dabbled in DH and are comfortable on jumps then I suspect it won’t be long before you start riding hard again so pick appropriately! Go 29er or mixed, very few decent new 27.5 bikes nowadays. I’d go new, the used market is full of hammered bikes for too much money.
Just a quick search has found these.
https://www.saracen.co.uk/products/ariel-60
https://uk.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/capra/...
Either would be fine. Workhorse rather than fancy spec but incredibly capable. Specialized Status and Nukeproof Mega Comp have both been heavily reduced recently, there should be some still around for sale.
Obviously if you go up to or over the £3k mark then you find some other really nice bikes.
Are Saracen now a decent brand, they were pretty much a halfords special type thing back when I was previously interested.
Also worth adding, from my experience. Getting back on the saddle after many years out, if you are going to be going to trails or whatever with some buddy’s who are seasoned riders you will seriously struggle to keep pace. Nothing worse than being 
ed all the time you’re out.
Also if like me and you have work commitments & kids means you don’t get the chance to cycle too often, you’ll really struggle to get back in form.
Best thing i done in transforming my cycling was to loose 2 stone. Having a lesser weight to lug up hills to get to trails was by far the best thing to help me get better….but I was still far behind mates form who had been cycling longer.
As someone pointed out to me an ebike just makes the climbs easier and you actually enjoy the descent as you’re not fked. Makes sense really!! Get an ebike otherwise you’ll be breathing out your ass and not enjoy it.
ed all the time you’re out. Also if like me and you have work commitments & kids means you don’t get the chance to cycle too often, you’ll really struggle to get back in form.
Best thing i done in transforming my cycling was to loose 2 stone. Having a lesser weight to lug up hills to get to trails was by far the best thing to help me get better….but I was still far behind mates form who had been cycling longer.
As someone pointed out to me an ebike just makes the climbs easier and you actually enjoy the descent as you’re not f
ked. Makes sense really!! Get an ebike otherwise you’ll be breathing out your ass and not enjoy it. I bought a norco 27.5” wheels last time round, carbo frame, XT group set & brakes, reverb dropper post etc etc
Lovely bike but it just wasn’t right for me 20yrs out of condition.
Sold it to some skinny teenager who competes.
I reckon I’ll get a 29er with pedal assist next time. I’ve even been looking at the cranksets which can be made unlimited to build my own.
Lovely bike but it just wasn’t right for me 20yrs out of condition.
Sold it to some skinny teenager who competes.
I reckon I’ll get a 29er with pedal assist next time. I’ve even been looking at the cranksets which can be made unlimited to build my own.
Take a look at Bird bikes as you'll get an excellent spec Aeris 9 for a smidge under £4K. I've had it's predecessor AM9 for over 5 years and it's been one of the best all-rounder bikes I've ever owned. Great company to deal with; you can call them for advice on specs or configure it yourself on their website.
https://www.bird.bike/product/aeris-9-shimano-12-s...
They also have a new carbon version of the AM9 due to be released soon.
https://www.bird.bike/aeris-am/
I'll probably replace my AM9 in the new year with one of these.
https://www.bird.bike/product/aeris-9-shimano-12-s...
They also have a new carbon version of the AM9 due to be released soon.
https://www.bird.bike/aeris-am/
I'll probably replace my AM9 in the new year with one of these.
JimmyConwayNW said:
Thank you, I see it as being uplift type stuff and aiming to have a good adrenaline rush rather than canal paths and riding round the park.
Are Saracen now a decent brand, they were pretty much a halfords special type thing back when I was previously interested.
Yeah, some pretty decent U.K. DH and Enduro pedigree as well as some pretty reasonable WC results. Boutique they aren’t, but they’ve found a heavy duty, unfussy niche. Are Saracen now a decent brand, they were pretty much a halfords special type thing back when I was previously interested.
Not a million miles from my return to MTB. Started back thinking I’d do trail centres etc but now mostly uplift/ bike park/ fireroad or push up. Now on a Privateer 161.
Edit: Just seen your budget. If you’re quick then £4.4k will get you the new Privateer E-161 if you want to go the ebike route. Very little else will come close for the money. Conventional bikes then all of the big brands will make something enduro focused for £4k or so. The Bird is also a very good shout, although I’ve not ridden one.
£5k potentially gets you something a little more individual or niche if that’s your sort of thing.
Edited by TT1138 on Saturday 12th August 14:12
One other comment I would say is besides wheel side geometry ha completely changed with bikes getting long in reach compared to the old 26” bikes. Manufactures tend to size the reach between frame sizes than the actual seat tube length. You have to ride the bike more aggressive to get the benefits from the bike type you are looking at. Don’t be surprised if you see people riding down stuff that 10 years back required a dh rig for
JimmyConwayNW said:
Any recommendations for a decent bike shop? I am in Cheshire, used to go to NW mtb in Cheadle.
I've always had great service from Cyclestore in Congleton - https://shop.cyclestore.co.uk. The guys in there know their stuff.AlBondigaz said:
JimmyConwayNW said:
Any recommendations for a decent bike shop? I am in Cheshire, used to go to NW mtb in Cheadle.
Can recommend (Twelve/50 bikes) Frodsham, towards Chester way, little bit further out than Cheadle.
Aways had good service with these guys, never bought from them, use to be a Merida stockist (my chosen brand), had a few things done here, when I couldn't be bothered to do it myself.
JimmyConwayNW said:
Back in my early years I was hugely into bikes. Spent all my time riding, racing DH and was a mid pack rider. Never the great, no podiums but not totally awful, happy to do jumps.
20 years on, I am on a health kick and really wanting to enjoy life more, I've been building a business for ages and just need to take a bit more time out.
I now want to get a bike, but things have changed so much.
E bikes, Mullets, no one rides 26" wheels any more.
What do I get and where do I even start? Looks like Enduro bikes are probably where I would want to be, they aren't far off the travel of a DH bike from back when I used to ride and probably a lot more useable.
Any recommendations for a decent bike shop? I am in Cheshire, used to go to NW mtb in Cheadle.
Budgetwise, I guess anything £4/5k had originally started off looking at around the £2k marker but not sure that will get a great deal. Also happy to get a 2nd hand bike, but the old place I would have looked was descent world and the forums on there.
Following whenever I manage to get one if anyone fancies a ride at Delamere or elsewhere I will need to get started somewhere.
I expect a broken collarbone by the end of the year or I am not trying hard enough.
I’m in the same boat as you. I ended up getting a Santa Cruz Tallboy with 29” wheels. It’s great for trail riding, climbs really well, and has been excellent fun on bike parks in the Alps with my children. 20 years on, I am on a health kick and really wanting to enjoy life more, I've been building a business for ages and just need to take a bit more time out.
I now want to get a bike, but things have changed so much.
E bikes, Mullets, no one rides 26" wheels any more.
What do I get and where do I even start? Looks like Enduro bikes are probably where I would want to be, they aren't far off the travel of a DH bike from back when I used to ride and probably a lot more useable.
Any recommendations for a decent bike shop? I am in Cheshire, used to go to NW mtb in Cheadle.
Budgetwise, I guess anything £4/5k had originally started off looking at around the £2k marker but not sure that will get a great deal. Also happy to get a 2nd hand bike, but the old place I would have looked was descent world and the forums on there.
Following whenever I manage to get one if anyone fancies a ride at Delamere or elsewhere I will need to get started somewhere.
I expect a broken collarbone by the end of the year or I am not trying hard enough.
I tried an E-MTB, and while it climbed well, the unwelcome extra weight was horrible on the descents. It made the bike really lethargic, and made switchback trails a clumsy handful - I really didn’t like it. Besides, the fitness gained on the climbs make you appreciate the speed on the descents.
TT1138 said:
I’d go new, the used market is full of hammered bikes for too much money.
This really isn't true. I've bought 3 bikes off Pinkbike classifieds, and friends have bought many bikes off it too. All very happy and no issues. OP you can easily find a boutique bike hanging like a Christmas tree for your budget. Lots bought during covid by folks getting back into it and have realised it's not gotten any easier since they last rode 10 to 20 years ago. So they've sat in garages being expensive paperweights.
I'd also caution the advice for a big travel Enduro rig too unless you're going to do solely uplift days.
Modern 150mm - 160mm F and 130-140mm R trail bikes are a much better general UK choice, will easily cope with an uplift and be more fun at local trails. Have a look at, e.g.
Yeti 130 Lunch Ride
Evil Offering
Forbidden Druid.
For example, a lad just won a round of the EWC on a druid.
I've got a DH bike, 170mm Enduro, and a Druid as mentioned above + plus some other MTBs.
It's the Druid I reach for 90 percent of the time...simpky because it makes any trail feel fun. On the Enduro I'm faster, but speed isn't always the most fun.
TGCOTF-dewey said:
This really isn't true. I've bought 3 bikes off Pinkbike classifieds, and friends have bought many bikes off it too. All very happy and no issues.
OP you can easily find a boutique bike hanging like a Christmas tree for your budget. Lots bought during covid by folks getting back into it and have realised it's not gotten any easier since they last rode 10 to 20 years ago. So they've sat in garages being expensive paperweights.
I'd also caution the advice for a big travel Enduro rig too unless you're going to do solely uplift days.
Modern 150mm - 160mm F and 130-140mm R trail bikes are a much better general UK choice, will easily cope with an uplift and be more fun at local trails. Have a look at, e.g.
Yeti 130 Lunch Ride
Evil Offering
Forbidden Druid.
For example, a lad just won a round of the EWC on a druid.
I've got a DH bike, 170mm Enduro, and a Druid as mentioned above + plus some other MTBs.
It's the Druid I reach for 90 percent of the time...simpky because it makes any trail feel fun. On the Enduro I'm faster, but speed isn't always the most fun.
I agree with the first post. The second market is just rammed with knackered bikes, but with clean looking frames as they’ve been stickered with anti scratch film from new.OP you can easily find a boutique bike hanging like a Christmas tree for your budget. Lots bought during covid by folks getting back into it and have realised it's not gotten any easier since they last rode 10 to 20 years ago. So they've sat in garages being expensive paperweights.
I'd also caution the advice for a big travel Enduro rig too unless you're going to do solely uplift days.
Modern 150mm - 160mm F and 130-140mm R trail bikes are a much better general UK choice, will easily cope with an uplift and be more fun at local trails. Have a look at, e.g.
Yeti 130 Lunch Ride
Evil Offering
Forbidden Druid.
For example, a lad just won a round of the EWC on a druid.
I've got a DH bike, 170mm Enduro, and a Druid as mentioned above + plus some other MTBs.
It's the Druid I reach for 90 percent of the time...simpky because it makes any trail feel fun. On the Enduro I'm faster, but speed isn't always the most fun.
I bought a used YT Capra CF, looked pretty, but it rode like a tired bike. Stripped it down do discover it needed new headset, bottom bracket, all the frame bearings, plus shock, fork and dropper servicing. That’s an easy £500 of spend to get it nice again….
My Santa Cruz from new has been perfect as I’ve maintained it as needed….
I agree with you though, I’d steer the OP away from a Euro spec enduro bike which won’t be fun on the climbs…mine are 140mm travel and are a great compromise.
But surely you rode it first?
I think you've been unlucky. I've had two full bikes, 1 frame. The frame was bought sight unseen too.
I generally factor in a full bearing swap in the price. Most I've ever had to change was two main pivot bearings... Everything else was perfect.
And two friends have bought 4 full bikes between them. Again perfect, bar some cosmetic scuffs.
It also helps if you're buying boutique and spending more... Someone spec ing Chris King and Enve is going to take immaculate care of their bike typically.
Buying budget end is where the risk lies. The OP has 4 to 5 k to spend, which will get him a 6 to 8k bike.
I think you've been unlucky. I've had two full bikes, 1 frame. The frame was bought sight unseen too.
I generally factor in a full bearing swap in the price. Most I've ever had to change was two main pivot bearings... Everything else was perfect.
And two friends have bought 4 full bikes between them. Again perfect, bar some cosmetic scuffs.
It also helps if you're buying boutique and spending more... Someone spec ing Chris King and Enve is going to take immaculate care of their bike typically.
Buying budget end is where the risk lies. The OP has 4 to 5 k to spend, which will get him a 6 to 8k bike.
I'm similar in terms of being an ex dh racer. Prefer the fun side of riding.
Dont agree with the above thoughts on ebikes. For the type of stuff you'll want to do, winch and plummet off piste etc they're great.
You dont notice the weight that much when going down. I imagine the mellow descents at trail centres being ste as when you pass the restricted speed you arent being assisted, but then if it's boring on an eeb its probably boring on a normal bike...
I use one and have a good level of fitness. Ride xc and a normal analog bike no problem. But the ebike unlocks doing twice the amount of descending and fun because you can get back to the top much faster.
that privateer deal looks great!
I'm unsure if I'm at the point of selling my analogue bike but given the choice to keep one it would be my ebike.
Dont agree with the above thoughts on ebikes. For the type of stuff you'll want to do, winch and plummet off piste etc they're great.
You dont notice the weight that much when going down. I imagine the mellow descents at trail centres being s
te as when you pass the restricted speed you arent being assisted, but then if it's boring on an eeb its probably boring on a normal bike...I use one and have a good level of fitness. Ride xc and a normal analog bike no problem. But the ebike unlocks doing twice the amount of descending and fun because you can get back to the top much faster.
that privateer deal looks great!
I'm unsure if I'm at the point of selling my analogue bike but given the choice to keep one it would be my ebike.
TGCOTF-dewey said:
But surely you rode it first?
I think you've been unlucky. I've had two full bikes, 1 frame. The frame was bought sight unseen too.
I generally factor in a full bearing swap in the price. Most I've ever had to change was two main pivot bearings... Everything else was perfect.
And two friends have bought 4 full bikes between them. Again perfect, bar some cosmetic scuffs.
It also helps if you're buying boutique and spending more... Someone spec ing Chris King and Enve is going to take immaculate care of their bike typically.
Buying budget end is where the risk lies. The OP has 4 to 5 k to spend, which will get him a 6 to 8k bike.
I'd disagree with the sentiment here, I've bought three bikes secondhand and all have been great, all under £500. Two hardtails and a road bike. Go and see them, so you can suss out the seller, where they live, how they keep bikes etc, and have a ride even if its only round the block.I think you've been unlucky. I've had two full bikes, 1 frame. The frame was bought sight unseen too.
I generally factor in a full bearing swap in the price. Most I've ever had to change was two main pivot bearings... Everything else was perfect.
And two friends have bought 4 full bikes between them. Again perfect, bar some cosmetic scuffs.
It also helps if you're buying boutique and spending more... Someone spec ing Chris King and Enve is going to take immaculate care of their bike typically.
Buying budget end is where the risk lies. The OP has 4 to 5 k to spend, which will get him a 6 to 8k bike.
Daveyraveygravey said:
I'd disagree with the sentiment here, I've bought three bikes secondhand and all have been great, all under £500. Two hardtails and a road bike. Go and see them, so you can suss out the seller, where they live, how they keep bikes etc, and have a ride even if its only round the block.
You'd disagree that you can get second hand bikes that aren't knackered, yet you say you've bought SH bikes that have all been great 
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