Recommend me a mountain bike...

[Hard-Drive]

Need to replace the other half's VERY old bike and I was going to pass mine onto her and get a new one.

Looking probably to spend about £500, I want front suspension, possibly back (will probably get used 50/50 on/off road.

If "last year's model" is discounted that'll do.

Any ideas?

[mat205125]

As posted in another thread, check out the review of a dozen £500 bikes in MBR magazine.

Get an idea of what you are after (for that budget a hard tail would give best value for money), and trawl the magazine classifieds for deals on 06 bikes.

Check out the usual suspects on line too for good deals. Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Stif etc etc etc.

How about something like these?

www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=5334

www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60491

or one of these for entry to full bounce:

www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60141 (I've got an 06 XC PRO and get on great with it.)

[obiwonkeyblokey]

I bought a trek 6000 last week. discs all round and love it already. £550.

www.trekbike.co.uk/2006/bike_images/07_6000-Disc-Orange.jpg

[V8 Disco]

Merlin MALT-1...

www.merlincycles.co.uk/reviews.htm#4

Take a look at the review - then give me a call to discuss!

D

[Hard-Drive]

Great, thanks for the advice, I'll let you know what I do!

[JPJ]

Agree, anything from Merlin is excellent, they all provide brilliant value for money and are lighter than equivalent Trek's, Giant's and Spec's.

I've had my Malt 4 for about a year and I love it, it's very precise and covers the gorund with ease. Have just bought an old Malt 1 frame and turned it into a single speed. First ride planned for tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it.