My turn for a what £500 bike?
Discussion
First of all apologies - i've been back through the search and found numerous similar thread and realise these must get annoying - especially around this price point!
I'll soon be starting a new job which will allow me to commute by bike, and that seems like a good excuse to buy a new one - we're also moving house to an area with plenty of scope for riding.
I last bought a bike about 12 years ago - it was Claud Butler Kylami - and at the time (and my age) was pretty good!
So now i'm looking for a hardtail mountain bike. But thats pretty much where my knowledge ends other than what i've read on here - usage will be mainly road / country trails / parkland paths etc
Some bikes I've seen that I like the look of include some of the Boardman range from Halfords (although they seem above my budget - do they do one in my range?)
Some of the Carrera range - again from Halfords.
A Cube bike from JE James - the Cube Analogue (in black and grey) - although i have no knowledge of this brand.
I'm a bit unsure on other brands - i relaise i need to avoid the cheap £100 double suspension specials etc but are Claud Butler stilla decent brand? Giant?
And so on and so forth.
I'm at a bit of a loss as i'm not sure what constitutes decent components any more. Is there anywhere online that rates and reviews them? Or individual bikes? Kinda A "WHAT BIKE?"
- Newbie queries - Last bike I owned I used toe clips - these seem to have been replaced more or less completly with big chunky pedals or clip on type ones for use with cycling shoes. I'd prefer toe clips. Similar query with "bar ends" which don't seem to feature on modern bikes anymore?
So basically looking for suggestions on a bike, reccomendations on reviews and decent kit and a few noob queries as above!
Thanks
Dan
I'll soon be starting a new job which will allow me to commute by bike, and that seems like a good excuse to buy a new one - we're also moving house to an area with plenty of scope for riding.
I last bought a bike about 12 years ago - it was Claud Butler Kylami - and at the time (and my age) was pretty good!
So now i'm looking for a hardtail mountain bike. But thats pretty much where my knowledge ends other than what i've read on here - usage will be mainly road / country trails / parkland paths etc
Some bikes I've seen that I like the look of include some of the Boardman range from Halfords (although they seem above my budget - do they do one in my range?)
Some of the Carrera range - again from Halfords.
A Cube bike from JE James - the Cube Analogue (in black and grey) - although i have no knowledge of this brand.
I'm a bit unsure on other brands - i relaise i need to avoid the cheap £100 double suspension specials etc but are Claud Butler stilla decent brand? Giant?
And so on and so forth.
I'm at a bit of a loss as i'm not sure what constitutes decent components any more. Is there anywhere online that rates and reviews them? Or individual bikes? Kinda A "WHAT BIKE?"
- Newbie queries - Last bike I owned I used toe clips - these seem to have been replaced more or less completly with big chunky pedals or clip on type ones for use with cycling shoes. I'd prefer toe clips. Similar query with "bar ends" which don't seem to feature on modern bikes anymore?
So basically looking for suggestions on a bike, reccomendations on reviews and decent kit and a few noob queries as above!
Thanks
Dan
the standard answer is a specialzed hardrock. they are bombproof and good value.
there are hundreds of others out there, mostly with identical or near identical spec but in different colours and called different things.
people will recommend all sorts of things bsed on personal experience (hence the hardrock comment) but in truth, they will have almost certainly come from 1 of 3 or 4 factories in the middle east and may well be the same bike under the paint.
dont set your heart on a particular bike, brand, or colour, just find the one you like at the price in the size that is comfortable and buy that one.
giant, specialzed and trek are probably your best starting point. if they dont have something that tickles your fancy then i will be surprised....
toe clips are no longer used, people tend to ride with flat pedals or spd or similar. the bike wil lcome with flats, they are fine.
there are hundreds of others out there, mostly with identical or near identical spec but in different colours and called different things.
people will recommend all sorts of things bsed on personal experience (hence the hardrock comment) but in truth, they will have almost certainly come from 1 of 3 or 4 factories in the middle east and may well be the same bike under the paint.
dont set your heart on a particular bike, brand, or colour, just find the one you like at the price in the size that is comfortable and buy that one.
giant, specialzed and trek are probably your best starting point. if they dont have something that tickles your fancy then i will be surprised....
toe clips are no longer used, people tend to ride with flat pedals or spd or similar. the bike wil lcome with flats, they are fine.
pablo said:
toe clips are no longer used, people tend to ride with flat pedals or spd or similar. the bike wil lcome with flats, they are fine.
My Rockhopper came with toe clips, but they remain in the bag they came in. And I've just fitted bar ends too, couldn't be doing with having my hands in the same place on the bars all the time.Where do you live?
Halfords in Epsom have got a 2010 model Boardman sport which was £550 down to about £470 which is a bargain! Rockshox dart 3 forks, Tektro hydraulic discs etc.
I've reserved (waiting for it to be setup, collecting on friday) the 2010 model Boardman Comp which was £700 down to £550... Utter bargain IMO and according to those on here!
The Sport is still a seriously light bike, noticeably lighter than the Carrera and Voodoo at Halfords.
There's loads of bikes that are good in the £500 region, I do think the Boardmans at Halfords are better equipped than the rest though. The Comp won What MTB under £700 last year so must be decent. The price you pay is that everyone in the know knows you got it from Halfords! Bit like top of the range Seat vs bog standard Audi! If you can get over this then you won't be dissappointed I'm sure!
If you're miles away from Epsom, they may be able to send it to another store???? Otherwise, the 2011 range starts at £650 but the frame and colour is very very sexy IMO!!!!
Halfords in Epsom have got a 2010 model Boardman sport which was £550 down to about £470 which is a bargain! Rockshox dart 3 forks, Tektro hydraulic discs etc.
I've reserved (waiting for it to be setup, collecting on friday) the 2010 model Boardman Comp which was £700 down to £550... Utter bargain IMO and according to those on here!
The Sport is still a seriously light bike, noticeably lighter than the Carrera and Voodoo at Halfords.
There's loads of bikes that are good in the £500 region, I do think the Boardmans at Halfords are better equipped than the rest though. The Comp won What MTB under £700 last year so must be decent. The price you pay is that everyone in the know knows you got it from Halfords! Bit like top of the range Seat vs bog standard Audi! If you can get over this then you won't be dissappointed I'm sure!
If you're miles away from Epsom, they may be able to send it to another store???? Otherwise, the 2011 range starts at £650 but the frame and colour is very very sexy IMO!!!!
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/8-1-2011-172069577/
2010 version comes with Rockshox Tora forks, SRAM X7 & spds for £450 in store - unbeatable for the money & Decathlon have a store in Sheffield.
2010 version comes with Rockshox Tora forks, SRAM X7 & spds for £450 in store - unbeatable for the money & Decathlon have a store in Sheffield.
Dan_1981 said:
I'm in Sheffield so sadly miles away from either Epsom or Bucks!
What's the reason for no-one using toeclips anymore then? I used to love them.
the only way for you to remove a foot from a toe clip is to slide it backwards, on a fast trail, should you need to dab a foot down to regain control, thats really quite hard to do and remain in control. its also quite inefficient unless you have them clamped tight whereby the problem above is increased. try spds, you will realise just how savage toe clips were...What's the reason for no-one using toeclips anymore then? I used to love them.
Dan_1981 said:
I'm in Sheffield so sadly miles away from either Epsom or Bucks!
What's the reason for no-one using toeclips anymore then? I used to love them.
I've got some pedals with toe-clips that came with my bike. I never used them - not once. They came straight off in favour of my SPDs. I was going to offer them for a tenner all-in, but just checked on Ebay and found hundreds for less than that. It's just not worth selling them or the bother of posting when you see what's on offer there.What's the reason for no-one using toeclips anymore then? I used to love them.
If not, and you're ever in the Midlands, PM-me and I'll give them to you.
Dan_1981 said:
The decathalon bike looks good - but i'm no expert on components - is that a decent set up?
Yes you'd usually need to spend £700+ for that spec level. Review:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...
Oh Bugger. I've spent the afternoon in a variety of bike shops. I'm now befuddled.
This is what i've discovered:
I'll be spending between 450 & 650 quid.
I'll be buying one of the following bikes:
Cube Analogue - £550
Cube Attention - £650
Decathalon Rockrider 8.1 - 2010 - £450
Decathalon Rockrider 8.1 - 2011 - £500
Carrera Fury - £550
Boardman Comp 2011 - £650
I got to ride the Attention the Analogue and also the Rockrider, I didn't get to ride either the Fury or the Boardman. All were comfortable for my size tried both an 18" and a 20" not too sure one which was most comfortable yet.
Spec levels vary slightly
Front forks:
Analogue: Suntour 100mm XCM
Attention: Rock Shox Dart 3 100mm
Rockrider 2010 - Rock Shox Torros
Rockrider 2011 - Rock Shox silver TK 100mm
Carrera & Baordman 120mm Suntour Epicon
Brakes are all hydraulic discs and are either Avid Juicy 3's, Avid Elixcir 3's or the Cube has Shimano BR-M4451
Derrailleurs are Shimano Deores on the Attention, SLX on the Analogue, SRAM X7 on the Decathalons and SRAM X5 on both the Carrera and the Boardman.
Only other massive difference is the Decathalons comes with SPD's and the others flats.
From my basic knowledge - spec wise vs price the Decathalon bikes seem to win?
I do like the look of the 2011 bike as well - although I really like the look of both the Cube Attention and the Boardman.
Any comments / suggestions / general help on any of the above??
Cheers again
This is what i've discovered:
I'll be spending between 450 & 650 quid.
I'll be buying one of the following bikes:
Cube Analogue - £550
Cube Attention - £650
Decathalon Rockrider 8.1 - 2010 - £450
Decathalon Rockrider 8.1 - 2011 - £500
Carrera Fury - £550
Boardman Comp 2011 - £650
I got to ride the Attention the Analogue and also the Rockrider, I didn't get to ride either the Fury or the Boardman. All were comfortable for my size tried both an 18" and a 20" not too sure one which was most comfortable yet.
Spec levels vary slightly
Front forks:
Analogue: Suntour 100mm XCM
Attention: Rock Shox Dart 3 100mm
Rockrider 2010 - Rock Shox Torros
Rockrider 2011 - Rock Shox silver TK 100mm
Carrera & Baordman 120mm Suntour Epicon
Brakes are all hydraulic discs and are either Avid Juicy 3's, Avid Elixcir 3's or the Cube has Shimano BR-M4451
Derrailleurs are Shimano Deores on the Attention, SLX on the Analogue, SRAM X7 on the Decathalons and SRAM X5 on both the Carrera and the Boardman.
Only other massive difference is the Decathalons comes with SPD's and the others flats.
From my basic knowledge - spec wise vs price the Decathalon bikes seem to win?
I do like the look of the 2011 bike as well - although I really like the look of both the Cube Attention and the Boardman.
Any comments / suggestions / general help on any of the above??
Cheers again
Dan_1981 said:
Cube Analogue - £550
Cube Attention - £650
Decathalon Rockrider 8.1 - 2010 - £450
Decathalon Rockrider 8.1 - 2011 - £500
Carrera Fury - £550
Boardman Comp 2011 - £650
Spec levels vary slightly
Front forks:
Analogue: Suntour 100mm XCM meh
Attention: Rock Shox Dart 3 100mm good
Rockrider 2010 - Rock Shox Torros better i think
Rockrider 2011 - Rock Shox silver TK 100mm even better
Carrera & Baordman 120mm Suntour Epicon good reviews but I'd prefer the Recons above
Brakes are all hydraulic discs and are either Avid Juicy 3's Good enough, Avid Elixcir 3's better or the Cube has Shimano BR-M4451 not sure
Derrailleurs are Shimano Deores best on the Attention, SLX good on the Analogue, SRAM X7 very good on the Decathalons and SRAM X5 will do you fine on both the Carrera and the Boardman.
Only other massive difference is the Decathalons comes with SPD's and the others flats. I'd prefer flats but spd's are expensive so a bit of a bargain on those bikes
From my basic knowledge - spec wise vs price the Decathalon bikes seem to win? yes
I do like the look of the 2011 bike as well - although I really like the look of both the Cube Attention and the Boardman. Cube and Boardman are best looking imo
Cube Attention - £650
Decathalon Rockrider 8.1 - 2010 - £450
Decathalon Rockrider 8.1 - 2011 - £500
Carrera Fury - £550
Boardman Comp 2011 - £650
Spec levels vary slightly
Front forks:
Analogue: Suntour 100mm XCM meh
Attention: Rock Shox Dart 3 100mm good
Rockrider 2010 - Rock Shox Torros better i think
Rockrider 2011 - Rock Shox silver TK 100mm even better
Carrera & Baordman 120mm Suntour Epicon good reviews but I'd prefer the Recons above
Brakes are all hydraulic discs and are either Avid Juicy 3's Good enough, Avid Elixcir 3's better or the Cube has Shimano BR-M4451 not sure
Derrailleurs are Shimano Deores best on the Attention, SLX good on the Analogue, SRAM X7 very good on the Decathalons and SRAM X5 will do you fine on both the Carrera and the Boardman.
Only other massive difference is the Decathalons comes with SPD's and the others flats. I'd prefer flats but spd's are expensive so a bit of a bargain on those bikes
From my basic knowledge - spec wise vs price the Decathalon bikes seem to win? yes
I do like the look of the 2011 bike as well - although I really like the look of both the Cube Attention and the Boardman. Cube and Boardman are best looking imo
I have a cube attention 2010 model, and everything is pretty good except the fork. The 2011 has a better one.
This bike is a a very good bike, handles well, and no issues with it.
Cube in Germany is pretty big and the bike also has a very good paint finish..
My friend has KHS 3000 alite which are always rated highly by MBR reviews.
I have a specialized and round the bike not as fun and a bit soulless for my tastes..
This bike is a a very good bike, handles well, and no issues with it.
Cube in Germany is pretty big and the bike also has a very good paint finish..
My friend has KHS 3000 alite which are always rated highly by MBR reviews.
I have a specialized and round the bike not as fun and a bit soulless for my tastes..
Edited by black pipebandit on Thursday 2nd June 18:44
Roman said:
Don't just judge based on the dérailleur either, many manufacturers 'up-spec' this & 'down-spec' shifters, front mech & chainset.
Roughly speaking:
Alivio = Sram X3
Deore = Sram X5
SLX = Sram X7
XT = Sram X9
XTR = Sram X0
My apologies, I though Deore were better than SLX... I'll shut up giving advice till I'm better educated!Roughly speaking:
Alivio = Sram X3
Deore = Sram X5
SLX = Sram X7
XT = Sram X9
XTR = Sram X0
Without question the Rockrider. Better cranks and drivetrain than the rest. At £450, you have a at least £100 to make it better if you want to
I do like the Suntour Epicon. The Carrera has the 15mm dropout version which I think is pretty good for its price - but the Fury was £440 2 weeks ago, so I'm pained to recommend it at £570 - I think you'll find it is a stouter bike compared to the others.
I do like the Suntour Epicon. The Carrera has the 15mm dropout version which I think is pretty good for its price - but the Fury was £440 2 weeks ago, so I'm pained to recommend it at £570 - I think you'll find it is a stouter bike compared to the others.
SteveS Cup said:
Roman said:
Don't just judge based on the dérailleur either, many manufacturers 'up-spec' this & 'down-spec' shifters, front mech & chainset.
Roughly speaking:
Alivio = Sram X3
Deore = Sram X5
SLX = Sram X7
XT = Sram X9
XTR = Sram X0
My apologies, I though Deore were better than SLX... I'll shut up giving advice till I'm better educated!Roughly speaking:
Alivio = Sram X3
Deore = Sram X5
SLX = Sram X7
XT = Sram X9
XTR = Sram X0
That pedantry apart I reckon your advice is bang on tbh!
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff