Saracen mantra pro for a beginner?

[Ben 89]

What is the general option of Saracen bikes now?

Im after a hardtail mountain bike for about £750 and I like the look of Saracen Mantra pro. Does anyone have any experience of this bike?

it will be mainly used for road riding and off-road trails, but I would like to try some single track when I gain some more confidence, I don't live far from bedgebury singletrack but my main goal is to increase my fitness level and loose some weight.

https://www.evanscycles.com/saracen-mantra-pro-201...

Im limited to buying from evens cycles, and like the idea of a British bike. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Also is there any bike gear that I should buy when I buy the bike.

Edited by Ben 89 on Monday 24th April 13:57

Edited by Ben 89 on Monday 24th April 16:05

Edited by Ben 89 on Monday 24th April 16:06

[Mr Gearchange]

Ben 89 said:

What is the general option of Saracen bikes now?

Im after a hardtail mountain bike for about £750 and I like the look of Saracen Mantra pro. Does anyone have any experience of this bike?

it will be mainly used for road riding and off-road trails, but I would like to try some single track when I gain some more confidence, I don't live far from bedgebury singletrack but my main goal is to increase my fitness level and loose some weight.

https://www.evanscycles.com/saracen-mantra-pro-201...

Im limited to buying from evens cycles, and like the idea of a British bike. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Also is there any bike gear that I should buy when I buy the bike.

Saracen make decent bikes, - and this one will fit the bill for the type of riding you describe. The previous model year Mantras reviewed very well and I suspect they haven't changed a wining formula here.

My only concern would be the coil sprung fork - most everything is air now which means you can tailor the effective spring rate to your weight and type of riding. Unless you are really tall and light or really small and heavy it shouldn't cause too many issues.

Additional equipment? Decent set of gloves as when you fall off your hands are the first thing that hit the floor and it's painful picking bits of grit out of your palms.
And (obviously) a lid. I'd go for a half shell as they offer a bit more protection and look better than roadie type lids which make you look like a mushroom.
Something like this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/giro-chronicle-...
]

[vwsurfbum]

I have a Carbon Mantra, fantastically comfortable HT and very capable, Ideal for bedgebury.

[Kell]

In the link you posted it's over £100 below your budget.

That has to be a PH first.

I used to have a 1989 Saracen Tuff Trax which I loved. But then the brand went downhill (and not in a good way). Pleased to see they're making good bikes again.