Another what bike question....

[flipper321]

Looking to buy a bike - I know there are experts on here and that my request may be a little below them !

Looking to spend at most £375. Will be used for roads and paths for recreational weekend cycling with the missus so am think a hardtail MTB - preferably with front-shock lock-out for road cycling (?!)

What do people think of the following options? Any other recommendations.
I know there will be weaknesses when it comes to some of the parts on these but the bike isn't likely to be ridden hard.

Also - what are peoples thoughts on buying bikes online? We don't have a great selection of bike shops around here.

http://www.cyclesuk.com/product/Hard...ke_9111-8519-1

http://www.damianharriscycles.co.uk/...isk-Cable-2010-

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/products.php?show=7478

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Diamond-Back...-MTB_44036.htm

TIA

Flipper

[evilsatan]

I think I might have sold mine this morning but see what you think:
http://www.digital-forums.com/showthread.php?t=848765

IIRC you are only 20 mins from me so can try it out if it's the kind of thing you are looking for matey.

[flipper321]

I did see your listing and was certainly interested but had assumed it was gone and my preference was for something new (although I'm aware this isn't always the most sensible choice!)

Did you ever get a chance to weigh it?

[evilsatan]

TBH I haven't got anything I can weigh it with. We have electrical bathroom scales (out of battery) but I'm not sure they would carry the weight of the bike and me holding it. My mate is dropping by in a minute to fit a new chainguard to my full sus, he runs a bike shop so I will ask him if he knows the approx weight.

FWIW when I first bought it I was looking for a new bike and the cheapest decent hardtail I found was £500, although my usage requirements were that it would be suitable for off road and downhill terrain. If you wanted just a road bike without suspension there are plenty of great deals on new bikes.

For new bikes look at Halfords for a good deal, they often have promotions running on the run up to Summer. From what I have read the weakest link on Halfords Carrera bikes is the frame as the other components are all reputable brands, this may not still apply for the frames though as it was last year I was researching.

[flipper321]

Trying to avoid Halfords at all costs to be honest!

A shop local to me has the Specialized bike I've listed above so may give that a go - only thing really putting me off it is the fact that the fork can't be locked out.

[evilsatan]

Give these a call, the site doesn't look too impressive but my mate owns it and really knows his stuff and will bend over backwards to sort you out. His shop (which is impressive) is pretty local to you IIRC and he does deliver some stuff. Say Adam sent you to him He focuses on jump bikes and BMX but has trade accounts with some of the largest distributors so should be able to source something for you.

http://www.krankedbikes.co.uk/

[funkyg]

I'm no expert, but I have the Avalanche 3.0 and love it.
Mine is hydraulic disc version though.


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[liveseytowers]

Out of those with your budget i'd go for the GT Avalanche as it's a bargin. The specialized looks wicked though but for what your are using it for the Avalanche will be a good bike. Then you've got some extra cash to spend on accessories I nearly bought one but when I moved to Bristol the local shops didn't stock them.

[BertRoot]

TBH out of that group I would get the Avalanche but I am a GT whore. Be prepared though as the heavy fork is annoying.

[wakadoo]

for paths and road i think you are way off m8 and should be looking at a hybrid with a 35c tyre, alloy frame and a lighter 700c front shock and wheels, go have a look at the urban range by claud butler.

your not going to need disc brakes for what you are going to be doing so do yourself a favour and stick to V brakes for cheaper pads and longer life to be honest.

http://www.bikesandprams.co.uk/produ...3073&xSec=1115

as with any cycle make sure to go and look at it and sit on the bike, get a feel and try a few before deciding.

[liveseytowers]

Wakadoo is correct, i never even thought about that. I commute to work on a MTB with front forks, hydraulic discs and the uphill ride home is a right bastard. My next bike will be a commuting bike like this below. one of the lads at work got a Specialized hybrid bike which is ace for £400. It flies down the cycle path compared to my tank!

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/pro...aspx?&id=15962

[flipper321]

Thanks for the help chaps.

I'm pretty sure that for some of the cycling I'll be doing that I'll appreciate at least some suspension in the front forks. The Claud Butler explorer range look good for that reason but then I don't really see any weight improvement in this over some of the hardtails I'm looking at?

[wakadoo]

but you will notice a big diff in the gearing on the butler when you give it some on the road.

[funkyg]

but you will notice a big diff in the gearing on the butler when you give it some on the road.

That's a good point. On some of the big hills near me I can't pedal fast enough in top gear to go any faster.


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[Welsh Pete]

TBH out of that group I would get the Avalanche but I am a GT whore. Be prepared though as the heavy fork is annoying.

Must say, I do love the Fury spec B that Hans Rey rides...my ulitmate downnhill bike I think

[flipper321]

Thanks for the help guys - think I'm going with this one http://www.bikesandprams.co.uk/produ...3072&xSec=1115 unless anyone can see any issues.

Big plus is that a local store will do this one.

[wakadoo]

perfect choice for the things you are wanting to do, hardtail but with a suspension seatpost for the humps and bumps, you will enjoy that cycle.