Looking to buy a bike on a budget

stuartw101

I was wondering if anyone could suggest any bikes for me for a budget of £170? I will be using the bike mainly to cycle to work, and occasionaly off road.

Im not really sure what sort of size bike i should get, im 6ft 3. I was told not to get full suspension on my budget as it will likely be lower quality.

I have seen the GT Aggressor 07 and Univega Alpina HT Sport that seem to be any good for the price. I don't know much about bikes so if you could help suggest a few that would be great.

Thanks

The Spiderman

The GT aggressor is a good place to start.Also look at something like a Carrera Vulcan in Halfords,or see if there is a Decathlon sports store near you.The Decathlon Rockriders are very good if you are on a budget.

As suggested,keep it simple,at this price point,and stick to hardtail bikes.

PaulL

If you stick to the main 'big' brands like Specialized, GT, Giant and such, you shouldn't go too wrong but for this sort of money you should CONSIDER looking at fully rigid bikes.

Rigid bikes will be a lot more better spec'd for the money than one with even a cheap suspension fork.
Your requirements "cycle to work, and occasionaly off road" really also points towards this too, it might be a bit more painful off road to start with, but if you get the bug you can then get a decent set of forks fitted afterwards.
Though aim for a rigid mtb that is also supplied with suspension forks further up the range, rather than a hybrid that is more road orientated, as the geometry won't be upset by installing suss forks later..

Take a butchers at the specialized Hardrock range to see a good example of what I'm talking about (though it costs a bit more than your budget).

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk is also worth looking at for bargain priced bikes, but be-aware you'll need to at least partially build up the bike yourself if you go mail order though.

Otherwise as mentioned to a look at Halfrauds Carrera range, the Vulcan got What MTB Gold award for best budget bike the other month, on offer at £225 at the moment.

AND YES STAY AWAY FROM FULL SUSS BIKES AT THIS PRICE RANGE! Please.

supersonic

Stretching to 200 will get you some decent machines as in the What Bike thread. Also here isa guide for what to look for in a budget bike:

I think for general mountain biking, the following features should be considered: (aimed at buyers spending less than 250 quid)

- Alloy hardtail frame. Full suspension at the lower end of the market (sub 300 and even upto 500 quid) is heavily compromised. Its very heavy, undamped, poor bearings and pulls down the spec elsewhere. Steel frames at this level are often mild steel and are 2 or 3 pounds heavier than an alloy frame.

- Suspension fork with alloy crown and one piece lowers. Cheap pressed steel lowers and crowns flex badly. Preload adjusters are a good feature to help set sag and ride height for differing weights.

- Compact crankset (42/32/22). Many entry level bikes have larger chainrings (48/38/2 from cheaper groupsets. This doesn't allow a very low gear and is often over geared for the terrain a MTB will be used on. Replacable chainrings are a bonus.

- 8 speed freehub. 8 gears from a cassette and freehub gives a better spread than some 7spd screw on freewheels, often 11-32 teeth rather than 14-28. Also this allows the bearings to be spaced further in the hub, allowing a stronger rear wheel/axle. Shimano make the best budget 8 speed set ups.

- Cartridge bottom bracket. Old adjustable cup and cone bottom brackets are poorly sealed and are prone to coming loose.

- 32 or 36 spoked wheels. Lots of beginners MTBs are coming with fancy 'paired' spokes, or 24 bladed ones, purely for looks. They use heavy rims, are poorly constructed and are not worth it compared to standard wheels. Look for stainless spokes if possible, and sealed alloy hubs with quick release axles.

- Alloy components. If possible, ask about the seatpost and bars. Alloy units save some weight, and are more comfortable.

- Brakes and levers. Make sure the levers aren't plastic as they flex badly. Cable disc brakes stop better in the wet but usually add cost. Don't go for discs over other essential features.

- Aheadset or threadless headset. Much better bearings and more reliable than the older quill stem and threaded headset.

Many bikes for 200 pounds now have all these features! Don't be afraid to ask for a saddle swap if they are uncomfortable, and enquire about the quality of the tyres..

stuartw101

Wow, thanks so much for the replies!

I think im gonna up my budget to £200 So if you know of any good ones for that price feel free to post.

Thanks again

Father Faff

The Decathlon Rockrider (5.2?) is supposed to be remarkable value for money and costs about £200.

trail jacker

Father Faff wrote:

The Decathlon Rockrider (5.2?) is supposed to be remarkable value for money and costs about £200.

ive heard thats good, but for £200 you may as well strech to get the £225 carrera vulcan. a really good bike. i know its hard to stop streching your budget, but the vulcan is superior to the rockrider.
good luck with your choice

supersonic

The Decathlon actually scored higher than it when tested head to head, and is 2 lbs lighter. Both worth looking at.

stuartw101

Maybe its me but i cant seem to find any online shops that sell the Decathlon Rockrider.

Anyone manage to find a site?

Thanks

supersonic

Only available at Decathlon. And don't buy online - go to a/the shop and get fitted up.

stuartw101

Not many bike shops in Gloucester

There is a halfords just 15min walk from my house though and a raleigh shop.

supersonic

I'd go and have a look - its important you get the right size, and they vary from bike to bike. Alos you will get it built properly, a free service and easy to reach after sales care.