What Bike to Buy?

PaulRW

Hi. I've had road bikes for years and go out 3/4 times a week in the lanes around me to get some exercise. Now I fancy going off road as there are plenty of footpaths and bridalways near me. But what bike to buy?

I don't want to spend more than £200. Not too heavy as I will have to lift over styles and gates. Full suspension-don't really know. Fat tyres to get through the mud.

I've looked on various sights (Evans etc) and there sem to be plenty of possibilities but I don't what bikes are decent.

Anyone able to recommend any bikes that might suit me?

Thanks

andyturner28

Unfortunately you won't get a lot of bike for under £200. The GT Avalanch is pretty good at £260, but if you really cant go over £200 then your best bet is to look in places like Halfords or Decathlon. You wont get any full suss bikes even worth pissing on for £200, so you definately need to be looking at a hardtail. If i was you i would save up another £300 and get something like a higher spec GT Avalanch or a Carrera Kraken/ Fury, which although not brilliant bikes are pretty good for beginners, and are worth upgrading when funds allow.

HTH,

Andy.

PaulRW

Thanks for that-but I really am talking about a basic bike to get some excercise and a bit of fun on rough, muddy but pretty flat pathways on some days then use my road bike on the lanes at other times.

The Spiderman

Another option,would be to see if you can find a Specialized Hardrock XC with rigid fork.You may find last year's model for this sort of money.

If not have a look at the Decathlon Rockrider,or Carrera Vulcan.Might still find an 07 Vulcan on offer in Halfords.....

You will get a much better bike,if you can stretch your budget to £300,though.

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70263&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=awin&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=awin

PaulRW

Thanks, Spiderman. The Carrera Vulcan looks about what I'm after-seems to get good reviews for a budget bike. Halfords doing them for £224 so might have to get one........unless anyone else can come up with another possibility.......?

Paul

andyturner28

My boss has a Vulcan and he is very happy with it. He upgraded from an 02 Giant Boulder too which is still a very good bike (i bought it off him for my Dad) so it must be good. If you get one make sure all the bolts are tight though. Halfords arn't that good at putting them togather. I spent ages sorting his gears out too.

Andy.

owen_MTB

why dont you just look at older models and private sales, my dad got a cannondale f700 or something worth £1200 for £500 the other week, i know that isnt your budget but it proves you can get a good bike when you look about.