Another noob - just about to buy!

griffsters
griffsters Posts: 490
edited December 2007 in MTB beginners
My fitness levels have slumped to an all time low and I dont want to hit 40 years old just getting fatter and fatter - I have to stop the rot. So I've decided a good way to get my lungs working is a bike!

I've done a bit of research on this site and others and narrowed things down to a Mongoose Tyax Elite 2007

My budget is around £250 - I really like the look of the above and it seems to get decent press. However, I couldnt find one in my frame size (small). I then noticed that a new evans store had opened at ChillFactore manchester and was offering 10% off new 2008 bikes. With the discount I can get the 2008 Tyax Elite fro £270 - I can just about stretch to that.

My slight worry is - all the reviews I can find are of the 2007 bike. I'm a complete noob where bikes are concerned so my finger isnt on the pulse so to speak, will the 2008 bike be as well thought of as the 2007? Am I spending my hard earned wisely?

The shop is getting it in for me, building it and I'm going to try it later this week - probably weekend. I have high hopes for it and am quite excited! :D

I've not ridden a bike for many many years so i'm a tad apprehensive - I'm hoping to just do some short rides around the nearby farms and hills up the road to get used to the bike and get a little fitness up before venturing further afield.

I know this is asked many many times but I'm just seeking a bit of reassurance that the bike looks a good un' before parting with the cash, here it is:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86632

Cheers!

Comments

  • clas
    clas Posts: 187
    not many people make "bad" bikes these days.
    The mongoose is a good choice and you should enjoy riding it. try it first though!
    I never touched it! It was broke when I got here.
  • Cheers, I'm going to have a sit on it and see if it 'feels' right - not sure how much they'll let me ride it tho!
  • clas
    clas Posts: 187
    ONLY but a bike you have ridden! it doesnt have to be off road.
    If they believe you are serious they better let you ride it.
    Having said that I did buy a bike on tinternet!
    I never touched it! It was broke when I got here.
  • I understand what you are saying - sounds like common sense really.
  • for what you want to do its a good bike! :P
  • clas
    clas Posts: 187
    main thing is to ensure you start breathing out yer arrse often enough!
    I spent my 40th doing the polaris couldnt think of a better way to spend it!
    I never touched it! It was broke when I got here.
  • clas wrote:
    main thing is to ensure you start breathing out yer arrse often enough!
    I spent my 40th doing the polaris couldnt think of a better way to spend it!

    Now you've got me :D I take it the polaris is a MTB route offering quite a challenge?

    And breathing out of my arrsse... well the Mrs says i do that quite well already. ;)
  • easyg
    easyg Posts: 266
    I bought a Mongoose in Jan this year (2007) so I could get back into biking again after 10 yrs with my pal and it was and still is brilliant for the money. It was an 05 Tyax Super so slightly different model but that doesn't make a difference in this case. My skills have developed so well on the little mongoose that we are just in the midst of finishing our custom hardtail projects for the new years riding - and these bad boys ain't £250-300s worth!!!

    I have pushed that thing to the limit and have ended up upgraded bits on it quite quickly, the most significant being the forks, after getting the bug. I will keep it even when my Marin is unleashed as it will make a perfect second bike and cos I have geuninely enjoyed thrashing the balls of it. We do aggressive XC which means fast, furious, up, over, down and through! so it will hold up for you for some time and should be very durable and reliable in the process. In answer to your questions - it is a good bike to spend your cash on, and the 08 model will be more or less the same as the 07 model.

    Welcome to mountain biking world.
    "If you think straight enough, you can see round corners"
  • Thanks for all the comments!

    I actually have had a stock recommendation via PM for a 2007 Tyax Elite and have managed to snaffle the last one in my frame size for a price I'm very very happy with! So a puiblic thanks to forgoneconclusion for the tip.

    I need to grow some patience now waiting for it to arrive...
  • No need for the accolade whatsoever............

    ...................next time could you make it bold and in capitals? 8)
  • clas
    clas Posts: 187
    the polaris is a two day navigator event held in different parts of the country several times a year
    in format its just like the Karrimor mountain marathon only on bikes
    if you go for it it can be pretty knackering
    I never touched it! It was broke when I got here.