Newbie needs a offroad MTB for £500~<

TeamMCS
TeamMCS Posts: 7
edited January 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hey guys,

I'm taking in part in Challenger UK and part of that is requires us to do some offroad riding.

A friend of mine has suggested a bunch of bikes for me however I'd like some opinions of you guys :)

His favorite suggestion was: https://emea.mail.microsoft.com/OWA/red ... ryId%3d100


With a few others being
£450 - Specialiazed Rockhopper http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70269
£500 - Trek 6000 http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86220
£475 - Giant XTC 3.5 http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id36252.html
£479.99 - KONA Cinder Cone Mountain Bike 07 http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id36448.html
£450 - Commencal Combi R http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... ts_id=8553
£450 Focus Fat Boy 2008 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... Boy%202008
£550 - Focus Northern Lite 2008 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... ite%202008


What would you guys suggest? Any options I havent thought of?

Comments

  • williamw1987
    williamw1987 Posts: 58
    Newbie here also, but Ive just bought a Trek 6000 disc 2008 model and I love it... its an awesome bike, can't fault it. :)

    My choice was between the Trek 6000 and the Specialized Hardrock Disc Pro (http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70056), had a test drive of them both and the Trek came out on top, felt a lot more like a high quality bike. Disc brakes were also a lot better, felt a lot smoother. Frame is light also. All in all its awesome :)
  • 2Thumbs
    2Thumbs Posts: 15
    Outright, XTC or Fat Boy. Excellent frames and good quality components.

    But that Commencal does look quite tasty, the first time I've seen that one.
  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    Giant XTC, although there are a few other to consider as well, the Carrera Fury is a very good bit of kit for the money,

    Your 1st link doesn't work, was this the bike?
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=100

    If so, good choice, Merlin make some great bikes.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Test as many as you can for feel and fit.

    Another to add to the mix is this:

    http://www.awcycles.co.uk/brands/Genesi ... index.aspx

    Good fork, unbeatable wheel set at this money, good drivetrain: brakes slightly let it down maybe, but solid well thought out package.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • TeamMCS
    TeamMCS Posts: 7
    Hey guys, thanks for all the replies!!! :)


    Sorry about the link in my original post, I was using my work email :P

    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=100

    Thats the BIke I intended to link too :)

    I'll have a look through these bikes and see what they are like. I'm going to take a wonder to evans at lunch today and see what sort of bikes they have
  • wesd
    wesd Posts: 6
    supersonic wrote:
    Test as many as you can for feel and fit.

    Another to add to the mix is this:

    http://www.awcycles.co.uk/brands/Genesi ... index.aspx

    Good fork, unbeatable wheel set at this money, good drivetrain: brakes slightly let it down maybe, but solid well thought out package.

    Very good bike. I agree that the hayes sole brakes are it's weak point; genesis must agree since the 08 model now has shimano hydraulics!
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Even better then! Genesis have been quietly turning out some good machines, the spent where it matters most. Good to see decent tyres fitted as standard too.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • TeamMCS
    TeamMCS Posts: 7
    Interesting, so what would you suggest is the best bike out of that selection incluyding Supersonic :D
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Well, best spec not always the best perfromer (nor it may not have geometry or a ride you like) but a bike as a minumum should have a damped fork. Luckily they all do.

    Value wise the Giant is best, though it is reduced. Great fork for that money. try and test if you can. Carrea Fury worth a look at too.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • GHill
    GHill Posts: 2,402
    TBH, most of those look pretty decent and you'd probably be happy with any of them.

    As always, try to ride them and see if the geometry/ride is for you.
  • TeamMCS
    TeamMCS Posts: 7
    Ah great, I've heard quite a few good things about the Giant XTC. What would you suggest as a good size for a 6'1" rider (slim)? I'm going to head down to Evan's today and try a few however I suspect I'll end up ordering online (mainly as London is so expensive :))
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Its hard to say, either medium or large! Thats why have to try.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • TeamMCS
    TeamMCS Posts: 7
    Yeah, I hear they vary a lot too. Its hard to guess as you've got so many different frame sizes.. The XTC for instance is 18".. Which I hate to say, means very little to me...
  • TeamMCS
    TeamMCS Posts: 7
    Took a wonder to our local Evans in Victoria, the shop had about 3 MTBs in :P... All rather small!

    May have to head somewhere else for a test :(

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