what kind of bike to buy??

mentalpatient123

Hi, i am fairly new here and want to ask you for some help

I cycle across 2 large fields and over several Suffolk hills to work on Saturdays (student job),
I also do some XC and trail riding at weekends.

I have grown out of my Gt avalanche 3.o and hate the brakes, forks and general uncomfortable ride.

Now what do i do?? I need an MTB with at least a 20in frame with at least front suss

Do i go Hardtail with another avalanche maybe a 2.0 or 1.0 disc,

Or do i go full suss with a 2005/6 model that was £800 and now £400ish??

I have found this bike: http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id32657.html

Is it any good?? also should i go £500 hardtail or £500 reduced Full Suss??

Basically if you can find any good deals for a Full Suss at about £500 with at least a 20in frame then please help also any comments on the bike in the link above please

(I might buy onroad tyres for commuting)


Thanks in advance



Will

wheelbuckler

I've just bought an avalanche 2 and I think its great. Best thing to do is try and ride it first, best way of making your mind up

supersonic

Its best to try them for size if you can. They all vary brand to brand.

Some good deals on older bikes, but the kona is heavy, and has a crap fork. A hardtail will be lighter and have better components.

mentalpatient123

I realised that the fork might be a bit pants, but, i can upgrade and i probably will end up upgrading bits and bobs, most people do anyway.

so i dont really mind about the fork as i will probably replace it come 6 months time, i am more interested in the frame and general drivetrain like gears and brakes etc. because they will cost more to replace than the fork will!

So the kona kikapu seems ok to me, but should i get the avalanche 1.0 and save for a full suss frame??

supersonic

Hoe about this?

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... Suspension

mentalpatient123

That looks nice, and it would complete my family's GT collection (me, my brother and parents all have GT's!!)

But how big is a medium frame?? I think it should be ok for a 6" height rider but i think i am 6"2!

I like the look of it, but i think i will browse the web for a large frame one, unless someone tells me a med will fit me!

had a look earlier and found this:
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/index ... 0&brandID=

Thanks for the help supersonic!!

also is the mongoose otero's shock system pants or is it the actual rear shock, because nearly everyone hates it and i was wondering if a slightly more expensive bike with the same shock set-up will still be rubbish.


Thanks for the help so far,


Will