xc beginner bike £600?

johnny watterson

i've ridden dh for a few years now, but fancy having a go at the uphills to get fit. which bik would you say is the best available for around the £600 mark. I saw the Boardman mountain comp for £600 in halfords, but im abit wary about buying from halfords.


thanks for any help
john

artillerydave

got to be a Merlin, you would be hard pressed to get more bike for your money.

sparrowlegs78

Yet again...its gotta be a Merlin

The Spiderman

The top of the range Boardman has just got 10/10 in an MBR test of £1000 hardtails.Their road bikes have had very good reviews too.

The spec certainly looks good for the money.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/boardman_mtb_spec.pdf

johnny watterson

would you advise the extra £50 to go from the malt 1 to malt 2 if i was to go for the merlin?also roughly what size would you recommend? im 6'3"

supersonic

Yes, the 2 frame is lighter and more compliant (and better made)

sparrowlegs78

I have the Malt 2..its worth the extra money. I am 6ft 2" and mines a 19 " frame

supersonic

The thing I found with Merlin MALT frames is a relatively short top tube. The 18.5 size was probab;ly a little too small more me at 6ft. They seem to suit the ladies quite well, with their longer legs ans shorter bodies!

sparrowlegs78

I'm long allover but i find the top tube right for me.

supersonic

Sparrowlegs is quite apt, not a ounce of fat on you!

sparrowlegs78

i know...my cheddars diet isn't working lol

dunker

if you're a tall chap best to test ride, just under 5'9" 31 leg here, merlin 17" fits me like a glove

i'm not a laaaady heh

artillerydave

I would say a 19" would proberbly be spot on. Ive got a 18" Rock Lobster at 6'2" and it fits a treat.

Anonymous

dont write halfords off completely. the fury is a lot of bike for the money and looks like a bike worth loads more. also, have a look on ebay, 600 quid will buy you alot of bike indeed.

bullcross

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... ite%202008

Chaka Ping

The Boardman bikes are pretty good value, but I'd probably go with the Merlin Malt 2 as well - since it would come with a Reba (lighter fork than the Recon on the Boardman, frame roughly same quality).

Or have a look at their Merlin's sale bikes section, you could maybe stretch to a Rock Lobster and get a quality 853 steel frame with more of a parts bin spec for not a lot more.

dunker

a malt2 beats that focus into oblivion on spec i reckon.

johnny watterson

i may have to go on a day trip to lancashire, think its just over an hour from where im at in liverpool, going to be riding it over in the isle of man though when im home for easter and summer. might even get a better deal face to face!

sparrowlegs78

You can be in Leyland in about an hour from Liverpool, the Hubby comes from Liverpool (Huyton) and we can get from Blackburn to Huyton in about 50 mins non peak.
get yaself up here, its worth the trip to go to Merlin