After some advice

fat_homer

Hi, I'm new here and to bikes in general, but could do with some help!! I know the question has been asked loads of times but I've got upto £500ish and need a new bike! The riding will be some on road but mainly gravel paths and some light off road. If I get really into it, there may well be more off road on some proper trails. I'm not entirely sure what sort of MTB would best suit and not sure how you would distinguish between the different sorts. So far i've looked at the following:

ScottScale 70:
http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/products. ... m1b0s2p527

Specialized Bikes Rockhopper (in Red)
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkMode ... anguage=US

Genesis Core 10:
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/index.php ... _bike=TRUE

and if considered worth the extra £30 the Cube Acid:
http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/ACI ... .htm#anker

I know the best way is to go have a look and try th bikes out but some advice and maybe some further options would be much appreciated!

supersonic

Generally the bikes you see at this price are designed for you average trails and XC - say 100mm suspension fork, 27 gears, usually disc brakes, fairly relaxed but efficient riding position. That is the case with all the above except the Scott - that is just a little more 'racier' (head down, stretched, arse in the air!) with a lighter overall weight.

Trya few out if you can. Light is good, but the riding position of the others may suit you better for more demanding terrain.

toslow

Anything specialized make is great in my opinion . They tend to use the same frame in the higher spec rockhopper so would be worth upgrading in time .
To be honest your choice is huge at this price bracket . Have a look at a carrera fury at your nearest, dare i say it halfords . Some of there staff may be muppets but your not buying them . It has a good frame with a pretty good component package.

Baz C

Being new to mtb'ing myself i was unsure of which bike to buy and the guys on here gave me some great advice , I decided to opt for the Cube Attention over the Genesis as the riding position was not as comfortable imo.The Cube bikes should definetely not be overlooked as i was very surprised and vey impressed with them (bit of a dodgy lockout fork tho but still more than capable of handling what i've used it for).


MAKING DECISIONS IS A NIGHTMARE

fat_homer

Thanks for the help guys, going to visit a few local shops next weekend and hopefully come to a decision then. Which of the bikes I mentioned in my first post has the best spec? And I've had a look at the Cube Attention, it's certainly nice looking!

Larok

If your OK with buying online and £550 with delivery this has better spec components over all those other bikes;

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

fat_homer

Thanks for everyones help, but after going to a few shops over the weekend i could do with some more. I sat on and rode 4 or 5 dirrerent bikes and to be honest they all felt the same. I then started looking online and found this, Giant Xtc 3.5 which looks like a good deal, is it a good bike for the money? only problem is i won't be able to try it out

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b4s2p1265

and i also came across the Boardman Comp in halfords which is over budget but looked really nice and the sales man told me it was really good value, but then he would! Is it worth the extra cash, if i can find it?

MrKawamura

The Boardman bikes are kown for their value for money and people on here generally give them the thumbs up, so is probably worth the extra money.

The Giant on offer is a good deal, provided you like the bike - if you are looking online without trying the bike, you might as well look at Merlin and/or Focus - these two brands offer exceptional VFM.

Larok

the boardman is ace!