Please, can you provide an insight?

pedal-pony

Hello MTBikers!


I have recently become interested in off-road / mountain biking and trails.
I own a really old Raleigh Max which has been my trusty steed since I was 11.

I would like to start going further with more off-road/trails/hilly rides - but my old bike frame is far too heavy and to be honest I feel the 15 inch frame is a bit on the small side now!

Im a young 20 something female, biking around 4-5 miles daily for fun and pleasure.
What I am looking for is a front suspension bike that will tackle some of the harder going hills and off-road rides. Just joined a MTB society at University and would like to take my bike away on days out/ holidays / trails around country and wales ventures etc.

I have a few Bikes that I am interested in:

would anyone be able to offer their opinions on these bikes? has anyone ever owned or ridden one?

would they suit a 5.4ft female looking to take the bike out on country trails/off roading but also a little on road work (to work etc)?

thanks for your help....

looking forward to hearing the response.
I know bike radar also believe the VULCAN is a good entry level choice.

Although I am a 'beginner' as such... I dont want to buy an entry level bike..only to replace/upgrade in a year when I am confident / taking the interest further.

HERE ARE THE BIKE'YS

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p1486&z=1707

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 422&z=1640

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 725&z=1965

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 423&z=1810

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 487&z=1708

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... p720&z=816

THIS IS THE ONE I PARTICULARLY LIKE:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p1547&z=2151

THANKS EVERYONE.

Pedal-pony girl

Rich Hcp

You need to get to a bike shop and try some!

I'd avoid buying on line unless you know, or know someoe who knows what they are doing.

There's also the Spez Rockhopper, that can be upgraded to disc brakes later.

The frame and fit are the most important thing on your budget, you want a bike that can be upgraded, then you can upgrade in a year or two, if that's what you want.
Dependent on budget, needs etc.

There is quite a budget range with those!

The last one looks ok, don't be blinded by it, make sure it fits etc and you'll be fine

grumsta

The Kona or the Giant Terrago look alright. You probably dont want to hear this but if you can spend a bit more money you could get something really good with hydraulic disks and a really decent fork - like this http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=129

dombo6

Take a look also at the Specialized Hardrock, great frame, well within budget and can be upgraded:

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/c ... &x=33&y=11

But as others have said, try a few and get one that fits and feels comfortable.

Wooohooo!

Agree with "Dombo6"!

rackgaki

i picked up a hardrock 06 mech disc proper cheap as my first proper mountain i do like it but (dunno about new one) mine ways a ton