Narrow down my (long) shortlist

leehaynes

After loads of advice i have a list of possible bikes that i could buy within my budget, i'm just not sure which is best bang for buck.

It'd be really helpful if you could help me come to a decision. I realise that i've got to go and test these out bu wanted a shortlist of three at the most.

cheers

Lee

nicklouse

So which have you actually tried?

leehaynes

none yet, thats the thing, i want to be able to go and try the 3 or 4 bikes that have the best equipment for my money and hopefully this poll will help me achieve that,

cheers

Lee

The Spiderman

On this budget,I`d be looking at the bikes nearer the £25O mark,like the GT,Carrera and Hardrock.

TheRevOlutionary

For that budget i'd be looking at bikes with a decent frame and forks, and then upgrading the brakes if you can further down the line. I'd try the Specialized definately. From recent experience looking at 'lower-end' MTBs dont go cable disc, buy either v-brake or hydro if the budget willl stretch.

leehaynes

cheers for the response so far guys I think i'm leaning toward the Specialized or the Avalanche so far.

www.leisurelakesbikes.com stock them both and they've got a shop fairly close to me so i can go and try them.

leehaynes

Anyone else fancy choosing the best? Only had 7 votes so far.

TheRevOlutionary

My vote is in when I put my list up last week it took a good few days for the votes to come rolling in, and only once i'd actually bought a Felt did more than 8 vote...think there's now 20 odd votes!

RockyHopperShow

The Decathlon gets a very good review from Bikeradar. The Giants, Vulcan, Hardrock have the same Suntour budget fork which lets them down although fair enough for the price I suppose. Not sure about the Saracen, Decathlon or Claud Butlers to be honest. No - I think for this sort of budget I'd want a no-nonsense bike that isn't going to have a fork that is constantly and annoyingly "bottoming-out" and therefore would suggest the Subway 1 if you stick knobblies on it for off-road. Then, just to make things easier, you can test ride the Vulcan and the GT Aggressor 3 (similar-ish to the Avalanche) at Halfords all at the same time, just to be sure. Hope this helps..

leehaynes

thanks Rocky, useful advice

haggisonwheels

What are you going to use the bike for ?

I ride a Specialized hardrock sport. its the v-brake version. with it comming up to winter I would recommend forking out an extra £50 for the disc version, the v-brakes just dont cut it when things get a bit wet and muddy.

if you take the v-brake version like I did then want to upgrade to discs later you then need to buy new wheels as the hubs wont take discs. gonna cost more than £50 for that!

its a bit on the heavy side but that might be a blessing in disguise! get used to lugging it up hills and then when you upgrade to something lighter then you will be like a rocket!

dont recommend doing jumps on the fork (well, some small ones will be fine), jumped on it from about 4-5 feet up landing on a slope, back wheel touched down 1st and the front slammed down real hard, i bottomed them out pretty hard and my left elbow was pretty sore from the shock! Going to upgrade the wheels and brake on mine then get a new fork.

in my opinion tho its a great bike if your just getting into mountain biking. cant say anything for the others as i have never ridden any of them.

edit: was my own error in the jump that caused me the pain, if your a better skilled jumper than me you might be alright

leehaynes

thanks haggis, most of the time the i'll be cycling on roads and brideways etc. so nothing to demanding at all. I definately won't be attempting any 4ft jumps just yet :shock:

My mind is split at the moment though, as much as i like the Hardrock, the discs of the Avalanche are temping me towards that.

RockyHopperShow

With that in mind (I should have asked what you were going to use it for - doh!) I don't think you will be disappointed with any of the bikes from the major manufacturers. The Spesh is good but considered a little heavy but that might not neccessarily be an issue for you. But a GT at this price should be easily good enough for your needs. Your main concern will be a comfortable fit. You don't need high-end kit for light trails and bridleways to enjoy yourself.

leehaynes

thanks RHS

supersonic

The Vulcan really stands out at this money - I'd definitely shortlist it. Has a great fork for the price.