Hi all, need help choosing MTB..

nick_1871
nick_1871 Posts: 24
edited September 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi all, been having a look around and seems a pretty good place to be!

I'm after a new MTB, not really sure which one though as I seem to change my mind every day. Budget is around £350 for a new bike, did think about buying used but i'm a little worried it may have problems.. Ideally i'd like the following -

Nice light frame
100mm lockable forks
Hydraulic disc brakes
18" frame
Able to take a bit of punishment on trails aswell as comfortable on the road

I realise I may have to up the budget a bit. Most seem to have either decent lockable forks or hydraulic brakes, not both :?

All info much appreciated.. :D

Comments

  • strodey
    strodey Posts: 481
    i've seen some 08 Giant XTC 4.5 bikes which would fit your description for as little as £400!
    Shop around as now is the time to get great bargains on 08 models in the sale to clear ready for 09 models on the way in!
    Carbon is a mans best freind
  • xtreem
    xtreem Posts: 2,965
    A few bikes that fit your description:

    Saracen Trace 1 2008
    Scott Aspect 45 2008
    GT Avalanche 2.0
    NS Bikes Eccentric Alu custom - 2016
  • nick_1871
    nick_1871 Posts: 24
    strodey wrote:
    i've seen some 08 Giant XTC 4.5 bikes which would fit your description for as little as £400!
    Shop around as now is the time to get great bargains on 08 models in the sale to clear ready for 09 models on the way in!

    Cheers, looks like it ticks all the boxes, where have you seen them for £400?
  • nick_1871
    nick_1871 Posts: 24
    Xtreem wrote:
    A few bikes that fit your description:

    Saracen Trace 1 2008
    Scott Aspect 45 2008
    GT Avalanche 2.0

    Thanks, more to consider!
  • sc999cs
    sc999cs Posts: 596
    Carrera Kraken from Halfords £430 has lock out and hydraulic brakes - may be able to get extras or a discount?
    Steve C
  • hairy_boy
    hairy_boy Posts: 345
    I got a Giant Terrago and think its a great bike - its got a bit more relaxed geometry than the XTC4.5 I think.

    The Terrago has hydraulic discs, 100mm lockout fork (Suntour XCR I think) and Deore front and rear mechs.

    It generally feels like a very solid, quality bike and I wouldn't say it was heavy. Worth a look in the flesh as looking at pictures it looks very black/white - in the flesh the rear of the frame is actually a metallic rich brown - very classy IMHO.

    List price was £425, most dealer would discount to less than £400 if you asked for their best price and end of season sales you should get one for your £350 budget I would think.
  • nick_1871
    nick_1871 Posts: 24
    Well I paid a bit more and got a Kona Blast Deluxe in black. Nearly bought a Hardrock pro but felt the Kona was a little bit nicer.. Had a quick go and got sore bum already! Padded shorts next on the list, oh and a helmet! Was riding along and overtook a Police cyclist , though he was going to pull me over for speeding and not wearing a helmet, then realised it's not compulsory! :D

    Will be heading out to find some tracks soon..
  • hairy_boy
    hairy_boy Posts: 345
    Enjoy your new bike Nick !
  • sc999cs
    sc999cs Posts: 596
    Have fun!
    Steve C

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