Searched forums, now after advice

munse

Work is opening its cycle to work scheme window at the start of the financial year and I have to decide on a bike asap. After a MTB but then buying a set of road tyres as well.

My background is that I used to do a lot of social road biking until my bike was stolen, but done practically nothing for the past 5 years but since moving to the Dales I want to start getting active again.

Budget is around £400 but ideally this would include a helmet, road tyres and a lock.

Have seen in the WHAT hardtail thread - the Giant Boulder mentioned at £250ish (the Decathlon one is not part of the scheme sadly). Also considering the Giant Boulder Disc (£295) and Specialized Hardrock Sport (£295).

My local bike shops also stock the Trek 4300, GT Avalanche 3.0 and Specialized hardrock Sport Disc (£330-360).

Realistically, will just be going on forestry commission trails/canal paths/bridleways

Any tips as to what to look for gratefully received.

robmanic1

Hi munse, any chance your "local shop, for local people", will let you try before you buy? Definitely the best way to choose a bike, for what it's worth the GT gets great reviews, but you need to decide which feels the best for you.

munse

Sadly most of the shops are quite small, so have to order bikes in. Some have my size but a lot don't. They all say they can order in once I order vouchers and if the time comes I see it and don't like it there is nothing to force me to buy it - but they are not keen to increase stock till they know I am getting something.

supersonic

WOuld you be better with a hybrid?

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Commencal Normal for £225 or £250 at Merlin (depending on '08 or '09 model and your size)?

Comes with the XCR fork, option to upgrade brakes from v to disc in future as hubs are disc ready...