Didn't want to ask but need advice please

Guss-81

OK. I use to ride all the time, not XC but I rode everywhere and occassionally messed around (as we all did once) Then I passed my driving test 11 years ago and did'nt ride again untill about 2 months ago. I remember now how much I enjoyed it and want to get into something a little more fun.

I started off looking for places to ride around Swindon, Wilts and quickly relised that I needed to decide what type of riding I want to do. I'm not really into rideing for the views. It needs to be for a purpose or to get the addrenilin flowing. So with that in mind I will probally be mainly riding to work (in the dry) and occassionally xc routes with plenty of single track/ technical sections. I have no problem loading the car to get to them either.

I'm riding my old ralye M-Trax 1500 at the monent. It was quite good in its day but it's a little outdated now. Now I don't know if I'm getting a bit of an old fart now but I don't remember my bike being so uncomfortable. It is a fully ridged mined so it's time for a new one.

I don't want to spend loads on a new bike but at the same time I don't want I pile of crap. I've spent about 2 weeks looking at various buyers guides and "which bike threads" but I'm torn. I quite like the thought of the comfort and more forgiving ride of full suspension (I'm ammature at best) but have read so many "don't but a cheep full suss bike" threads

I quite like the Decathlon bikes.
For someone that will only ride hard offroad occassionally do you think the rockrider 6.3 will relliably do the job?
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-6-3-34963775/
Or should I forget full sus and get the 5.3
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-3-34963817/
Of course I could push myself to the 8.1 but it would be at the edge of my limit.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-8-1-66759353/

Bearing in mind that I'm a part time biker at the mo and would want something comfortable (for a bike) what would you advise? If I do get into it more seriously I would upgrade to a new bike in about 2 years anyway.

I'm open to sugesstions as well.
Sorry I've gone on abit.
Cheers

supersonic

The full susser is excellent value, but is heavy and I don't expect the shock will last too long.

The 8.1 is an award winning bike for vlaue, aI'd certainly go and try one for size. Great fork.

keirtristan

The Decathlon bikes get good reviews:

http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/6433

Last months Mountain Biking UK had a group test on the best £400 - £500 hardtails. The following bikes wer reviewed:

Genesis Core 00
Iron Horse 1.X
Cube Attention
Felt Q520

The Iron Horse was cheapest at £400 and won the group test as despite being a little heavier it had better forks than the other 3. Also the Cube has gone up to about £600 now.

Also worth considering though is the Genesis Core 20, it might be stretching your budget but it can ben picked up for £550 (at Square Wheels or get Evans to price match). I got one last week and it's a great bike and a great price.

I personally would not buy a full sus at the price you're looking at.

bellys

i have had 2 Decathlon bikes i can not fault them my last one was the 6.3 it is a heavy bike (front forks are heavy but the frame is not too bad) but very good fun coming down the hills after a long climb this is a good bike for the cash had mine 8mth and only thing wrong was rear shock blow (my fault 4ft drop offs and jumping it) but they changed it with out asking any questions.
also had the model a early model 5.3 about 6yrs ago and its still going to day forks were poo but the rest of the bike was spot on.

iv just gone back to a hard tail (merlin malt1) every thing that was on the 6.3 (parts) as gone on to the malt1 as i got only the frame.

hope this helps 6.3 or the 8.1 ???? my cash 8.1 but its what you like goto the store they will let you test ride them find what is right for you.