New to Forum - want to ride again - whats best?

tricky_dicky

Hi Everyone

Firstly 'Hello' - new to the forums (though been reading posts for a while). Im 25 and used to ride from age 14 - 21. My previous bikes were Giant Boulder (1997) Kona Nunu (1999) and a Marin Wolf Ridge (2003). The only bike I have ridden recently was a mates Giant Reign 3 about a year or so ago. I really want to get riding again (previously Leckhampton Hill area in Cheltenham, Forest of Dean and a couple of trips to Afan). Want a bit of an all rounder and full sus to suit 5ft 11 (previous wolf ridge was a 17.5") May have upto £800 to spend - dont mind 2nd hand...

Wondered what people though of this http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2008

Then i would just need to find people to ride with!

Cheers in advance

Rich

supersonic

Looks pretty good value. But buying mail order usually means no way of trying it out or sizing it up.

The Halfords Boardman bikes arew good value.

tricky_dicky

The Boardman comp? spec doesn't look too bad - would i not be better off getting a more expensive bike with money off though? Still will get down to my local bikehut this wkend to see if there are any about. Any other recommendations?

supersonic

Our What Hardtail thread has some popular models.

There are some good bargains and reductions to be had, but not much value if it doesn't fit otr you don't like the ride ;-)

tricky_dicky

thats the prob - i dont live near wiggle or winstanleys! One thought is to build a bike from 2nd hand - i know what size reign frame to go for based on riding my mates bike - i know roughly what cockpit gear id like etc. I think id want a full susser over a hardtail if i can only have one bike - my wolf ridge was immense (though seems a bit over kill now!).

Otherwise I have Noahs Ark and Leisurelakes locally i guess i could pop to!

newborn

Might be better looking on eBay if you want a full susser for £800. I think for that money a brand new full suspension will be heavy and you'll probably start spending loads on upgrades. I've seen some crackers on ebay whilst looking for one for my brother.

tricky_dicky

any more ideas??

Any other people have experience of the Norcos?

Or know what would be best 2nd hand?

tricky_dicky

*bump*

any recommendations on 2nd hand ones to look for?

tricky_dicky

no pont in starting a new thread so bump again:

looked at the boardman and its not for me (nwot against halfords - worked in bikehut part time when at uni and trying to get gf to buy a vulcan).

Emailed about the Norco Faze 3 as interested but wanted a different fork (air over coil as 16 stone and trying to lose weight so want adjustability) however was told itd cost me bike price plus fork price plus fitting....

Looking still at secondhand reigns and wolf ridges (like i had previously). Was also interested in the Felt Compulsion at Wiggle but couldnt stretch to the £999 (£880 just about but not discounting again).

Anymore advice on bikes? Short of buying a number of back issues of bike mags - need bikeradar to provide sections on trail bikes/dh/xc etc to search through otherwise its tricky knowing whats what!

supersonic

Have a look at Mongoose Teocalis

tricky_dicky

nice kit on the mongoose but didnt get a good review by a bikeradar member...

supersonic

Which one?

tricky_dicky

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... e-08-30454

Although the Super and Comp reviews are better...

Trying to get hold of a Reign - tbh i think its the one my heart wants