Newbie

pemps

Good afternoon everyone.

Apologies if this is posted in the wrong place, I'm as new to internet forums as I am to mountain bikes so please be gentle.

I was a keen runner but my knee is now knackered so I'm looking to get a bike on the ride2work scheme and we're limited to one shop, evans cycles. I live pretty close to a canal so it'll be mainly used to go along the tow paths but I hope to get some off roading in too and obviously a small amount of road riding just to get to the places I want to ride off road.

My budget is up to £450 maximum (really can't go any higher due to helmet, lights and various other bits and bats that I'll be needing).

The bikes I've seen and am interested in are as follows:

Felt Q620 2009
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fel ... e-ec017062

Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc 2010
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec019398

GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc 2009
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/ ... e-ec016366

Trek 4300 Disc 2010
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... e-ec019682

If I can spend less then that would be great but I really don't have much of a clue where to start. A pal of mine told me to get Hydraulic discs but these generally seem to be just out of my budget (Felt being the exception) and also to try and get lock out forks to make road riding a little easier.

Any other recommendations are appreciated.

supersonic

On paper the Felt, GT and Trek are the best value options. Note the GT has hydrailic discs too, and some places are selling that Trek with them as well!

I would visit the shop and try those three out, and maybe the Hardrock too.

skidzymagee

Nothing wrong with any of them . The treks are always good value , have a look round for a
earlier year model , you can get some excellent deals on 2008 / 2007 bikes

pemps

Thanks for the replies. I've managed to get to a shop to sit on a couple and I really liked the Felt and the GT. A quick look through the specs and there doesn't seem a great deal between them. Is this the case or am I missing something obvious?

Thanks again.

supersonic

The GT would seal it for me - better fork.

pemps

supersonic wrote:

The GT would seal it for me - better fork.

Cheaper too

Thanks for your advice supersonic.

cubby@cartorque

I'm currently selling a 2009 Trek 4300 D, only six months old in the matte black colour, in perfect condition .... looking for £300 if you are interested give me a shout ...