£300, GT outpost, Hardrock or something else?

Mith

Well, this will be a highly original post but any advice would be good. I've got up to around £300 to spend on a mountain bike and I'm just looking for osmething fairly entry level, not doing anything too serious. The LBS only sell barracuda bikes so that's not really great and its a long way to another so ordering online may be the only way to get something good.

I'm torn between the GT and hardrock at the moment, is one massively better than the other? I know the bike buying guide thing lists the GT only but I'm never sure how definitive those are. If nyone can help that would be great :P .

Paul 8v

My friend has one of these
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499
and he loves it, he's had to upgrade a few bits as they've worn out but it does do about 30 miles a day and he never maintains it (you know who you are!)

jayson

I ride a vulcan after my other bike was nicked and from day one it surprised me how much it felt like a 'proper' bike. I was expectin plastic this and sloppy that but its just not, it really is a great bike for the money if ur just startin out in the game.

Ive not ridden the spesh or gt but the vulcan is a great bike and the frame is ripe for upgrades as and when u want/need to.

prawny

I'm thinking of selling my Saracen Dirttrax disc if you're near the midlands. I hardly ever get the chance to use it.

Muckypup

Having owned Specialized and GTs I would definately recommend the Specialzed. I currently have a Rockhopper in my collection and the missus has recently bought a Hardrock having tried various others and she loves it.

You really can't go wrong with a Specialized. The quality of their bikes is fantastic

And no I don't work for Specialized, its just my opinion

cheehee

For your budget I'd be looking on ebay or the classifieds on here mate.

You'd get a nice hardtail for that, especially at this time of year.

Cheehee

missmarple

The vulcan, for the money is an outstanding starter bike - I had one before my current bike; I still have the frame, shame I have no cash to build it into a commuter as it would be superb!

Its all down to personal choice, go into your LBS and see what fits best for you.

nonnac85

I had a Spesh Hardrock and Id still be riding it is if hadnt been nicked.
It was a great starter bike - tough enough to take all the hits a beginner can sometimes inflict on a bike but I never felt I had 'outgrown it' as I started to improve.

DirtCharger

Another vote for the Hardrock
Got one about 6months ago, and still loving it!

The only thing i did for the first 3months of having it was change the grips & pedals to some LS Peatys & V8 copies.

As you get more skilled you can upgrade parts easily and have a very capable bike.

supersonic

The GT is better equppied, that is for sure, but the Hardrock is a shade lighter I believe.