What bike for £500-650

Caphel
Caphel Posts: 4
edited February 2010 in MTB buying advice
I have not ridden in a good long time and am looking to get back into riding. I am looking for an all purpose type bike, one that can do a little of everything.

My budget is £500-650, what would you recommend?

Thanks.

Comments

  • SpeedWeasel
    SpeedWeasel Posts: 73
    I'll try and get in before anyone else...

    Depending on what you really want it for but the Carerra Fury http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_518245_langId_-1_categoryId_165499 at £550 it is unbeatable value and can still be had today with 20% off making if £439.99. Top rated bike by WMB - check out the review on this site - http://www.bikeradar.com/beginners/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/fury-10-35495

    I asked the same question as you and also have a lot of MTB experience in the past. I've spent a good long while mulling this over and it just cannot be beaten. I've also put my money where my mouth is and purchased one - I pick it up tonight...

    If you want to push the top end of your budget look at the bikes from KHS and Edinborough cycles...

    I'm sure many more will answer your question
    The Fury
    The Heckler
  • Caphel
    Caphel Posts: 4
    It does seem like a bit of a bargain at £439.99. Any idea of how long the 20% off offer is running for. I would like to get in to the shop and try it out.
  • reptilian
    reptilian Posts: 13
    The offer ends today/tonight.
  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    You might be able to reserve one today, but still pay the discounted price if/when you buy it.
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • Caphel
    Caphel Posts: 4
    Wow, quick decision time then. Any idea what frame size I would need. I am 6’1 so probably right on the borderline between the 18” and 20”.
  • reptilian
    reptilian Posts: 13
    I'm 5"10 and tried an 18" in halfords and it was fine for me so probably a 20" would do you. Might be worth going in to try though if you can.
  • darcy81
    darcy81 Posts: 1
    I'm 6' 1" and tried one out in Halfords yesterday. The 20" was spot on. Ordered it last night and picking it up on Wednesday. Also getting 6% Quidco as I clicked through them to get to Halfords.

    Looking forward to getting back into mountain biking after a brief spell on the road.
  • SpeedWeasel
    SpeedWeasel Posts: 73
    I'm 6' and a bit - 34" inside leg. I've tried both the 20 and the 18. I wasn't sure at first about the 20 but the 18 definitely comes up too small. I would say 20" would be perfect for you.

    If you reserve today you can go and pick-up/pay at your convenience, meaning if you don't like it when you there you could just walk away.

    I get mine in 3 hours - cannot wait...
    The Fury
    The Heckler
  • reptilian
    reptilian Posts: 13
    Give us your first hands on thoughts speedweasel :)
  • SpeedWeasel
    SpeedWeasel Posts: 73
    Picked up my shiny new Fury last night from the Aston branch of Halfords. I must say that during my time trying to decide on what bike to buy, the difference between different Halfords stores is marked. However, both the staff at Ashton and also at the big Halfords in Leicester were both excellent.

    I've checked over the bike and everything that should be tight is and all the gears are working as they should - that said, I've only managed a few laps around the car park.

    I have to say I am absolutely delighted so far, the bike looks the business and I can't wait to get some mud under the wheels this weekend.

    I'll post some pics as soon as possible and I'm already itching to personalise it a little - I'm thinking brown Charge Spoon saddle, matching brown chainstay guard and brown lock on grips.
    The Fury
    The Heckler

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