Looking for a good bike to get off road

LB2

Hi, I am looking for a decent bike to get started on. Current bike is a hybrid but am looking for something for a bit more off-road. Have been looking at the Raleigh Freeride AT40, but would appreciate any other recommendations in similar price range (£300-400). Not bothered about rear suspension but would like it on the front. Also how do you feel about disc brakes?

Cheers,

LB :?

peter413

Have a look at the Carrera Kracken from Halfords. Not bad spec for 300 quid

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_518255_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#dtab

LB2

Cheers Peter will take a look next time I'm in there.

Phinx

www.paulscycles.co.uk - worth a look

churchygti

Hello,

i have been MBR now for a year and i still have my first bike it has been brilliant it is a specilized Hardrock and costs 280 new, i had the v brake model as i was un sure if i would enjoy mbr, now i know i do ill upgrade soon to a better model but for a first bike i would defo consider one off these.
p.s my friends have the halfords bikes and to be honest they all wish they had the specilized. just my thoughts tho hope this helps.

LB2

Cheers guys thanks for the continued advice - seems I need to do some more research.

Churchygti, can I assume from your signature you head over to Thetford regularly? If so, I would be interested in recommendations for good routes/trails around that area if you have any, or indeed around the Cambridge area.

Cheers

spudly1979

have to agree with churchygti, my mate upgraded his bike to a specialized hard rock pro. Really chuffed with it, and its easily coped with everything we've thrown at it - from local rides, berwyn mountains in wales, and trail centres!
Its a great bike for the money, and he blagged a set of upgrades - rockshox dart 3 forks, carbon handlebars and DMR pedals for £75 - so haggle!
If you want to spend a bit more, and believe me, its sooooo hard not to! Then i can heartily recommend the Giant Anthems - managed to blag a 2009 x3 model, with trade in of my old bike for £750 and to be blunt, its awesome!

Unclemonty121

I would agree with the Spec's comment, everyone I know who have had them have loved them. Also not sure of the base prices, but Boardmans get great reviews. I would also check out the other big brands or Merlin get some ok reviews as well.

You can also pick up some last years bikes for good prices.

If you are interested in something secondhand, I have a trek 6500 which is really great spec, only ridden a few times (5-6) properly off road if that. I'm looking for £400 but can change some of the spec (mainly just shifters, dreliur) and let it go for a bit less.

Details are here:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... 6#16020796

But also check out the other posts in teh classifieds as there are some great bikes at brilliant prices.

supersonic

The HR Pro is the pick of the Hardrocks, but £550 - but the others are a bit basic, and under specced next to the competition.

No doubt the Kraken has the best spec at this price.

Rich Hcp

I'd look at the Hardrock range for that money too, if you can get a disc version, then you;ll be fine

I don't kow anyone who's been displeased with a Hardrock

Make sure you get a bike that fits, its very important

jmillen

Can't go wrong with a Carrera Kraken, great bke for that kind of money. If you want to push your budget a bit more ou could start to look into Merlin's / Specialized

jmillen

Can't go wrong with a Carrera Kraken, great bke for that kind of money. If you want to push your budget a bit more ou could start to look into Merlin's / Specialized