Bike Brands

nickbrookes1991
nickbrookes1991 Posts: 2
edited April 2010 in MTB buying advice
Hi I am new to this site just joined up today and thinking about getting into mountain biking and was just wondering what brands are good for beginners what brand make to avoid, and what you all though of the brand make apollo.
Thank You For Any Help
Nicholas

Comments

  • Pudseyp
    Pudseyp Posts: 3,514
    Hi Nick....don't want to sound a snob but the more you spend the better you will get. If your just starting out whatever you do, do not get a full suspension bike for less than £200....steer clear of Apollo they are just cr*p and will brake in no time. If you are on a tight budget, go for a hardtail (front suspension) as you will get a better spec for your money. A Carrara Vulcan is a good start you can get the V Brake version for £269 and the Disc for £299..I would go for the disc.

    If this is out of your budget...then save !! as if you spend less than this you will be replacing bits on your Apollo that have broken..usually in a few weeks.

    Also check you local rag and ebay...as sometimes you may get a bargain
    Tomac Synper 140 Giant XTC Alliance 1
    If the world was flat, I wouldn't be riding !
  • butcher of bakersfield
    butcher of bakersfield Posts: 1,233
    Got to agree with Pudsey. The Vulcan is a cracking bike and a massive leap from the bikes sitting around in the cheapy corner (some almost as expensive as the Vucan!)

    Failing that, ebay. But it's good to know what you're looking for, and a little knowledge of bike maintenance may well be handy.
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Pudseyp wrote:
    do not get a full suspension bike for less than £200....

    Make that about £900.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Some 500 quid ones are fine. Even a couple of 300 quid ones.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Quirrel
    Quirrel Posts: 235
    What I realised today was when I went to pick up my bargain 220 quid Carrera Vulcan Disk spec from Halfords, that it was actually going to be quite difficult to lug it onto the roof of my car.

    I have been really spoiled with my old Fire Mountain and realised that to get the same sort of weight is going to mean spending a bit more. Not too happy about that, but it's more appealing than herniating my back again.

    I don't have a clue how much heavier it was, but it was significant enough for me to walk away from a cheap deal and I'm a miserable tight walleted sod at the best of times.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Depends on the spec, but maybe 5lbs difference?

    To get a bike below 30lbs you are going to have to spend more than 600 quid really.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Quirrel
    Quirrel Posts: 235
    supersonic wrote:
    Depends on the spec, but maybe 5lbs difference?

    To get a bike below 30lbs you are going to have to spend more than 600 quid really.

    I would say that was a fair estimate on the weight difference. To me it was the difference between picking it up and over head height easily and picking it up but having to overstretch muscles which have a habit of popping out of place on me., painfully.

    Lad in the shop was trying to entice me with a Boardman, but for now I will sit down and work out the real cost of upgrading my bike and buying new.
  • butcher of bakersfield
    butcher of bakersfield Posts: 1,233
    I wouldn't say the Vulcan is a heavy bike by any means. The GFs is lighter than my Fury, I'm pretty sure. But of course, if you're used to super light bikes, it's going to be a big step down. For a beginner, not knowing the difference, it's pretty good. I think the Vulcan is an awesome bike given the price of a lot of bikes these days. Compared to what I rode on and off for ten years it may as well be a pro spec all mountain bike.
  • Quirrel
    Quirrel Posts: 235
    butcher of bakersfield wrote:
    I wouldn't say the Vulcan is a heavy bike by any means. The GFs is lighter than my Fury, I'm pretty sure. But of course, if you're used to super light bikes, it's going to be a big step down. For a beginner, not knowing the difference, it's pretty good. I think the Vulcan is an awesome bike given the price of a lot of bikes these days. Compared to what I rode on and off for ten years it may as well be a pro spec all mountain bike.

    My current bike is a 2004 Kona Fire Mountain, not super light weight, but light enough for my needs - other than the fact that it's a bit knackered :cry:

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