£600 buying advice please?

DannyUK

Hi all,

This is my first post, and wanted to say Hi + maybe get some advice..

I have a budget of £600 cash to get my first Mountain Bike (quality one anyway) I have had Mountain Bikes before but always cheap (Sub £200) for run arounds.

I am hoping to get my next one for Cross Country / Trail riding.

I feel I am in a funny area, having read other posts, as I could buy a good entry Brand New Hard Tail such as Rockhopper SL, Trek 4500 Disc, Giant Revel 0. (All of which were recomended by the local shop).

BUT my question is, would it be worth while buying secondhand a Full Suspension? As on eBay and on Forums I see them go for sround the £600/£700 mark?

And it seems most of the people at the Local Mountain Bike group have Full Suspensions?

Locally there is a Sale of a Giant Reign 3 2009 for £450 in good condition. And also I have seen on eBay a Giant Trance 3 2009 that I believe sell for around £500 and also a Stumpjumper 2006 for £450.. are these any good?

Sorry for long first post! Any help would be appreciated..

Danny

aguesty1

Anything that is up to 24 months old would be ok for the money IMO. As for the hardtails that you mention, have a look at the second hand hardtails such as a boardman pro, the boardmans always get very good reviews.

supersonic

Do you know much about bikes? If not, buying 2nd hand can throw up some problems ie fit, condition, servicing, no warranty and can cost if it needs bits replacing.

If not, a shop will help you get the right fit and ensure it is set up correctly.

For £600 have a look at the Carrera Fury.

DannyUK

Thanks for your replies, I appreciate it..

Will take a look at the Boardmans..

Have spoke to my Local Bike shop, and they said a Medium oin Full Sus and a 17" if hardtail, also explained that if I buy econd hand they have given me servicing prices, and seem reasonable.

supersonic

Your local bikeshop is talking absolute rubbish and should be ashamed. Don't go back!

Sizing varies dramatically between models and brands ie how they are measured. Plus more than one measurement. There is absolutey NO WAY you can pigeon hole yourself into a certain listed size.

bellys

as sonic said a good bike shop should has told you the sizing between diff brands all change Boardman seem a small frames to me im 5ft11 and ride a 20inc boardman HT but my merida full-sus is 18inc as i lke more room on my bouncy bike...

have a look at http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/
Halfords are doing VooDoo Borkor for not much more.
im a big fan of boardman very good kit of the price but dont be put of by decathlon bikes there also very good for the money.

DannyUK

Ahhh.. Well I will be going to Cycle Reveloution this week who seem to have good quality staff there.. Will have a good chat with them.

The local shop I have been in did to be fair seem more interested in Road Bikes, and didnt have much time for me..

I am liking the Rockhopper the more I see it..

bellys

Rockhopper is a nice bike but dont forget to try as many diff bikes as poss before you spend the cash.