I really havnt a clue!

ZoolPool

Hi All

I’m joining the world of mountain biking after managing to convince my girlfriend that mountain biking on a Sunday afternoon is a good idea! Thing is I've always been roadie and triathlete (You all hate me I know! :twisted: ) so my knowledge of road bikes is fine, but when it comes to mountain bikes I have no idea!

So looking to spend around £600 to £800 I seem to have so many bike choices I'm actually lost! :? I mean I have air or coil forks, which I cant seem to find a definitive answer of which is better, Different travel, Geometry is completely different, being race or comfort, Hydraulic brakes or not?! And you have brands that seem to get good reviews but don’t rate well in the road market!

My question is what do you recommend? And is there anything that I should look for/avoid?

So far I like the Cube Acid, Specialized Rockhopper, Boardman Comp, Cannondale Trail SL3 and Trek 6000

Thanks All!

Forgot to say: This bike will be used to start with of on very easy trails with no major challenges, but as I live close by it will be in Dalby forest soon enough so it will need to stand up well against proper off road!

weeksy59

well it's like this....

crap air forks are not as good as top coil forks... but top air forks are arguably better than top coils

most half decent spec bikes in your range willl have hydraulic brakes, although they only really matter when you get off the tow-paths and into the forest... Easy enough to upgrade to at a later date.

Of the list you have there, you can add things like the Commencal Premier, the Carrera Fury and some Decathlons for value... there's a couple of simillar threads on this page actually.

None of the above scream out as being bad bikes...