Trusted bike makers/brads/makes

kerb

I'm looking to buy a new bike soon and just wondering what make is always trusted to be a good strong and reliable bike, i currently have a specialized hardrock sport and i'm looking to spend about £500 on a good second hand back for the mountains and rocky lanes/down hilling.
I'm a begginer just fancy a nice bike?
So what brands can i count on? specialized ? trek ? etc
Any help appreciated

andrewjoseph

One you find comfortable and has the equipment you want.

I like full suss marins, for their quad link suspension and bearing replacement more than anything else.

Try several other brands but don't be sold on brand only.

Don't forget warranty, some brands only give a year on the frame, others give up to 5 years.

Marin replaced my 5 yr old mount vision frame for an 09 frame last summer.

Sorry, you mentioned second hand, forget about warranty.

diy

Since you are looking at used, I would add boardman to the usual list. They depreciate faster than the main stream brands probably due to the halfords own brand image, which makes them worth a look used.

I'd also add Marin, Whyte, Kona and cube to the list. I'd hesitate to include Orange, because they go for silly money used.