Beginner bike - £250-£400

gaff3rs1234
gaff3rs1234 Posts: 5
edited October 2011 in MTB buying advice
I am new to mountain biking and have a old saracen buzz, that i got when i was 11, im now 13 and looking to get a bit more serious about mtb. It will be mostly for trail, and a bit of dh, also a bit of general riding :) i have been looking at the specialized hardrock sport disc, and a few other bikes, but you would know better than me. Preferably 80mm+ of travel (fork), disc brakes and 21-speed. I dont really care if it is full-sus or a hardtail, but i am guessing most suggestions will be hardtails, within this price range :) thanks

Comments

  • Guyred
    Guyred Posts: 12
    Ive had a hardrock for 11 years now and its still going despite the all round abuse i throw at it? im having a look at the Carrera banshee at halfords tomorow at £359 till monday but not sure itll live upto the specialized quality im after!
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Believe me, the Carreras are higher quality than entry level Hardrocks these days!

    But the new kid on the budget block is Decathlon:

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-53 ... 68118.html

    Hydraulic fork, 27 gears and some decent parts make it the standout bike at this money. There is a £400 version with hydro discs too, but harder to get hold of.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • gaff3rs1234
    gaff3rs1234 Posts: 5
    sorry not very good at this stuff, what is a hydraulic fork, how does it differ to spring or air?
  • bennett_346
    bennett_346 Posts: 5,029
    gaff3rs1234 wrote:
    sorry not very good at this stuff, what is a hydraulic fork, how does it differ to spring or air?
    Oil damped instead of elastomer, much much better and consistent damping so the fork wont feel like a half broken pogo stick.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Decent forks use a coil spring or an air spring (so 'spring or air' makes no sense), but suspension needs damping (your Parents car has a 'shock absorber as well as a spring - right), the hydraulic part is the 'shock absorber' (bad name its a damper) in bike forks.

    Elastomer forks use an elastomer (aka block of rubber) as a spring, not a damper, so ignore Bennet_346).

    Latest Vulcan with Hydro disc is an excellent buy with damped (non adjustable) forks.

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Many elastomer forks used to rely on hysteresis as crude rebound damping.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Neal_
    Neal_ Posts: 477
    Halfords has got 20% off Carreras until tomorrow so you could get a Vulcan for £335 or a Kraken for £439, bargains.

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