New MTB for Begineer, £200-£300 (saracen tufftrax?)

robhing12345
robhing12345 Posts: 3
edited October 2011 in MTB buying advice
Hi, im looking for a MTB for myself, to be used mainly on roads then probably offroad as I progress. I've seen a review for the Saracen Tuffrax 2011 on the bike radar reviews and it did pretty well. Are there any other alternatives worth looking at?

Ive seen a Trek 3500 disc for sale in my local bike shop for £325. Is it £125 better than the Saracen?

Cheers

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Have a look at the Decathlon Rockrider series - far better than the Saracen or Trek for the money.
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  • robhing12345
    robhing12345 Posts: 3
    Cheers, I will take a look at them. Going to look at a Specalised 2011 Hardrock. Have seen one for £250. Seems to get good reviews from what ive seen.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Don't get the Specialised. At that level it's rubbish - bargain basement spec.
    Even the bars are steel.
    I don't do smileys.

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  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Yep, the entry level Hardrock is a crock.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • fmoab
    fmoab Posts: 3
    I bought the Tufftrax comp for my son last Christmas and its a good bike. It's been used on the road, on tracks and is currently used every week for cyclocross with no problems.

    I've got the Specialized Hardrock myself and I think they are about the same quality - although the Saracen probably has the edge, it just feels a little better put together. I had to change the brake levers on the Hardrock before I used it - they were that cheap and nasty .

    I think all frames at this price point from the major makes are about the same quality. I have no problem recommending the Saracen or the Hardrock and only you know whether you think an extra £125 is worth spending for disks brakes. Personally I'd save the money (or more likely spend it elsewhere!)

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