New Bike Advice

MissCMC

Hi

I'm coming back to the mountain biking world and am looking for advice on a good bike to buy. I would be looking for something to start me back and mostly for cross country riding, and possibly moving on in future to enduro but if I get that far then a new bike will be on the cards I imagine. Maybe something which I can upgrade in parts in the future also.

I am looking at getting something through my works cycle scheme, for around £500, so for that price I am looking at a hardtail. I have been looking online and in various shops. I have been advised to look mainly at male frames, as they are better spec'd (?) for the price range I am looking at, and also in an 18"/medium frame (I'm 5'8" with 34" inside leg).

The bikes I like from the store I can get them on our cycle scheme would be:

Cube Aim Disc 2012

Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2012

Giant Revel 0 2012

Scott Voltage YZ20 2012

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Chrissie

mobilekat

I would try to have a ride on a few of them!

I ride a Trek 6500 and love it, its a couple of years old now, and a mans bike but works well for me.
My OH who is the same height (5ft 8) as me has a Whyte 905, and I find the geometry on it all wrong- even though we are the same height!- both are medium frames.

Good luck!

supersonic

What store is it, and do they stock any others?

MissCMC

Hi

It's Tredz in Swansea and Cardiff. They do a pretty large range but these were the ones that they pointed me in the direction of.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

supersonic

I'd rule out the Scott and the Specialized - the former is more of a jump type bike and is pretty heavy, while the latter has a really poor fork that spoils the ride. The Cube also falls foul of the same problem.

The Giant looks good: but take a look at this too:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-Trai ... _48919.htm

Good frame and fork - lacks hydraulic disc brakes, but lighter riders will be fine. I;d see what fits best out of these two.

Thewaylander

Cannondale really do make some beautiful frames too.

MissCMC

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I tried many bikes over the last couple of weekends and purchased a Cannondale today! Pick it up next weekend ready for a long weekend of fun! I just hope the sun stays out now and I am sure I will be back with more questions soon.

Thewaylander

I remember my dale with great fondness, you will enjoy it muchly!

Have lots of fun.