What mountain bike to buy around £400 for starting off.

Craigjjb

Hi, I have been searching for the best mountain bike to buy and have narrowed it down to four bikes and I would like some advice as to wich bike I should buy. Carrera Kraken £450, Carrera Vulcan £390,
Diamondback response sport 2011 (on eBay) £350 or Haro flightline trail £420 reduced from £699 http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2011
I like the haro but are they any good???

supersonic

For xc/general trail riding they are all decent buys. The Kraken is wort the extra over the Vulcan for the better forks and gears. Look at the Voodoo bikes in Halfords too - see what fits best.

Craigjjb

Is the Haro flightline a better buy because it's been reduced so much?
I want the bike for off road use

supersonic

Not really - some better drivetrain parts, but on paper not any better than the Kraken.

Craigjjb

What about the diamondback it's got rock shock forks and deore gears which I've been told are really good for a bike for £350

mkf

take a look at paul cycles.
I just bbought a gaint yukon 4inch fs rebound and compression adjustable, hydro brakes and alloy frame for under£400 delivered.
its not the best spec but for that price i'd upgrade as things wear out.
don't think you'd find a better deal for fs riding

supersonic

The Diamond Back is similar again:

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/42201/Dia ... n=pid42201

Quite a limited spread of gears with that cassette though. You won't be able to try for size first though from ebay or that store.

cooldad

BR review. Well WMB anyway.
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... t-11-45062

But unless you are quite small or quite large they might not have your size.

Craigjjb

I am 6' 2 so I think I need a 20" frame.

Craigjjb

mkf wrote:

take a look at paul cycles.
I just bbought a gaint yukon 4inch fs rebound and compression adjustable, hydro brakes and alloy frame for under£400 delivered.
its not the best spec but for that price i'd upgrade as things wear out.
don't think you'd find a better deal for fs riding

I have had a look but they only have small size left.

Craigjjb

Is this a good buy? http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p3692

Craigjjb

Or maybe this? http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b4s2p3479

Craigjjb

Is this worth it? http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p3693

waby1234

Is the budget £600 now? If so then a Voodoo Hoodoo or Rockrider 8.1.

Craigjjb

No budget still around £400. I do like the spec on the voodoo but don't like the looks. I'm thinking the carrera kraken, Vulcan or diamondback response sport 2011

cooldad

Forget looks, least important part of the bike. The important thing is how it rides.