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MTB for beginner?

nickm926nickm926 Posts: 35
edited June 2012 in MTB buying advice
I've been googling around for a new MTB for about a couple of weeks and have hit a wall. I have been road cycling for two years but want something else to keep me busy over the summer and to break things up a bit. My max budget is £450. I don't have a whole lot to spend as I only have a part time job.

I used to avoid Halfords like the plague but it seems the only option right now plus these bikes don't look all too bad..

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

My knowledge of mtb is very limited so it's hard for me to see a difference between these too? Any other suggestions greatly appreciated! :)

Posts

  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    The Voodoo is an excellent buy - air forks are rare at this price (adjustable to your weight, lighter), and the rest of the kit is decent too.

    I'd go and sit on one, see how it feels.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,160
    You should be able to pick up a half decent bike from specialised, trek, merida or many others from local bike shops or heaven forbid second hand on Ebay or gumtree. Mate at work has just sold a GT aggressor for £220 in mint condition. A lot of bargains around as new models being or about to be released and bike to work schemes are mostly over, so bikes being discounted again. Halfraud's is a last resort IMHO. Get googling their loads out there.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Nothing new for this money comes close to the Voodoo from Spesh, Merida, or Trek though, this really is a top bike for the money.

    Of course second hand is an option, but given the OPs limited knowledge I'd be careful: buying new with the warranty and aftersales is often worth it.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • nickm926nickm926 Posts: 35
    Looks like I'm heading for the Voodoo, I'm hesitant to buy second hand, I'd rather put my money on something that I know what history it's had etc. I've scoured all the big name sites; Evans, Wiggle etc. I've seen a Fuji Nevada 2.0 but the weight seems a little too high for the money...

    Thanks for the responses though guys!
  • mcwuk1mcwuk1 Posts: 4
    Look at winstanley bikes.
  • nickm926nickm926 Posts: 35
    Looking at the Charge Duster Mid 2011 for £720, good price? I am willing to spend a bit more on this bike as it looks pretty good style wise and spec wise..
  • cooldadcooldad Posts: 32,599
    How would we know unless you give a bit more info, a link, the spec etc.
    I don't do smileys.

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  • nickm926nickm926 Posts: 35
    Apologies... http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-duster-mid-2011/
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Looks perfectly reasonable for the money - the frame is pretty flexy though!
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • nickm926nickm926 Posts: 35
    What do you mean by flexy? :p It looks a little skinny, I'm 77kgs so shouldn't snap it or anything...worth spending the extra cash?
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Yeah, the steel frame may feel somewhat 'wobbly' when riding. Many like the feel and added comfort, others don't. Is an unusual frame at this price.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • nickm926nickm926 Posts: 35
    Yeah I thought that, it looks like a somewhat special machine. Might sleep on it, go for a cycle tomorrow, hopefully I will have made up my mind by then..

    edit: Decided the charge is just too expensive, good deal but don't really want to spend that much.
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