Newbie with budget of £500

SuperOwl86

Hi guys I have been looking at getting a new bike as way to get fit and something to enjoy.

I currently have a £80 cheap bike that I purchased in 2005 which is a bit pants. I would be looking to do canal paths and off road paths. My budget is £500.

I have seen the specialized hardrock sport disc 2012 £500 which I could get for £450 by trading in the old bike.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec030674

Also come across the 2013 version

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec040961

Looking for advice really also what is the difference between the two bikes I have linked to.

Thanks

supersonic

Both are not the best for the money, have really awful forks that kill the ride. For £500 nothing beats this:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2011-id_8168695.html

Fantastic fork for the money with damping, and quality parts make it stand out.

waby1234

+1 Rockrider all the way at this price.

SuperOwl86

If I was to go for the Decathlon bike would it not be hard to find since they have no for sale on the site?

waby1234

I believe you need to go to a Decathlon store.

SuperOwl86

Ok cheers might pop into Decathlon and have a look later, shame its not from evans the £50 trade in for my old worthless bike would have been handy.

Chunkers1980

You'd need to spend at least 700 in Evans for a spec close to that. So don't worry

prawny

SuperOwl86 wrote:

If I was to go for the Decathlon bike would it not be hard to find since they have no for sale on the site?

Can you not order online? I can and get stuff delivered. I see a few people saying this but maybe it's just me that gets that option?

SuperOwl86

I was getting no option to purchase online, One thing i have been told is I might struggle with the 8.1 due to the pedals.

Chunkers1980

Why would you be struggling? If you don't like/want/feel need for SPDs, then fit some flat, they'll prob to a strraight swap gratis.

oodboo

You can change the pedals.

SuperOwl86

I dont really want to be paying £500 out for the bike then have to spend more straight away.

70\ʹspenguin

SuperOwl86 wrote:

I dont really want to be paying £500 out for the bike then have to spend more straight away.

I am sure they will swap for you. They allow online parts orders but not bikes. If you have a store near go in, try the bike and then ask about pedals. They will fall over themselves to help you i am sure.


Oh and believe me, the spending will continue!

oodboo

SuperOwl86 wrote:

I dont really want to be paying £500 out for the bike then have to spend more straight away.

Most bikes come with cheapo plastic pedals so you can ride them straight away. Not many come with decent pedals that you will want to use. I spent £2k on a bike and had to pedals for it straight away.

EH_Rob

SuperOwl86 wrote:

I dont really want to be paying £500 out for the bike then have to spend more straight away.

Incorrect, that's exactly what you'll want to do even if you don't need to.