Intro Level Mens Bike - Help

McNab_79
McNab_79 Posts: 82
edited August 2012 in MTB buying advice
Hi, I'm looking to buy my first bike for occasional road, path and countryside riding. I've been told that the 'make' of the bike is not important, it's the 'components' that are. I've kind of set a budget of £200 and have been looking at:

- Ammaco Epic
- Boss BlackDawn
- Boss Stealth
- Barracuda Phoenix
- Flight Taser II
- MuddyFox Storm

Not really sure what else I should be looking at, or where I can look in terms of online shopping and/ or stores based in London and Kent.

Would any of the above be ok as an intro bike for occasional use?

Thanks in advance.
Tavish
Noob
It's my first MTB
ROCKRIDER 8.1

Comments

  • waby1234
    waby1234 Posts: 571
    Try Decathlon, or even something like a cheap Carrera if you can pick one up.
    2011 Carrera Fury

    Earn cashback at CRC, Wiggle, Evans, Rutland, Hargroves, Halfords, and more at Quidco
  • Roostoids
    Roostoids Posts: 128
    Seconded. In that price bracket anything Carrera (from Halfords) or Btwin (from Decathlon) will be reliable and sturdy, and the shops can set you up so you're ready to go out of the shops.
    Specialised Camber Comp 2011
    Boardman Comp Road 2011
  • McNab_79
    McNab_79 Posts: 82
    Ok, thanks. Realistically, do I need to up my budget to get a decent intro bike? Carrera has been mentioned to me a lot now, as has Trek and Giant, but I am yet to look into any of these.
    Tavish
    Noob
    It's my first MTB
    ROCKRIDER 8.1
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    edited August 2012
    No idea what any of those are like without links, but I would not be very optimistic. Your budget is fairly low so for that I would avoid anything with suspension as it will be rubbish, or look second hand.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    Stay away from big brands - such as Trek and Giant as they'll be wayyy underspecced if they even make bikes that cheap. As said above, carreras or bike from decathlon will be your best bet.

    Ideally, the best budget for a beginner is £500ish and you have the choice of a rockrider 8.1, or a voodoo hoodoo (amongst others, but those two are the 'best').
    Orbea Alma Team Carbon - Strava -Specialized Allez Sport
  • McNab_79
    McNab_79 Posts: 82
    Thanks, really appreciate your advice and I think I'll review my budget.

    I went into my local Cycle King and the guy in there suggested either of the following:

    Ammaco Epic
    http://www.cycleking.co.uk/AMMACO-EPIC- ... t-237.html

    Ammaco Bulls Eye
    http://www.cycleking.co.uk/AMMACO-BULLS ... t-243.html

    The RRP on both of these is apparently c£300, but they sell them for £160 and £180 respectively. I'm a complete novice and appreciate that sales people will pick up on that, but he said the components are of a reasonable spec for a beginner.

    (hope that I've posted the links within the rules for doing so....)
    Tavish
    Noob
    It's my first MTB
    ROCKRIDER 8.1
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    I don't think there are any rules for links. But both of those are horrible. Heavy, really, really really rubbish forks.
    Bargain bin components.
    You honestly can't get a usable hardtail at those prices, full suspension not a prayer.

    They are not mountain bikes, will be nasty to ride, and will end up in the shed.

    The guy in the shop was selling stuff, and lying.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    ps sorry to sound harsh, but I really don't want you to be taken for a ride.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • McNab_79
    McNab_79 Posts: 82
    Cooldad..... absolutely no worries at all, I appreciate your honesty and thank you for it.

    A few people have now said that my budget needs to head North, so I will review it. Carerra seems to be where I am being guided, with a pointer towards the 'Subway Limited Edition Hybrid', which I can find at Halfords:

    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65534#tab2

    Looks like my research goes on and my budget goes up. I would hate to buy one and regret it after a few rides!

    Thanks again
    Tavish
    Noob
    It's my first MTB
    ROCKRIDER 8.1
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    I agree with cooldad, the linked bikes are terrible. You'd have more fun walking.

    Try something more along the lines of this http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-51-id_8167116.html
    Orbea Alma Team Carbon - Strava -Specialized Allez Sport
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    The Subway is also a better choice, it will be lighter than the bike I linked above due to the rigid fork. You're probably better off with a rigid fork anyways!
    Orbea Alma Team Carbon - Strava -Specialized Allez Sport
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Agreed, rigid at the price, and once you enjoy it you can decide to invest a wedge in something better.

    Been trawling Ebay a bit, and something I'd consider
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kona-Fire-Mou ... 4aba98d691

    A bit elderly, but a lovely old frame, would be nice on road, easy paths etc, and quite capable off road.

    And you could probably sell on again for a similar price.

    Or more modern. Looking at the pic of the mech, the cassette, cables and mech cages look clean, so either not ridden much or looked after.
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Carrera-Venge ... 35bec46b50

    Take your time and you will be able to pick up a bargain.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • McNab_79
    McNab_79 Posts: 82
    Haha, thanks Greer_.

    Decathlon has come up in a lot of conversations and I've seen posts that say "you got a lot of bike for your money at Decathlon" so I'm guessing they're a pretty reliable retailer. The Rockrider bikes have also been mentioned, so I assume they are reasonably good bikes and get better the more £ you spend.

    The Rockrider 5.1 is not just South of £200, but South of £150, albeit only a penny...

    No idea what you mean by rigid fork (suspension?), but I'll get on Goolgle now and learn a bit more about bikes in general.

    Cheers
    Tavish
    Noob
    It's my first MTB
    ROCKRIDER 8.1
  • McNab_79
    McNab_79 Posts: 82
    Cooldad.... thank you. I had not really considered 'used' but I'll take a look.
    Tavish
    Noob
    It's my first MTB
    ROCKRIDER 8.1
  • waby1234
    waby1234 Posts: 571
    Yup rigid is no suspension, just a solid fork.

    I'd advise to only buy second hand if you feel confident and happy enough checking out the bike before you stump up the cash. But if you're happy with that then its worth checking eBay, gumtree, etc.
    2011 Carrera Fury

    Earn cashback at CRC, Wiggle, Evans, Rutland, Hargroves, Halfords, and more at Quidco
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    I hate Gumtree, full of idiots, thieves or both.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    As an entry bike the Carrera Vulcan scores very highly, current RRP is around £340 but in sales (and they come round often) it will be around £260-280.

    Neither Ammoco is a £200 bike, let alone a £300 bike that's just a made up price!

    If you really want a mountian bike, you need to look nearer £300.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    This is decent for the cash:

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Python-At ... 2318bca2ac
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Morty84
    Morty84 Posts: 26
    I just got this


    http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... -only.html

    There's a few other models for 249.99 don't know if they are worth it

    http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... ain-bikes/

    Someone else might be able to help you with if the specs any good on these.

    Limited size on some as last year's stock
  • DaveFeeder
    DaveFeeder Posts: 5
    Morty84 wrote:
    http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/merida-mountain-bikes/merida-matts-pro-d-bike-2011-model-18-only.html

    There's a few other models for 249.99 don't know if they are worth it

    http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... ain-bikes/

    Hi all,

    First time poster, and I have much the same requirements as the OP, and roughly the same budget.

    I've seen the Merida bikes as well, and to my completely untrained eye, they look a pretty good deal.

    A couple of lads at work are into their bikes, but haven't heard of Merida before.

    Do they look decent enough for a beginner?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Merida are the 3rd biggest manufacturer on the planet, and make bikes for Specialized and many others. The Merlin bikes they have on offer are very good value - though the forks are not the best.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Morty84
    Morty84 Posts: 26
    I've just got one and a few people have said it's not bad spec for the price. The forks are a let down but some decent ones can be picked up for 125 from merlin if there not good enough for what your riding. I haven't heard of merida before I only seen it on deal posting sites and alot of the comment said it was a bargain and decent enough for future upgrades. I think the next step after this bike for me was the voodoo hoodoo or one from decathlon but I didn't want to pay £500 to start of with.

    It all comes down to budget and what your prepared to spend and for the price I paid I'm happy with what I got.
  • DaveFeeder
    DaveFeeder Posts: 5
    Thanks supersonic. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and go for one of those Meridas.

    I'd imagine I might well be on these forums a lot once I've got the bug for it :)
  • DaveFeeder
    DaveFeeder Posts: 5
    Hi all,

    Just got a text from my neighbour informing my my new bike has arrived. Very exited to get out and about this evening.

    Went for the Merida Matts 20MD in the end, they all seemed pretty good value though.
  • Morty84
    Morty84 Posts: 26
    I went for the matt d pro, collect mine tomorrow and can't wait to get out and about on it. I'm riding it back from the store so it's a 13mile ride. Not been on a bike for about 6 years now hope my body will cope.
  • DaveFeeder
    DaveFeeder Posts: 5
    Morty84 wrote:
    I went for the matt d pro, collect mine tomorrow and can't wait to get out and about on it. I'm riding it back from the store so it's a 13mile ride. Not been on a bike for about 6 years now hope my body will cope.

    Brilliant! I went out for a very brief ride earlier, just to get the feel for it. First time on a bike in about 20 years, and I won't lie, it was really strange. Bloody loved it though. First time on a bike with front suspension too, and that was strange.

    Going out tomorrow night for a few miles on some dirt tracks, but nothing even bordering on extreme.

    Hope you enjoy yours!

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