newbies 1st bike

MaJeeKa

hi,
brief introduction, my name is paul and i live in port talbot, south wales. i am 40 and drive lorries for a living.

Just starting out and am looking for my first hardtail. Currently using a 13 year old british eagle storm which has no suspension and brakes that frighten the hell out of me on downhill sections, also half the gears dont work ( causes chain to come off cogs and jam). I plan on riding it at afan argoed ( very hilly and wet alot ) and any mountainous areas close by. My LBS has recommended a saracen mantra pro http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/trail/mantra-pro for 500 quid, which i like the look of but as im new i aint got a clue what is good or bad. My budget is proberly 600 tops. If this bike is bad, then any bikes you reccommend please.

thanks in advance,
paul

supersonic

For £500 it is perfectly reasonable. What other shops do you have locally, and any other brands that they stock?

andhr

Saracen's are good bikes, although the older ones were a bit weighty. That version is much more upgradable than my old beast, but it still served me well on trails for almost 5 years.

It's worth suggesting a discount at LBSs as most of the 2013 range bikes will be out soon in time for Christmas, so they'll be looking to lose the older models.

As Supersonic asks - what brands do your local shops stock? Any others you've seen?

MaJeeKa

thanks both,
Same shop does merida matts 40 and 70, plus he also told me he can get any bike i want. another shop i deliver to says he can get any bike but its a full pro shop eg does only top end stuff and would rather not use them as they will be too expensive for me

supersonic

Any Halfords near?

MaJeeKa

yes plenty of halfords

supersonic

Take a look at their Voodoo range, not much beats them for value or performance.

MaJeeKa

cheers

wmorgs

Like supersonic said try:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499
or
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499
My mate has the Voodoo and i have the Carrera both getting top reviews.
Just recently started MTBing also living in the smog city :}