best sub £500 bike?

MTB noob

I know you get a lot of these questions but i'm still a bit unsure of what i should choose. :?

I am looking for a hardtail which can take a few knocks and bashes but still is around 14kg or less. I would prefer it to have hydraulic brakes and either a 3 x 8,9 or a 2 x 8,9 gearing system (2 ring preferable).

Another thing is that it has to NOT INCLUDE a suntour XCM/XCR fork! (i know - it's difficult) :x

Please note, i am avoiding GTs and Carreras because i am bored of having them :roll: .

Is there any bikes for sale that would suit me?

Thanks

supersonic

Decathlon Rockrider 8.1, Voodoo Hoodoo.

MTB noob

Is there a place where i can have a look at the decalthlon before i buy it?

andhr

MTB noob wrote:

Is there a place where i can have a look at the decalthlon before i buy it?

Depends where you live - have a look at decathlon.co.uk and click 'My store' at the top; there's a handful scattered around.

MTB noob

too bad - nearest store is over 50 miles away.

supersonic

If you don't mind mail order:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b1s2p2458

Yes it's a GT, but is a great deal.

Myster101

As above, I had a GT Avalanche 1.0 which was a great bike. Took loads of abuse (I'm 6ft 4" and 15st 8lb) on my local trail including Whinlatter red trails and never had any problems.