Newbie saying hi

steeevvvooo

Hi. Just getting into mountain biking hopefully after spending my last few years on petrol powered road bikes (don't hate me all you die hard cyclists! ) initially we'll be doing simple stuff, like tow paths along the river and some very mild countryside trails, but I would like to build up to more interesting stuff once the Mrs gets her confidence up. I'll be on here a lot once we have bikes looking for trails, maintenance advice etc etc but for now I'm looking for opinions on where to enter the market for my first proper bike...This may be a long post, but please bear with me...

I think we have finally found a bike for the Mrs... She sat on a boardman FI comp ladies 17in at halfords last night. The cross bar left very little room when she had feet on the floor (she's 5ft 2) so I think she's going to order the 15in frame to help her confidence. It was either that or a 16in Hoodoo voodoo (seems to get great reviews), but the spec on the Boardman seems better and it's "lady specific" which she likes?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65499#tab2

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65499#tab2


Anyway, I am debating a couple of options for my bike, so any help is much appreciated! I have a £1000 Evans voucher and am looking to max it out. I'm tending towards the Pinacle Jarra Five as the spec seems good, I get a £100 accessories voucher and can spend the other £200 of my Evans voucher on more accessories, clothing etc.

However... I'm a sucker for a bargain and my head has been turned. I know you generally get what you pay for, so a £1000 bike will usually be better than an £800 (though not always obviously)

BMC teamelite TE02 Deore/SLX - spec looks great, and its been reduced. Is it really a bargain as I can't see many reviews?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... 8#features


But then, is the SLX/XT worth the extra £100? Reba shock and better all round spec, but will I notice it?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... 7#features


If going for Reba, this is only £1000 but has lower spec components...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/nor ... 1#features


Similar but again lower spec, £100 less, but still decent?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/nor ... 2#features


Purely because I like the colour on this one, and again looks ok

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gen ... 7#features


Then finally, the two Pinnacle bikes. These seem about £100 less than similar spec bikes and you get a £100 voucher. Any reason they are cheaper? I believe these are equivalent to Evans own brand/exclusive sale arrangement or whatever. Is that all? Seems like they are decent value

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pin ... 9#features
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pin ... 8#features


Anyway, sorry for the many many options. it's a lot of money, and I don't want to regret my purchase in a few months!!

Cheers in advance guys.


Steve

passout

Hi
Core for you Vodoo for the Mrs.

Cheers

supersonic

The BMC with the Reba looks very good value.

steeevvvooo

Cheers!

Passout, what makes the Voodoo and Core the preferred options? I’m trying to get up to speed but have so far been basing it roughly on the cost of components. What makes the Core and Voodoo better than the Iroko and Boardman? Irokos look very similar in spec to the Core but I’m still a bit wet behind the ears. I do like the colour of the core though!

Supersonic, the BMC with Reba is above my budget, but I would look to add a little to the voucher if it would get me a better deal in the longer term.

passout

I just really like the Core - nice ride, good brand, 120mm travel. Vodoo is good value. Boardmans to get great reviews too & as S/S says the BMC is good value. To be honest all the stuff you've listed is great - just down to preference. Main thing is that they fit you.