Opinions please for buying a bike

MTB noob

I am fairly awkward when I am buying a bike. My one that I have been using has passed it's day and I am looking for something more robust and to my geometry.

What I am looking for is a strong hardtail with preferably less gears (1,8 or 9) and I'm not fussy about the weight at all (17kg/37lbs or less). My riding style is quite rough but can make mistakes quite often (such as entering corners too fast) when I do a range of trail riding/XC with sometimes dirt-jump included.

To know my dimensions, I am:

Height: 71.5" (182cm)
Inside leg: 35" (89cm)
Arms span: 74.5" (189cm) (Yes I am a bit like a monkey)

I have been looking at the NS bikes Core 2 for example but it is slightly out of my pricing range but the Core 3 had bad reviews so I am avoiding that. (Please keep the price on the low end.) :roll:

Can anyone suggest anything for me? Thanks

john-57

Hi have a look at the VooDoo bikes in Halfords Hardtail disc brakes front and rear.At their prices you wont go far wrong.

waby1234

What's your budget?

MTB noob

i will have almost £600 by christmas and I had a look and I may try some out

felix.london

I'm sure the VooDoo is a great bike for the money but I wouldn't be doing any dirt jumping on it.

What about this;

Commencal Ramones AL2 Hardtail Bike 2012 @ £637;
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=66772

MTB noob

It's a bit out of my price range but if I do get a bonus, then I would probably go for this. Any suggestions from anyone for a bike with a slightly lower budget?

omegas

A visit to a few bike shops is the only way you will know if the geometry is correct for you.

rockmonkeysc

Have a look at the Specialized P series. Your going to find it difficult to get a bike which is good for dirt jumping & xc. You can get a bike which is good for xc or dirt jumping or a bit rubbish at both but just about usable.
Might be worth looking for a used Charge Blender, On-One Summer Season or NS Surge.

paul.skibum

Use Cove Stiffee might also be an option - could be found pretty cheap potentially.

EDIT - like this one perhaps? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cove-Stiffee-Fr-complete-custom-build-/140875530716?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item20ccd601dc (not mine)

supersonic

felix.london wrote:

I'm sure the VooDoo is a great bike for the money but I wouldn't be doing any dirt jumping on it.

What about this;

Commencal Ramones AL2 Hardtail Bike 2012 @ £637;
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=66772

This is a good bike, slightly older version here, but simialr spec:

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

felix.london

£450!?

..that's a bargain. Deore drivtrain, hydro brakes, short stem, decent width bars and a 130mm fork for under a monkey...lovely jubbly

MTB noob

I'm looking into the £450 bike as I like the spec of it. Thanks for all of your support.

mcnultycop

MTB noob wrote:

I'm looking into the £450 bike as I like the spec of it. Thanks for all of your support.

That looks ace value.