Help choosing a hardtail bike £550-600, please.

janieoc

Hi,
I am relatively new to mountain biking, as a bike commuter I will use it for some rides to work 8miles away and weekend hills,dirt tracks and maybe some gentle mountains I have up to £600. Which of these below is value for my money.
GT Avalanche 20 2013 Mountain Bike
Specialized Rockhopper Comp 2012 Mountain Bike
Specialized Rockhopper 2013 Mountain Bike
Cannondale Trail SL 4 2013 Mountain Bike
Cannondale Trail SL 29 er 3 SS 2012 Mountain Bike
FELT Nine Sport 29 er 2012 Mountain Bike
FELT Nine 60 2013 Mountain Bike

Thanks for any advice you can give,
Cheers
J

PS I am limited to these as it is an insurance replacement from http://www.wheelies.co.uk

Greer_

Why those bikes in particular? Have a look on bike-discount.de for some bargains.

chez_m356

Greer_ wrote:

Why those bikes in particular?

some kind of cycle scheme perhaps?

need a bit more info really mate, is it a scheme or your own money? if a scheme, are you limited to any particular shops ?

snoopsmydogg

Why the GT Avalanche 2.0 OP?

The 2012 Avalanche 1.0 can be had new under your budget at the moment.

Greer_

chez_m356 wrote:

Greer_ wrote:

Why those bikes in particular?

some kind of cycle scheme perhaps?

need a bit more info really mate

I assumed so but +1

Either way, I'd stay away from 29ers at that price IMO, as the spec won't be as good as a 26er.

MaJeeKa

dont rule out the voodoo hoodoo

badger kev

+1 for the voodoo hoodoo great bike with good spec for the price,well pleased with mine.

Murphybarnes

As above. Just been out today throwing it all over the ice and mud for three hours and it never misses a beat. Great bike.

janieoc

Thanks guys, can't get the voodoo as I am limited to the list above as it is an insurance replacement from http://www.wheelies.co.uk

LJ.

I would pick the GT out of the list, the spec looks decent in comparison to the others and the Avalanche is a solid bike http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p56180/GT-Ava ... -Bike.aspx

supersonic

29ers are far superior as commuters

No, they are not.

cooldad

Popcorn anyone?

The Rookie

I'll have a large coke with it thanks CD!

DanDax1990

Voodoo Hoodoo, Easy.

The Rookie

janieoc wrote:

Thanks guys, can't get the voodoo

Donut.

Of the ones in your price range on that site, this looks the best equipped http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p49515/Lapier ... -Bike.aspx

supersonic

cyd190468 wrote:

But seriously folks if you run say an XTC 29er and have two sets of wheels you run slicks on it when you commute and it's pretty much a flat bar roadie. "But you could do that with a 26er" I hear you say. Yes but the bigger wheels roll over bumps and potholes so much better that just on comfort they're better, without even going to rolling resistance.

I do do that with a 26er, don't notice any difference at all on the roads compared to larger wheels with regards to comfort. The only advantage the larger wheels gives seems to be higher gearing.

The Rookie

I run 26" slicks on my commuter, a number of roadies I've passed have commented, one even had the gall to say 'You're pretty quick on that thing' (THING - I ask you!).