1st MTB

Mitchas
Mitchas Posts: 11
edited January 2013 in MTB beginners
Hi, 1st post so hopefully in right place.

Id appreciate your thoughts to help me make my decision on my first MTB.
Ill be using the bike mainly for a short commute each day but I plan to use XC as a form of exercise/enjoyment at weekends. My budget is up to approx £600 which I know rules a lot out. So far Ive looked at Kona Cindercone 2012, Rockhopper 2012 (very few left) and 2013 (with 29inch wheels) no idea if these are any use to me, Ive read a few comments about 2013 Specialized being heavier framed with weaker parts than 2012 but I like bike visually (not a good way to choose a bike I know !) Ive got chance to get Rochopper Pro 2013 for £650 but its stretching my budget to then buy helmet, lock, lights etc...Ive looked at Voodoo Bokor, and Canyon Yellowstone. A Decathlon 8.1 has a good spec (to my eye) but Im not familiar with the brand. These might be better specd than I need for what Im doing with the bike but Im concious of getting as much bang for my buck :-) Im 6'2 and about 15stone so needs to be fairly sturdy (though intention is to use bike for fitness purpose as well !) Dont plan on spending more on upgrading parts if I can help it. Id love to know your opinions coz my heads battered at the moment ! So much choice !! Any thoughts appreciated ! Thanks

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Nothing wrong woth the Rockrider if you want bang for your buck. As good as 'brands' costing a good few hundred more.
    viewtopic.php?f=20005&t=12875967
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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  • Thanks for that.

    Which of those I suggested would you go for and why ?

    I can see which one is making the most sense but, like with most purchases, your heart comes into it ! Particularly with something like a bike ! I really like the look of the Kona but I dont know if its worth pushing the boat out ? Cheers
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Easier if you post links to the bikes you're interested in - people don't memorise spec etc. If you can get a 2013 Rockhopper Pro for £650, and it fits, and it's new get it.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

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  • Only neg side to the Rockhopper (new) is its 19" frame. I havent even sat on the bike yet (which I know sounds daft but it isnt local) Looking at sizing guides Id probably get away with it but 21" might be more ideal size ? I didnt think it would mske too much difference (2") but then again...what do I know !
  • On my PC now rather than mobile so easier to do this !

    Links to bikes I've been considering (hopefully these all work ok)

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2012-id_8168918.html

    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

    http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/kona-cin ... 67779.html

    http://www.rutlandcycling.com/43401/Spe ... n=pid43401

    http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes ... tml?b=3001

    The 1 bike I can only get in 19" , on my budget from 2 different sources, is the Rockhopper - the others I can get in at least 20", though I could get the bog standard Rockhopper 2013 in 21" for about £540.

    Thanks
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    My choice would probably be the Voodoo, but it's a bit more hardcore than some of the others.
    Size depends on a lot more than height - you might be a giant with stumpy legs, or vice versa. Length is as important as height.
    I would sit on some and see what's comfortable.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

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  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    And manufacturers measure differently so a 20" from one might not be the same as one from another - even different models from the same manufacturer can be different.
    Just to make your life harder. Nothing like a proper test.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • OK thanks for the advice... I suspect a pop along to a few local bike shops in the offing. Then again.. I wouldn't buy a car without going to the showroom ! Let you know how I get on...
  • Just 1 other question...

    As there are sales galore on at the moment, is there a particular tool kit, or set of tools that its worth investing in ?

    I currently have 1 adjustable, a set of screwdrivers....and an allen key ! Which won't get me very far I suspect...

    Particular set, or brand I should look out for ?

    Thanks

    I'll leave you in peace for a bit now !
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    This will do just about anything
    http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/TOJWTK/jobsworth_tool_kit

    But you can do most things with a few allen keys, so a basic multitool, a chain tool and specialised tools as and when you need them is another option.
    Plus a small pump, a track pump, a shock pump if it has air forks.

    That kit is a decent deal though, and you wouldn't get all the bits seperately for anywhere near that price.

    Superstar are also good for random decent tools cheaply.

    For what might be needed for any job, plus a lot of really useful info, the Parktools website (also very good tools) is handy - 'Read this first' in my sig.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • DanDax1990
    DanDax1990 Posts: 1,201
    I can't fault my Bokor, It's 140mm travel but I commute fine on it.

    Get down to Halford and try one out if possible.
  • chez_m356
    chez_m356 Posts: 1,893
    one that you overlooked http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1830/ ... ml?mfid=52 as long as a 20'' frame would fit
    Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 10- CANYON Nerve AM 6 2011
  • my advise would be to go to halfords and have a look at the voodoo or a boardman, both great bikes

    but just remember halfords dont do test rides, they will let you sit on it but thats all.

    but for the money the voodoo is great and so are the boardman bikes.
  • DanDax1990
    DanDax1990 Posts: 1,201
    Also check out the Voodoo Hoodoo.
  • Hi thanks for that. Just looked at this bike today, http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1830/ ... s-300.html

    How does that compare ?

    I went to Halfords, tried Boardman Comp which was a lovely bike but the 19" frame was just a tad too small for me. Also looked at other Carreras but not convinced with any of them. Went to lbs, AS Cycles, and spoke to owner there, very helpful and gave lots of advice. I can get bike above for around 520 quid this month.

    Now do I go for Radon team 6 (while still in stock, and pay about £100 more, but it looks great) or go Merida, I can't try the Voodoo Boker (online) but its a 19" frame & I'm thinking I need 20" for my frame.

    Thoughts on Radon team 6.0, Merida Matts tfs 300, or one of my other (ever increasing) list of options ?!!??!

    Thanks
  • Mitchas
    Mitchas Posts: 11
    Just to let you know I ended up picking up a 2012 Kona Caldera ! Never mentioned it previously but really looking fwd to getting my bike this wknd. Got a great deal on it and should be good fun. Now lights ! Been looking online at MJR 872R which seem to get great reviews, but considering something more around £50 mark if there's anything out there. Thanks for all the previous advice anyway - some great food for thought !
  • I ride a Rockhopper and, frankly, it is awesome.
    Just ride.
  • DanDax1990
    DanDax1990 Posts: 1,201
    Mitchas wrote:
    Just to let you know I ended up picking up a 2012 Kona Caldera ! Never mentioned it previously but really looking fwd to getting my bike this wknd. Got a great deal on it and should be good fun. Now lights ! Been looking online at MJR 872R which seem to get great reviews, but considering something more around £50 mark if there's anything out there. Thanks for all the previous advice anyway - some great food for thought !

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cree-T6-Bike- ... 23257a37a2
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Mitchas wrote:
    Just to let you know I ended up picking up a 2012 Kona Caldera ! Never mentioned it previously but really looking fwd to getting my bike this wknd. Got a great deal on it and should be good fun. Now lights ! Been looking online at MJR 872R which seem to get great reviews, but considering something more around £50 mark if there's anything out there. Thanks for all the previous advice anyway - some great food for thought !
    In Buying Advice - mega million page thread on lights, and a sticky at the top of the page.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    A mate has just got one of these and for £26 its bloomin awesome. Battery isnt sealed so would need to be wrapped in something to keep the wet out but everything is okay quality. You get helmet mount, bar mount, charger and battery pouch. The beam isnt as good as a £300 light but for the money it cant be beaten and it comes within 3 days from Manchester.

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140744146377?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • Mitchas
    Mitchas Posts: 11
    Hi, just thought I'd update !

    Got my bike a few days ago and really pleased - have to post a couple of pics but its better than I hoped !

    Must admit the brakes/gears, in fact most of it, looks a bit intimidating in terms of self maintaining it but I intend in using the forum/site to pick up as much info as possible and do as much as I can myself. LBS for a service though probably prudent once a year ?

    This snow is restricting any use just yet -1st bike for many moons so want some dry terrain to try it out on - don't want to go arse over elbow first corner from my house (ideally)

    Ordered the MJ872 front light and a Topeak redline mega for the rear. Just ordered an Abus granite54 X plus lock with a 7ft krypton it's cable lock to secure wheels and extremities. Alien II multi tool and a Topeak Microshock pump got some good deals from Amazon and ebay for those... now pretty much spent up....just a helmet and gloves to search for !

    Raring to go though and thanks for the advice previously..I'll post a couple of pics !
  • Get a good bike maintenance book it's easy. If not ask your lbs if you can nip in the workshop and see how to do things I'm sure they'll help you we do.
    Genesis Core 30 2011
    BMC Trailfox TF02 2011
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Don't buy a book, all the info can be had for free on youtube or from parktools.....
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Don't buy a book, all the info can be had for free on youtube or from parktools.....
    unless you don't want your laptop or ipad balanced on a bench in your garage surrounded by tools grease and other garage stuff then buy a book. unless you fix your bike in the house then you have a more understanding misses than me
    pity those who don't drink, the way they feel when they wake is the best they will feel all day


    voodoo hoodoo
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Books are outdated before they're printed. It's a bike - simple stuff - read Parktools and do the job.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Would like to have a look on voodoo or a boardman as my 1st MTB.
    Any other suggestions??
  • chez_m356
    chez_m356 Posts: 1,893
    Woodmonkey wrote:
    Don't buy a book, all the info can be had for free on youtube or from parktools.....
    unless you don't want your laptop or ipad balanced on a bench in your garage surrounded by tools grease and other garage stuff then buy a book. unless you fix your bike in the house then you have a more understanding misses than me
      do you actually need to have it in front of you to be able to do things ?
      memory problems ? is your name "bob" ? :wink:
      believe_it_or_not_postnoon_news_5.jpg
      Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 10- CANYON Nerve AM 6 2011