What sort of bike do I need?

ImAboutToCrash

Hi,

I'm after my first Mountain Bike, coming from a BMX background ideally I'd like something that can take a drop and be fine with jumps, but I'd also like something that will be okay on the pedaling and trail sides of the sport as I'll be hitting up some local trails etc. What type of bike should I be looking to buy?

My budget is £550 max. Do I buy new or used?

Any model recommendations?

Regards!

supersonic

Most bikes at this price are aimed at the xc/trail side of things, or flat out jump bikes - not many inbetween I am afraid.

How big will the jumps/drops be, and how smooth are you?

ImAboutToCrash

I guessed that would be the case with a small budget.

Well I'll be honest, I've not rode a bike in nearly 3 years so I won't be half as smooth as I used to be more than likely, and even then I took some hits!

More than likely only 4/5ft drops, don't have the "balls" of a teen these days!

ImAboutToCrash

Opinions on this bike?

I'm pretty clueless with all this modern tech on mountain bikes

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=86063

cooldad

Rubbish for pedalling or trails.

ImAboutToCrash

If I remember rightly from a few years ago it was all rock shox forks everyone favoured is this still the case and can I afford a bike with decent forks at my price range?

ImAboutToCrash

noticed a lot of people recommending the Rockrider 8.1, would this suit my needs or can't it take much of a hit?

The Rookie

The 8.1 is an out and out XC bike, not designed for taking hits.......

The Voodoo Hoodoo is probably the toughest 'regular' bike at this price point, otherwise look at something like a GT Chucker or Scott Voltage ZX which are built tough but can be ridden 'normally' as well, maybe consider a good used......