Newbie from Devon

mattrs2000

Hi, I've just joined the forum as I am about to buy my first mountain bike. After spending the last few days reading lots of reviews and opinions, my head hurts and my eyes are bleeding, but I think I have narrowed my search down to the final 3 ( well done you are through to bootcamp!)
I haven't been on a bike for about 20 years, since I sold my Raleigh Team Banana racer and my bmx ( Raleigh Aero-pro, no less!!), if you can remember those being about then I feel your pain ; )
Basically it will be for light to medium use at best, woodland paths and some trails, but nothing too heavy. My budget is about £500 for the bike and I need to buy some basic equipment to go with it.
I have spotted a couple of deals to get a slightly better price, but anyway i'm babbling on, which is best bike (for both value and capability) out of the following?

The Bianchi Kuma 5300 2013 at £590 inc p&p

Frame: Kuma Alu

Fork: SF13-XCM RL 100mm with remote lockout

Headset: Fsa NO10

Stem: Tec Obvius

Speed: 27

Front Mech: Shimano Acera

Rear Mech: Shimano Deore 9s

Chainset: Fsa DynaDrive 170-175mm 104/64mm BCD x 44/32/22T

Cassette: Shimano Acera 11-32T

Chain: Fsa Team Issue CN-906 9sp

Front Brake: Shimano BRM505KITA Hydraulic

Rear Brake: Shimano BRM505KITA Hydraulic

Rims: Mach 1 Sub-Zero Disc

Front Hub: Shimano HB-RM35

Rear Hub: Shimano FH-RM35

Tyres: Python Original WB Front Python Original WB Rear

Seatpost: Tec Obvius

Voodoo Hoodoo at £500

Approximate Weight (KG): 14.1kg
◾Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc
◾Chainset: Shimano FC-M430
◾Exact Frame Size: 18"
◾Fork Lock-out : Yes
◾Fork travel: 120mm
◾Forks: Suntour Raidon X3 Coil Suspension fork
◾Frame Colour: Red
◾Frame Material: Alloy
◾Front Brake: Tektro Gemini Hydraulic disc 180mm rotor
◾Front Mech: Shimano Alivio FD-M430
◾Gear Shifters: Shimano Alivio SL-M430 27spd
◾Gender: Mens
◾Handle Bars: Riser 31.8mm
◾Headset: 1 1/8 Aheadset
◾Hubs: Formula 32 hole Q/R disc hub
◾Number of Gears: 27
◾Rear Brake: Tektro Gemini Hydraulic disc 180mm rotor
◾Rear Mech: Shimano Alivio RD-M430
◾Rims: Double wall black 32 hole disc rim
◾Saddle: VL-3165
◾Seatpost: 400mm Alloy 27.2
◾Tyre size: 2.25"
◾Tyres: Maxxis Ardent 26 x 2.25
◾Wheel Size: 26"
◾Suspension: Front


Cube Aim with discs at £460


Frame: Alu Lite AMF 6061 RFR-Geometry, Disc only

Fork: Suntour XCM Lockout 100mm

Headset: FSA No.10 semi-integrated

Stem: Easton EA30 Oversized

Handlebar: Easton EA30 Lowriser Oversized

Grips: CUBE Performance Grip

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio RD-M410 Top Normal 8-speed

Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-M310, Top Swing 34,9mm, 8-speed

Shifters: Shimano SL- M310 Shifter Acera Rapidfire-Plus, 8-speed

Brakes: Shimano BR-M445 hydr. discbrake(160/160mm)

Crankset: Shimano Acera FC-M361 42x32x22T, Shimano BB-UN26

Rims: Alex ZX 24

Front Hub: Shimano HB-RM66 Disc

Rear Hub: Shimano FH-RM66 Disc

Spokes: DT Industry

Tyres: Schwalbe Smart Sam 2.25

Innertubes: Impac AV14

Pedals: Fasten Alu

Saddle: Scape Active 8

Seatpost: Easton EA30 31,6mm

Seat Clamp: Scape Varioclose 34.9mm
Weight: 13.7 kg

If you are still awake, thanks for the effort, cheers Matt.

cooldad

The Bianchi and Cube have nasty forks.
Try Decathlon
viewtopic.php?f=20005&t=12875967

The Rookie

What he said, the XCM mechanical is a lesser fork than you'd find on a £360 Carrera Vulcan and has no place on a bike at those price points. The Hoodoo or the RR 8.1 as in the lunk CD provided.