looking for a new bike

fish77

i currently have an old claude butler mtb and over the years have spent a fortune replacing more or less everything on it baring the frame, anyway last year i was hit by a car that pulled out of a junction as i was passing and have just settled my claim so am looking for a new bike, got a budget of around £700-800

i'm not really sure what to go for so am looking for a bit of advice, i do a mix of road and off road riding, the off road is nothing demanding (trans pennine trail between doncaster and barnsley for anyone who knows it) and am leaning towards a 29er, my main priority is reliability as i use my bike for getting to work and general running about all year round so want something that's not going to fall to bits after a few months especially once the weather gets bad

i like the look of the voodoo bizango but am put off by halfords (not seen them for sale anywhere else apart from 2nd hand on ebay) the mechanic at my local halfords did some shoddy repair work on my current bike after the accident and i've heard a few other bad things from people who've used the same store so don't really want to deal with them, though the price would leave me with spare cash so i could afford to take it somewhere else to have it properly set up, while the reviews are very good i was wondering if anybody has got one and had any problems after constant use?

any other recommendations within my budget?

cooldad

All bikes use common components and the only unique part is generally the frame.

Haven't heard of any specific problems with Voodoo frames.

dirkpitt74

If you're worried about build standard from HAlfords why not buy it boxed and either assemble yourself or see if there is a local mobile cycle mechanic that offers a build service.

I have to say that the service I received from my local Halfords has been pretty good - they have a checklist to follow when assembling the bikes etc.

Voodoo Bizango get's some brilliant reviews.