Which of these is the best bike for a beginner?

theoallen

Hey guys!

I recently posted a topic about which bike would be best for me and I've narrowed it down to 3 bikes.

Could you guys have a look and tell me which you think is the best, as I've read mixed reviews online! I'm basically wanting a mountain bike for off roading as i ride to work but with the potential to get into mountain biking more seriously.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... in-bike-18
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... ke-18#tab1
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... um-18#tab2

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thank you!

theoallen

BUMP

ncn

Have you checked out decathlon?? Rock rider 8.1 gets the vote round here for a great starter bike!

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-359112-mou ... ikes#page2

cooldad

The Voodoo Hoodoo of the three you linked, unless you want a 29er which would probably be better for commuting, although the RR linked to above is a decent option, or a bit cheaper but still a proper bike:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-52 ... ctFeatures

theoallen

ncn wrote:

Have you checked out decathlon?? Rock rider 8.1 gets the vote round here for a great starter bike!

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-359112-mou ... ikes#page2

Unfortunately ill be getting it on a cycle to work scheme, and as per an agreement have to get it from halfords. And i don't believe halfords sell decathlon bikes.

ncn

Ah that scuppers that then, but I thought you could get more money through the ctw? the voodoo bizango was/is getting great reviews also and I would definitely say the extra is very worth it.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... in-bike-18

theoallen

ncn wrote:

Ah that scuppers that then, but I thought you could get more money through the ctw? the voodoo bizango was/is getting great reviews also and I would definitely say the extra is very worth it.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... in-bike-18

That is incredibly tempting! Might just have to pop to halfords for a test ride tomorrow!

foy

I am afraid halfords do not do test rides but they will let you ride the bike in store which seems very odd. They will not let you take it outside for a ride and maybe one of the forum members on here who work for halfords can tell you why.

theoallen

foy wrote:

I am afraid halfords do not do test rides but they will let you ride the bike in store which seems very odd. They will not let you take it outside for a ride and maybe one of the forum members on here who work for halfords can tell you why.

How odd, oh well, I'll go and have a look and have a sit on it and see if i like it! (Which i hope i do)

Thanks very much!

The Rookie

My local store allow you to ride round the car park, while telling you they aren't allowed to!

asdfhjkl

Yeah I was allowed to try a couple of bikes around the car park too.

dirkpitt74

If limited to Halfords check out the Voodoo Bizango (29'er) or the Carrera Fury (27.5").

Bizango has been MTB of the year a couple of times.