Hardtail advice on £350 budget

Thecadman

Hi, At the beginning of the year I bought an Apollo Slant bike to start off with. Now im looking to get a proper mountain bike (well as close as I can get for £350). After a long time searching Im thinking of the following;

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m15b192s2p11640/2014_SARACEN_TuffTrax_Comp_Hydro_Disc_Front_Suspension_Mountain_Bike/RS_GB/33885?gclid=CJKnsaTuxMACFU7MtAodPyYAqA (Saracen Tufftrax comp hydro 26 or 29er)

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-520-mountain-bike-id_8293188.html (B'TWIN Rockrider 520)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-nucleus-260-hardtail-bike-2014/rp-prod107042 (Vitus Nucleus 260).

Ive read conflicting reviews on the bikes and im total lost in a lot of the jargon, has anyone had any experience on these bikes or have any advice?

Thanks.

The Rookie

The Saracen is out due to the poor and undamped forks.

I can't get the link to the Vitus to load so can't comment.

The RR is a darn good bike and on the recommended list.

Thecadman

Thanks for the quick reply Rookie.

http://www.vitusbikes.com/mountain-bikes-2014/nucleus-260-2014 <not sure if this link will work better.

Do you think that hydrolic brakes at this price are a mistake over mechanical discs. I don't mind a bit of maintenance just not sure whats involved.

dirkpitt74

If you can stretch slightly and can find one in stock the CALIBRE TWO TWO is really well spec'd.

Thecadman

Just checked the GoOutdoors near me and they've got them in stock, might take a trip there and Decathalon and see what they are like to sit on. Think looks wise I prefer the RR but might change my mind when I see them.