Short term hardtail for under £500

Belasyse93

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a hardtail for under £500 that I can ping around Thetford Forest red trails and equivalent. I only plan on having the bike for around a year before properly committing and investing in a decent bike and equipment.

I know it's probably asking a lot but I need a bike that won't cause to much hassle (break) if I'm hitting the trails pretty hard. I've been doing some research but some experienced opinions would be great.

My head tells me to go for something like - cannondale, cube, specialised etc..
But I normally always try and be different (which isn't a good feature) and have been considering - radon, felt, charge etc.

Just some ideas, but what do I know!?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec053948
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/felt ... -80-231405
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/cube ... red-231467
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/rado ... -ms-236078
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-cooker-1-29er-2014/
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2015_Bike

Open to all comments. Thanks in advance!

CitizenLee

For that money I'd be looking at used bikes as you'll get a much better deal.

I know you say it's a short termer but I'd still want best bang for buck regardless of how long I planned to own it.

Plus, a used bike will depreciate less when you come to sell it on.

Something like this for example...

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1657398/

The Rookie

Get a used bike
1/ Better value for money
2/ Looked after it will only lose a small amount of money, a new bike will always lose more.

kinioo

Hi there,

I am also looking for a 'new' second hand bike at the mo(dont want to spend more than £500-600) and have heard few good things about this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOARDMAN-TEAM ... 2342db9f2e

rockmonkeysc

You can get a very decent used hardtail for £500.
I picked up quite a nice On One Scandal for a mate for well under that with XT/SLX transmission and brakes and a 2010ish Rockshox SID fork.

The Rookie

Just done a search on ebay for mountain bikes upto £500, BIN and highest price first, loads and loads of choice, this was just one good deal.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cube-Acid-26- ... 4188b0a493

kajjal

Used is definitely the way to go. You will get bikes in great condition for below half their retail price. There are some great deals if you look around.

duke duvet

what about a voodoo bizango? Bit over your budget but getting some great reviews
http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/29er/product/review-voodoo-bizango-13-47282/

Used is a good option. My brother in law got a top of the line Boardman HT for about £500 that just needed a good clean. Great bike and similar geometry and spec to my Cotic Soul. But make sure it has been looked after. You may need to think about a full fork service (£80), drive train may need replacing and check state of the brakes as they may need pads and a bleed. That will mean more cash t spend on top of your £500

But if you find a well looked after used bike or can do some maintenance yourself then go second hand. For a starter I would suggest a Boardman, Whyte 901, Genesis Core or something similar. Good starting point for all types of riding. Or one of these http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-kona-kula-08-28224/

This one looks a bargain http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kona-Kula-18-inches-Mountain-Bike-/161452660212?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item25975415f4