£500-£600 budget

rdb77uk

After a Hardtail MTB for approx £500-£600. I really want something that has good all round equipment, but something not everyone has. I initially was looking at the Specialized Rockhopper Sport 2016 but now fancy the Rocky Mountain Fusion 27.5 - any thoughts or advice?

kajjal

Voodoo bizango or the more expensive rockrider from decathlon assuming they have your size. Much better spec for the money.

rdb77uk

Hi Kajjal, yep seen the reviews and heard a lot about both of those bikes especially the Voodoo Bizango. Unfortunately I had a real bad experience afew years ago with Halfords and don't want to go there again. I do want something a little different as well. To be honest at my beginner/intermediate level I don't think the difference in some of the spec will make that much difference.

Another choice I like the look of is the Kona Fire Mountain - what do you think?: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kona-fire-mountain-2016/

The Rookie

With that spec it should come with a £450 price tag as it's pretty much the same as a Carrera Kraken or Rockrider 520 (currently on sale for a lot less and a real steal).

rdb77uk

So this is where I'm at with the below choices, what do you think?

Kona Fire Mountain
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kona-fire-mountain-2016/

Rocky Mountain Fusion
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Rocky-Mountain-Fusion-27-5-Mountain-Bike-2015-Hardtail-MTB_79112.htm?sku=257200&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=AdwordsProductAds&utm_campaign=Adwords&gclid=CjwKEAiAk7O0BRD9_Ka2w_PhwSkSJAAmKswxpZ8fz71sEbIt6AMBAqmON7FGDHSIf7Rye2ozXQKwPxoCnvPw_wcB#

Merida Big Nine 500
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Big-Nine-Alloy-500-Mountain-Bike-2015-Hardtail-MTB_74411.htm

The Rookie

The Merida is pretty good value, especially as it's a 29er (do you now want a 29er as this is the first time you've asked about one), The Fusion has a slightly better fork but everything else is a step or two behind the Merida, forget the Kona as it's a stinker at that price.

trek_dan

Rockrider 580?

rdb77uk

Choosing a new bike is slowly making me loose the will to live! :shock:

The Rookie

You need to treat it as part of the fun!

codfather

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19773735#p19773735]rdb77uk[/url] wrote:

Choosing a new bike is slowly making me loose the will to live! :shock:

As far as problems go, having to decide between various options for a new bike isn't as bad as it gets.

The Rocky Mountain seems surprisingly reasonable value for money. If those forks are as good as the previous Raidons, they'll be far superior to the XC30. Wouldn't worry about drivetrain; both are triple chainring and the 10spd Merida comes with standard rather than Shadow+ so it's not gaining anything. Decent width bars and you won't find better brakes at that price.
If you're willing to go to £600, the B'Twin Rockrider 580 and VooDoo Bizango are worth a look.