Which Bike to buy and recommendations

shughes26

Hi

i've been through the forum and i know there are a multitude of which bike to buy questions so apologies for any duplication or replication

I'm looking for a hardtail mountain bike and again i have the usual £500 ish budget

currently riding on trails with the wife and 7 yr old daughter but would like to do more difficult trails as i get more confident, fitter and my daughter gets bigger and stronger

I've looked at loads of reviews and on this forum and here is what i have found:

13 Incline Alpha - excellent - unfortunately not available in a size larger than 19.5". I'm 6'3 so need at least 21" frame, i'm current riding a Giant hybrid i was given and that a 20" and i'm at the extremes of the seat post for it to be comfortable. I'm assuming they are preparing to release their 2016 model in alpha, does anyone have any ideas when that is likely to be?

Calibre Two.Two - Excellent - unfortunately only available upto 20"

We have the Rockrider 560 - great reviews and on here for the 2015 model but that model looks to have become the 580 this year which is £600
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-56 ... 36092.html

I could stretch with discount to the Incline Beta
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... -bike-2015

there is the Giant Talon 4 at £475
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... -27-5-4-16

I've looked at the Voodoo Bizango which again i could stretch to with discounts but for no particular reason i don't fancy a 29er

Plus any valid suggestions within that £500-£550 range

Cheers

The Rookie

Most Halfords own brands only update the lineup every 2 years not every year, they have only ever routinely done S,M, L sizes.

supersonic

The Incline Alpha is worth a look - I don't think the Beta is worth the extra.

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Halfords have a "spend and save" promo active, £10 off per £100 spent, making the Incline Alpha £409.99 if not combined with anything else.

British Cycling membership gives you another 10% discount in addition to the above, but having never used this, I don't know if that would be another £44.99 or £40.99 discount. Either way, it is a great spec for ~£370.

shughes26

Yeah I've seen the halfords offer and the incline is the bike I would prefer but it's only available up to 19.5" which is too small for me.

Any other stand out bikes currently in this price range?

supersonic

Have you tried a 19.5 alpha? Top tubes on modern hardtails are getting long, a 19.5 alpha is longer than many older 21 and even 23 inch bikes. Also has a 90mm stem.

kajjal

If they fit the best value bikes are the bizango or decathlons rock rider range

shughes26

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm going to go and have a try of the 19.5" incline alpha see how it fits.

In addition what do you think of this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/331824567136

It's in my area as well so if I can get him down a bit it looks a decent option?

The Rookie

A rather basic and heavy coil fork, the fork being the most critical component I'd say you could get better new for that money.

cooldad

Says Solo Air in the pics.

shughes26

Yeah the spec say rockshox gold solo air

shughes26

So based on it being an air shock, that's fairly good spec for the money, given it looks barely used and as per advice on this site he has listed all the upgrades so it's unlikely to be nicked?

supersonic

It's had some modest upgrades - but not worth that cash. For a little more than it is at there is this, which has a similar level of kit - well actually, better wheels and fork:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b67s182p ... -27-5-2015

This is a bit of a curveball, but an excellent bike:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-52 ... 22501.html

Decent range of sizes for you too. A little heavy, but a change of tyres would lose a fair chunk of weight, and still leave you change from your initial budget.

shughes26

Thanks for the advice. While the fs looks decent it's not really what I was looking for. Cube looks good if a little over budget but as below is too small in the 20"

Tried the 19.5 incline and it's way too small, had decided as I could get it for £500 just to plump for the beta but that's now sold out in a 21"

Anyone with thoughts on this?
https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-charg ... e-EV243542
Can get it with additional discount for just over £500.

Failing that it's looking like second hand so again looking for further ideas as to what I can get second hand in the £500 price range or what's good to take my time waiting for second hand?

The Rookie

Pretty poor fork for a £500 bike, rubbish at over £600.

There are some really nice used bikes around for that money, have a look locally and post for comments!

supersonic

For £500 I think that is pretty good for new. The Recon Silvers are better made than their XC32 counterparts: and I'd certainly take one over a Raidon.