First Bike!!

mtb99

Hi Guys

New to this forum and the world of mountain biking. Looking to purchase my first bike but don't really know what im looking for (spec wise). I have a budget of around £400-£500. I have come across these bikes and was wondering which one you would choose:

rockfinder 560
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-560-mountain-bike-275-id_8336092.html

vitus nucleus 275 VR
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-nucleus-275-vr-hardtail-bike-2016/rp-prod135377

calibre two two
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-alloy-hardtail-mountain-bike-p275612

Thanks and i look forward to your responses.

mtb99

i will start off with bridal paths but hope to progress into proper off road riding once i get the swing of things. i will not be riding on the roads for commuting etc.

Lungs94

Check out the Voodoo Bizango or the Saracen Mantra Pro, both great bikes.

The Rookie

The 560 isnt that much better than the much cheaper 540, so that is worth considering if you think you may 'get the bug' and want to upgrade (buy a better bike) in future.
Of those three, the Calibre has the best fork (the single most important component) and would be my choice.

IRONTUSK

I got a Voodoo Bantu about two weeks ago from Halfords.

It was a toss up between that and the calibre, I tried them both and overall preferred the Bantu.

I`d say I was in a similar position to you - I did a bridleway to start with about 20 miles and couldn't really fault the bike.

Went out this Sunday and took it down some trails with big rocks, steep hills and was very happy with it.

mtb99

Thanks for the replies and advice guys.

Just to let you know i went for the Calibre Two Two, even got it for £350 because the store had the wrong price tag on it :P

Can't wait to pick it up and take it for a ride