Buying advice needed please!

Marky38

Hi guys and gals!

I'm looking at getting back into the saddle and am looking for help and advice on buying a mountain bike!

I am 5"9 with a 29" inside leg. I mainly ride road, cycle paths/tow paths and a little bit of xc with tree stumps/roots. My budget is around £400. And I must have 27 gears and very conmfortable saddle!!

The trouble I have is that there are so many options on the market!! I think I've narrowed it down to the best bikes, so any advice on the following would be greatly received!!

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two ... 64_2672055


http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... -bike-2015

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... ID=EBAY-GB

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... ID=EBAY-GB

I would just like to know people's views and opinions on the following bikes please. I'm leaning more towards the carrera kraken but that's just me!

kickaxe

The calibre link is broken.

Saddles you will have to buy and test out separately, it uncommon that the stock saddle fits your behind, though it can occur. Also note that what is comfortable for some people isn't necessarily comfortable for you.

Why 27 gears?

Marky38

Really want 27 gears because when I do go out I do quite a lot of downhill, therefore I can build up more speed and go through the gears. I've had 24 speed before and I was always looking for that extra gear when going downhill or on road!

cooldad

27 won't give you more speed. Both are likely to have a big ring around 44 teeth and a small cog of 11. It only gives a lower top gear (maybe depending on the cassette) and a closer range.

If you are spinng out with 44/11 you either need a road bike or are a genuine riding god.

cooldad

But of those, the Calibre.

Marky38

Thanks cooldad. Why do you recommend the calibre? I'll be honest, I was leaning towards the kraken, because halfords is my nearest retailer. After reading reviews though the brakes let the kraken down apparently. According to one review I read the brakes are and I quote "ropey"!

cooldad

Decent brakes, forks that work, just has the best mix of parts out of those. But wheelsize is 26, which wouldn't bother me, but not the latest stuff.

Of the 27.5s I'd take the Carrera, better fork that either of the Saracens (and the Tufftrax has 24 speed and cable brakes). You can upgrade to Shimano brakes later for around £50 if the Clarkes aren't up to it.

Marky38

Ok, so it's between the carrera and the calibre then!! I did see another bike but think the frame might be too big for me!

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... ID=EBAY-GB

cooldad

Way too big and a different ballgame.

Doubt it will stay near your budget anyway.

Marky38

I think it's going to be the carrera then to fair. its a good price and has reasonable reviews. Buy bike and then in September I'm planning to do London to Brighton bike ride!!

supersonic

If you can stretch to 450 (and can usually get 10% further off with British Cycling membership) then there is the 13 Inlcine Alpha:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... -bike-2015

Significantly better fork then most other bikes at this price, good reviews too.