Hardtail for XC riding at a steady pace!

alex100a

Hi Guys,

My father-in-law is turning 65 later at the end of the year and has requested the family get him a new hard tail as his Spec Hardrock is getting tired!

Despite his age he's very fit and enjoys getting dragged around the local country roads, bridleways and byways etc. He's never going to hit serious trails, maybe blue trails at Swinley etc, and more likely to try the South Downs Way ride.

I'm thinking a hardtail with 100mm upfront around the £600 mark with the intention of one with a high RRP that will likely be reduced over the coming few months to around £600. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Alex

The Rookie

The Decathon Rafal 720 is at £650 right now and brilliant value.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rafal-720-mo ... 37929.html

Or the 700 for £550
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rafal-700-mo ... 38359.html

winter_zombie

well at your budget your main choice and best option in my view is one of the following as they are all well respected
halfords boardman
halfords voodoo
decathlone B'TWIN Rockrider range OR B'TWIN Rafal

you didnt say if you wanted a 26" or 27.5 or 29" wheel size
but this is about as good as you can get with your budget . Halfords always have some bike sale on every month and at the moment Decathlone has some bargains on offer,

Boardman bikes have won many awards in its time and are a good buy
Voodoo is also a Halfords brand but again won awards for best buy in in price range like boardman
Decathlone is a sports superstore and their is quite a few all around the uk, also good reviews.
as your father-in-law is turning 65 i would guess a 26" or 27.5 would be best but take him to a store and let him have a sit on one.see what suits him best.

Boardman Mountain Bike Team 29er **Was £850 Now £679**
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... -team-29er
OR
Boardman Mountain Bike Comp 27.5 **Was £649 Now £519**
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... -comp-27-5

VooDoo Hoodoo Mountain Bike £499
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... ntain-bike

B'TWIN Rafal 720 Mountain Bike - 27.5" **Was £900 now £649**
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rafal-720-mo ... 37929.html

Danieljephcott

I can certainly recommend the hoodoo. I ride it on paths and It's great I've also taken it to Cannock trials a few times and it certainly can keep up.

bluemoon81

How about this, cracking spec with dropper

http://www.diamondback.co.uk/MTB/Produc ... 0&pg=18172

alex100a

Thanks for all the replies.

I think he'd be best suited to a 27.5 as he's not the tallest! I also think he would prefer a larger range of gears, certainly not looking at 1x so that limits the choices.

I'll try and drag him around a the LBS, Halfords and Decathalon.

The Rookie

Height and wheel size are totally independent of each other, wheel size has nothing to do with bike sizing (position of pedals, saddle and grips).

JGTR

Not sure why his height would be a factor? Just get the correct sized bike - there's a reason XC riders use 29ers, faster rolling and better on hills, I'd say 29er would be a better choice than 27.5

Jonesinamilion

I have the 26in Btwin rafal 720 and love it, cant really fault it.... Light, fast, efficient and good components for the price point.

supersonic

The Rafal 720 at £650 is absurdly good for that cash, seems to fit the bill perfectly. Frame and fork combo just over 3kg, that's more at £1650 territory, never mind £650. Decent wheelset and parts too.