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Any thoughts on buying this for first bike?

Gavsl123Gavsl123 Posts: 26
edited November 2016 in MTB beginners
Hi guys i am looking purchase a bike for around £250.


I have seen one of these selling on ebay
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... ntain-bike

the guy lives quite close to me and said i could have it for £210

do you think this is a good bike to get back into cycling.

Will be riding on canals and a few hills nothing much

Posts

  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,457
    If the bike is in nearly new condition then its worth it. personally i would try and get it for a round £200. It is plenty good enough for canals etc.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • Baron GreenbackBaron Greenback Posts: 128
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302134776763

    You mentioned canals, this one is in Birmingham, So I'm assuming it might be it?

    It looks like he's replaced the rear cassette with an 8 speed, but kept the original 9 speed shifter?

    There are marks to the frame too, probably from a triangle Frame bag.
  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,457
    Well spotted GB, if this is the one I'd be wary as replacing a 9 speed cassette with an 8 speed one seems pretty daft.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • Gavsl123Gavsl123 Posts: 26
    Yeah, that was the one. should i not go for that?
  • rockmonkeyscrockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Not for more than £150
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • Gavsl123Gavsl123 Posts: 26
    :O i really aint got a clue what bike i should be buying for like £200-£250 lol

    that bike is £500 in halfords and not worth buying for £150 :S
  • Baron GreenbackBaron Greenback Posts: 128
    Take a look on gumtree, search under bikes, in Birmingham, and see what's about, there are quite a few voodoo's, Giants, cubes etc.

    I guess in an ideal world you will want something that's from a mainstream reputable brand, has been stored indoors, is less than 3 years old (unless it has been maintained well), hydraulic disc brakes.

    HTH,

    Greenback
  • The RookieThe Rookie Posts: 27,809
    As long as by mainstream and reputable you include Carrera, Calibre, Rockrider, Voodoo etc, it doesn't have to be a big name (and £) name.
    Current steed - Whyte T129, 2013 frame, mongrel Revelations, Giant dropper, Stans S1 wheelset. 12, Magura Trail Sport brakes, 1x11. 12.8Kg
  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,457
    Gavsl123 the problem is that when you see a bike that should have a 9 speed cassette on and its been fitted with an 8 speed one it shouts out what else is wrong with it. Anyone normal would fit the correct cassette. As already mentioned above look around for something that's not been Frankensteined and is pretty much original. Loads of 26" wheeled bikes being sold by people upgrading for no real reason other than fashion.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • Gavsl123Gavsl123 Posts: 26
    Ima just get 1 of these brand new i think, hopefully there is some good mtb trails around birmingaham
  • The RookieThe Rookie Posts: 27,809
    Cannock Chase isn't far away, you have a choice of fireroads, the dedicated Dog and Monkey or the off piste trails when you learn your way around.
    Current steed - Whyte T129, 2013 frame, mongrel Revelations, Giant dropper, Stans S1 wheelset. 12, Magura Trail Sport brakes, 1x11. 12.8Kg
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