New Rider Bike Advice

vices

Hey All,

Hoping to get some advice on "which bike", looking to spend in the region of £500-600 although could stretch a bit.

I've had a look through the forum and found Got £300-500 to spend? Want a new bike? READ THIS! but the info on there is a bit dated.

After a bit of research I've been looking at the following bikes

B'Twin Rockrider 560
Voodoo Bizango
Boardman Comp
Whyte 605 (bit above budget)
Specialized Rockhopper
Cube Analog

I realised there's a mixture of 29er and 650b's here, I feel the 29er is probably more suited for the moment due to my size and riding style however I'm not disregarding the 650b's if I find something that fits.

I've managed to try the B'Twin RR 560 although they only had a medium and it felt a bit cramped, they were expecting more stock of the large this week so will go back and try the bigger size. I also managed to test the Boardman which felt quite nice and the Voodoo which felt great but raises concerns about reliability.

I'm going to try get a test ride on the Whyte soon, but have been unable to find anywhere nearby that stocks the Specialized or the Cube.

Are there any of these that I should disregard and are there any that stand out above the rest? Any advice/guidance is welcome.

Thanks in advance.
~ Vices

cooldad

Why should the Voodoo be unreliable?

It's a frame with the same bits hanging off it as others. and the frame is good.

Voodoo are a decent brand in the US, and their original designer was Joe Murray, responsible for some of the best old Konas.

They just happen to be distributed by Halfords in the UK. Which is a good thing as it keeps the prices down.

The spec of the Voodoo and Boardman is much better than the othrs, although at the price the Btwin is pretty decent.

vices

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to respond cooldad.

I do understand the frame is not going to fall apart. I'm referring to the bits attached to it. I've read in a few different places that some of the parts used in the newer models are a bit questionable even here on this forum.

I guess it's like anything though, when things go wrong people complain. It's the reason I'm asking for advice, there's a maze of part numbers and pieces I'm still trying to learn about and after hours of reading and researching it's all a bit overwhelming.

I actually liked the Voodoo a lot, aside from the colour, although I'm not that bothered that it would put me off it.

Hopefully get a ride on a btwin that's the right size tomorrow.

cooldad

Define questionable, or more likely, just idiots, but as a comparison against the big brand Specialised:

Forks - The Radion are at least 2 levels up from XCM. And air is much more easily adjustable.

Drivetrain - 8 speed against 10 speed. Even my 1996 Kona Explosif has 8 speed. The Alivio/Altus combo is bottom end named Shimano. Deore is solid and bloody good.

Brakes are about level and work.

Wheels and finishing kit are similar.

The Voodoo is worth the extra on the forks alone.

The Boardman spec is similar to the Voodoo, but IMO, especially at the lower end, Shimano stuff is better than Sram.

cooldad

Or get one of these and change the saddle. Absolute bargain.

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

kirkee

As mentioned Bizango, great value. Also rarely mentioned but the warranty from Halfords for me was great. I broke the Raidon forks a few weeks after purchase. Had them repaired but wasnt happy with the forks damping. Took the bike back in. They upgraded my forks to Epixons. Also Halfords offer interest free 12 month option so whatever you get hi or lo spec bike theyre a sound choice IMO.

vices

Thanks kirkee

thinking I may just throw a bit of extra money at it and get this

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/m ... -29er-2016

kirkee

Nice choice!

vices

Got the boardman team 29er 2017 in the end, preferred the red with black forks.

Happy with the purchase, awesome bike great ergonomics.

Thanks again for the help all.