Budget "adjacent" Hardtail/Full suspension MTB
Due to a lot of reasons, we've (me and her) have lost all enjoyment in cycling on the road. Picking myself out of the hedge, again, due to people not paying any attention has been the final nail in the coffin for road riding. At least in the Summer months. Hopefully will still be able to find some quieter roads in the Autumn/Spring
So we're looking at getting a couple of MTB's but I've got no idea where to start.
All of the riding will be done round the Cornish moors, so gravel, mud and a lot of granite. We hired a couple of Giant hardtails just to give it a whirl and loved it.
A couple of sketchy moments on some of the descents, back wheel kicking out when hitting a large lumps of granite was the main issue. More for her than for me but a little more control wouldn't go amiss, which I'm guessing full suspension would help with.
Total budget is around £3.5-£4K. Less is better but there's a little wiggle room at the top end if there's a compelling reason. She's 5'3" and I'm 5'9"
Some things have already been ruled out. Canyon, and Go outdoors stuff.
Canyon: as they have a massive lack of bikes in her size range, On of the bikes was expected back in stock Sept-Dec 2026!
Go Outdoors as if there are any issues the bike needs to be returned to the nearest store, That's a 4 hour round trip. Plus finding someone to look after the dog.
I'm a little on the fence with Decathlon bikes, as I'm not sure if they can be returned via courier or if they need to go back to the nearest store (8hr round trip)
Have easy access to Halfords and a Giant store but have no issues ordering online as long as the returns procedure is simple.
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-titan-x-mens-full-suspension-mountain-bike---s-m-l-frames-850682.html is one of the ones I've been looking at but no clue if it's any good.
Also been looking at the Giant Stance/Stance 29 as well
Any pointers/suggestions would be very welcome
Comments
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Hi. I’m not a ‘ full on’ mtber, just occasional. My reply is based on buying my wife a gravel bike from Liv - the female arm of Giant bikes. She loves her Liv Devote because of the quality, but most importantly the female fit. We’re up in Hampshire and used the Giant Southampton branch who were super helpful. Bike is very well made. Have been so impressed I have just ordered a Giant TCR as my next road bike. A quick google shows Giant/ Liv branches in both Heston and Launceston, so hopefully one is fairly close. There’s a good sale on currently too.
Good luck with the ‘switch’ !
PS - an Exeter lad from birth to 18 years old ( now 60 in a couple of weeks) . There is mtb courses at Halton if you are ever up that way
Enjoy! BW!
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