New to mountain biking. Any tips on what bike to buy?

Impala Welling
Impala Welling Posts: 4
edited January 2017 in MTB buying advice
Hi all

After recently hiring a bike on a couple of occasions I have realised that really enjoy cycling. I am looking at buying a mountain bike but when looking at the specs it's like reading in a different language!

I am 6ft 3 and currently weigh 18.5 stone so want to lose weight and increase my fitness. I intend starting of slowly by cycling around local National Trust sites and flat cycle trails. I have between £500-700 to spend.

I think I have found a couple of suitable bikes, but was wondering if anyone could advise whether they are any good or whether there are any alternatives I should be considering.

I am looking at the:

Voodoo Bizango 29er

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... reId=10001

OR

Pinnacle Ramin 2

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ra ... e-EV264162

Would really appreciate any advice that can be offered. I appreciate this isn't a mega amount of money in bike terms but want to make sure I make the right decision.

Thanks in advance

Impala

Comments

  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    The Voodoo is an excellent bike. Should do the job for you now and when you're ready to progress to some more technical riding and longer distance it'll be up to that as well.
    I'm thinking of buying myself one for longer cross country rides. My Transition is a bit of a tank for long rides and the Voodoo is great value.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    The Pinnacle is also a decent bike but just shaded in most areas by the Voodoo.

    Another to consider for a little more is the Rockrider 900
    https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-9 ... 66620.html
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • What a great website this is! Thanks very much for your advice. It's much appreciated. I am going to go with the Voodoo.
  • Welcome to the Forum!
  • Sorry to have to revisit this. My mind was made up and I was going to purchase the Voodoo Bizango. Unfortunately having tried it for size I have found the bike is too small for me. Unfortunately the biggest frame size they provide is 20".

    Now considering the Pinnacle Ramin 2:

    http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=71026X1 ... arch&xtz=0

    But was just wondering if there was anything else I should be considering. Have considered the Rockrider but would ideally prefer a 29er.

    Thanks in advance for any advice that can be given.

    Impala