Miracle needed - MTB for around 200-300?

Hi,
I recently bought a bike from Argos (even though I was told not to...) and ended up taking it back and getting a refund.
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8042235
I'm looking for a decent bike to get fit on and eventually take to an Urban Bike Park near my location.
At max, I only have £300 to spend. I've been looking at Carerras from Halfords but I've had bad experiences with Halfords in the past.
I'm very unsure what to do as I weigh 17 stone. I've had a look at the forum page but it seems to be out of date.
Thanks for your time.
I recently bought a bike from Argos (even though I was told not to...) and ended up taking it back and getting a refund.
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8042235
I'm looking for a decent bike to get fit on and eventually take to an Urban Bike Park near my location.
At max, I only have £300 to spend. I've been looking at Carerras from Halfords but I've had bad experiences with Halfords in the past.
I'm very unsure what to do as I weigh 17 stone. I've had a look at the forum page but it seems to be out of date.
Thanks for your time.
0
Posts
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-5 ... 51007.html
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-s ... 21013.html
There doesn't seem to be a difference but it's so confusing.
I'm not sure it would be suited to the bigger jumps at a bike park though, but certainly would be good for trails.
NukeProof Mega FR 2012
Cube NuRoad 2018
Previous:
2015 Genesis CdF 10, 2014 Cube Hyde Race, 2012 NS Traffic, 2007 Specialized SX Trail, 2005 Specialized Demo 8
Thanks for your reply.
I'm not too fussed for the jumps but want to try the gravel trails. Are these better than the carreras?
I'm super concerned about second hand as there are no warranties etc. I have no clue how to adjust anything etc.
Buying a cheap bike isn't a good idea. Cheap stuff breaks and is just less reliable than the more expensive but better made equipment.
That's cool, should be perfect for the gravel tracks and forests etc.
I know the B'Twin is one of the most popular/recommended bikes at this price but I'd maybe see if any of the other forums members can vouch for Carrera as I'm not too familiar with their recent models. The Vendetta looks a decent buy for £350 though.
As for second hand, you can scoop up some real bargains but you do kinda need to know what to look for otherwise it's easy to end up with a stinker or something that has probably been stolen.
Does your work have a Cycle 2 Work scheme?
NukeProof Mega FR 2012
Cube NuRoad 2018
Previous:
2015 Genesis CdF 10, 2014 Cube Hyde Race, 2012 NS Traffic, 2007 Specialized SX Trail, 2005 Specialized Demo 8
That's a 40lb monster.
:shock:
If you can stretch slightly, the Calibre TwoTwo isn't a bad bike... https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-tw ... ke-p383858
Titus El Chulo 27.5 | 2017
Trek Slash 9 27.5 | 2015 (building)
NukeProof Mega FR 2012
Cube NuRoad 2018
Previous:
2015 Genesis CdF 10, 2014 Cube Hyde Race, 2012 NS Traffic, 2007 Specialized SX Trail, 2005 Specialized Demo 8
Thanks again.
I wouldn't be scared of buying used though, I recently sold a perfectly good On One Inbred for £250, 26" wheels and steel isn't fashionable anymore so it really didn't go for a lot of money.
Giant Anthem SX
Giant TCX CX bike
Defy Adv Pro 2 shiny nice bike.
Boardman comp hardtail. Not so little oxo,s
The issue with the Decathlons I linked are that the nearest shop is over an hour away whilst my local Halfords is 5 minutes.
I'm super unsure what to do as I really like the look and feel of the Carerra Vengeance. Halfords said they would keep the 20% knocked off I saw it at last week making it £264.
Giant Anthem SX
Giant TCX CX bike
Defy Adv Pro 2 shiny nice bike.
Boardman comp hardtail. Not so little oxo,s
The Vendetta is out of budget
https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... bestseller
This one doesn't seem shocking. I may be wrong though.
Thanks.
Not too bad for the money (was never a £425 bike though), the cable discs are marginal but a later upgrade to hydraulics could be done for circa £40-70. Its also a 29er so great for faster riding its not really for an urban bike park at all.
retired 9.6kg Carrera Kraken
The Carrera Hardtail combined thread - come on all you Carrera's!
The Sons Scott Genius RC20 build
Apologies. I didn't realise I'm not allowed to post links.
I'm mostly using it on the road anyway with the odd time on the trails. £275 seems okay. It's that or the Vengeance which I can get for £264.
I'm considering travelling to Sheffield to see if I can have a look at those Decathlons.
Thanks.
retired 9.6kg Carrera Kraken
The Carrera Hardtail combined thread - come on all you Carrera's!
The Sons Scott Genius RC20 build
What browser are you using, The Rookie.
If I follow that link I can see the specs listed. I have to scroll down the page but they are there. Using IE11.
And it all promised so so much”
Giant Trance 2 27.5 2016 ¦ Bird Zero Mk1 ¦ Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019 ¦ Giant Anthem 3 2015 ¦ Specialized Myka Comp FSR 2009
Other than that theres not much in it.
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-vengeance-mens-mountain-bike-black-16-18-20-22-frames
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-sulcata-mens-mountain-bike-silver
In respect to the trails. Will the Sulcatta or the Vengeance be better?
Thanks.
Yeah those 2 thanks. So which would be a better choice for fitness on roads and the odd trail at the weekend?
TIA
Thank you. So out of the Decathlons or the Carreras, which would be a better buy?
Thanks again.