Hi all
Apologies if this has been asked before.

I'm currently searching for my first mountain bike (womens). Budget is up to £600 – could possibly go up to £800 as work does the Cycle To Work scheme which gives a good discount.
Anyway I've had a look around a few local shops but am unsure what to go for. Use will be hardtrails, forest tracks mostly.

I know not to stick necesarilly to womens specific models but I'm confused about things like brakes etc – v brakes? mechanical disc? hydraulic? Help!!

Also any recommendations of good decent shops? Glasgow / Edinburgh / Stirling.

Cheers!

hmmmmmmmmmmm……………….

At that budget I'd look for a bike with hydraulic disk brakes, someone will be along in a minute to say all you need are v-brakes, but having just converte one of my bikes back to V's I now remember why I ditched them, they take ages to set up properly! With disks the only thing to remember is to never let any oil or fingers come into contact with the rotor and they require next to no maintenance.

Get a hardtail (i.e. front suspension with a rigid frame) they'r generaly beter quality than full suspension untill you spend over £1000.

At that budget you'll be looking at Rock Shox Tora's or Recons, both are fairly good and reliable, the recons being quite a bit lighter.

Other than that just make sure it fits you, not too cramped or stretched out, no point buying bike that looks good on paper if yur never going to ride it as its too uncomfortable.

You can't go too far wrong if you stick with specialized, giant or trek bikes, theyr all good value for money and have dedicate womens bikes.

eg

specialized

last years trek (on sale)

the bike chain is good, a couple of forumers work there
The Bike Chain
http://www.thebikechain.co.uk

30 Rodney Street
Edinburgh, EH7 4EA
0131 557 2801

The edinburgh bike coop in Newcastle is good. I assume there is actually one in Edinburgh.

Big names are always a good if predictable bet.

Specialised, Trek, Kona, GT, Giant.

Try some mens bikes too. There isn't a huge difference in the geometry but much more choice. Often by fitting a shirter stem and ladies saddle they can be converted. Most people fit shorter stem immediately anyway as they think they handle better (I often do).

Bikeradar has some good info (as well as reviews) and I would suggest looking in a newsagent and picking up a few magazines if they have reviews in. What MTB is good for that.

Have a look at some, find the links and post them back here. People will probably give you advice on which ones are best.

I would look at frame, fork and wheels as being the most important as they are most expensive to replace.

My Missus recently bought a Specialized Myka FSR from LeisureLakes for £650 – should have been £900!
For the money it is amazing value and rides really well. Hayes Stryker Ride hydro disc brakes, RS Tora fork etc. well worth a look.

Thanks everyone for the great advice.
Like these but difficult to actually find them in the shops to have a proper look at!!
Trek 6300 WSD
Cube Access WLS Comp & Pro or the Kona Kula Lisa (but this is more expensive).
Saw a Gary Fisher Marlin GS, it was ok.

I've only been to a few local shops not ventured to Glasgow or Edinburgh (Glasgow closer to me though).

Freeflow in Glasgow do Cube bikes out of those ones listed

http://www.freeflowbikes.com/cube-bikes-141-c.asp

I would say it may depend on your height too. You may not need women-specific.

Agree with disc brakes but would also suggest that decent forks and a lightweight wheelset will make a huge difference.

Don't be afraid to ask on here if there is anyone in your area that would let you try out their bike for size.

I'm 5ft 3", so yeah a womens bike or 15/16" – i think!

Thanks again everyone! 🙂

Another vote for the bike chain. the boss is a mate but he gives good advice and sells good bikes.

I would suggest a Rock Lobster from Merlin, I had a 15" and I'm 5'5". Did use a layback seatpost though.

I personally find steel very comfortable and preferable to aluminium.

Tora forks are a bit shit.

Tora forks are a bit shit.

But there isn't realy much choice, and they'r a big step up from the cheep'n'nasty forks from a few years ago. If you could find a bike with recon's at that price it would be good, but would probably stretch the budget.

Tora forks are a bit shit.

The suspension action is OK and they are reliable/low-maintenance. The main issue is that they are quite heavy, esp. the U-turn coil ones. It puts quite a lot of weight at the front, making it difficult to pop and throw about. But they about 100% better than any suntour forks I've experienced.

What about this (recon fork): Pauls Cycles Main Order

It's a bit naughty, but a local shop may have them to look at and then you could mail order.

Yep i like the look of the Cube bikes at Freeflow. Will take a run through there at the weekend and then try other places too.

What about these too, if i can get them in a small size? Orange G2
Kona Blast Deluxe

Yep, you'd need to look at a 14" Kona or 15" Orange at your height. I'm just 5'2" and 14" Kona frames are spot on for me (16"ers tend to be a little longer as well as taller) and as said above, check out paulscycles.co.uk for some pretty good deals on older stock.

The sales will start to come out soon, look on line for deals as some shops may price match. If your a novice with no bike pals stick with a bike shop as they will help you out with any mechanicals when they arise and they will. If you have bike buddies go for an online deal as they will be significantly cheaper. As said above Merlin cycles do some good deals. Good luck and happy trails.