[Closed] (probably) another what bike thread/just moved to aberdeen

I'd look at second mate, better bike less cost

I'd look at second mate, better bike less cost

I expect so, but that means im without a bike for atleast another 2-3 months while I save up. And i would still have no idea what to look for.

Welcome Boaty.
Great answer to your first post, first reply hadn't read it 😎

There are plenty who know a lot about bikes on here, so I'll leave it to them to answer your question. Cycle to Work is a great scheme though, with the tax savings it's hard not to get a bargain.

Cheers,

APF

Welcome Boaty.
Great answer to your first post, first reply hadn't read it

There are plenty who know a lot about bikes on here, so I'll leave it to them to answer your question. Cycle to Work is a great scheme though, with the tax savings it's hard not to get a bargain.

Cheers,

APF

Yeah it seems good but ive been told the price is about 100 higher than it should be for most of the bikes.

ive also been told to consider this :

http://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/hardtail/voodoo-bizango-29er-review-2013

If i can get it through the cycle scheme i might but my only worry is i'd need a bigger frame size than 20 inch, but i really dont know.

its unlikely you will need bigger than a 20" at 6ft 4 unless your of really odd proportions.

Cycle solutions site shows the RRP for the bike. yes you may get some discounts at other shops but they certainly have not inflated the price _ certainly for the few i could be bothered to google.

You get your savings from the tax savings.

Normally id say go to your local shop and see what they can do for you - how ever arguably we dont have a good one in aberdeen so its a waste of time 😀

You can get a Bird Zero for a grand, which is a lot of bike for the money and I believe they can do cyclescheme. No point spending less than a grand as you won't save as much therefore it's more expensive. (#blokemaths)

Yeh I was the first to get a Bird Zero through halfords cycle to work scheme. It's a great bike but its well above the op's budget. Have a look at boardman bikes on halfords website.

For riding in aberdeen have a look at kirkhill forest, some nice trails there. Very easy to get to as just off the a96. I lived in aberdeen 20 years ago and used to ride up to the forest in the evening from the city centre, having driven past kirkhill a couple of weeks ago there's no way I would ride up that road now.

Have a look on here - http://www.ecurieneep.co.uk/forum/

They have an easy ride group until you get up to speed. Lots of info about local venues, routes etc as well

As above Kirkhill is a good place to start off with, nothing too steep and you can stick to the fire roads if you want and theres always the wee fun park. There's loads of space so when you get your bike you can just head out and mess about, thats what I do when I take my daughter along with me.

There's also the old railway lines. You can pick them up at Dyce and head north, cant remember off the top of my head but I think there's around about 60 miles of it.

Could always go to CycleHighlands in Ballater - good bike shop who will keep you straight. Probably get a nice Kona or GT from them in budget.

Lots of nice riding around there (Ballater, Loch Muick), Scolty hill (Banchory) and Pitfichie.

There's also a nice wee set of trails at Tarland and Aboyne too I think. And lots of smooth wide paths around the Dee.

Kirkhill (you could ride the three hills out the way, not sure situation with the WPR construction these days). Some limited riding at Countesswells (back of Cults/Bieldside) used to head out to Kirkhill via here.

Scolty (Banchory) a bit of everything but mostly lots of mud this time of year.... Def some good bits though.

Fetteresso (known by the locals as Wetteresso...) Stonehaven / Slug Road way.

Pitfichie (Monymusk). millstone Hill, Bennachie (busy as v popular with walkers, etc and probably a bit full on for a 'cheap' hardtail).

Glen Tanar (Aboyne). An all year venue. A nice place to start, mostly estate roads but it's fast and loose. Water erosion makes it interesting (esp on a hardtail).

Ballater.

And lots of smooth wide paths around the Dee.

Not quite true at the moment! The recent floods have made their mark around the place . Was in Glen Tanar today, some significant erosion down by the Tanar side! Changes around Banchory too (less than GT though)

The bikes on that website don't seem overpriced, they're just at RRP. Most bike shops will only sell on the cycle schemes for RRP (the scheme takes a 10% cut) or at least add on a surcharge.

I've not time to look through them now but I'm sure most are fine.

Scolty is running fantastically at the moment - get in there before the rain comes on Saturday!

Aberdeen has loads of cycling within 30 mins car journey of the city. I go out with a group on Monday nights. We're mixed abilities and make sure not to lose anyone - you're welcome to tag along if you're looking for an intro to some of the routes. Alternatively, I'm happy to show you around some of the local trails.

Give me a shout if you want - email in my profile.

The bikes on that website don't seem overpriced, they're just at RRP.Most bike shops will only sell on the cycle schemes for RRP (the scheme takes a 10% cut) or at least add on a surcharge.

I got a £200 off dirty disco from on one on ctw (Yorkshireman here, rrp anathema). Just had a squiz and can't see any discounted 29er hardtails in L or XL (which is what the OP wants, let's face it) in budget. I think he (I'm guessing it's he, unless it's big Sally McSall) needs a bike more than route suggestions...

Aberdeen has loads of cycling within 30 mins car journey of the city. I go out with a group on Monday nights. We're mixed abilities and make sure not to lose anyone - you're welcome to tag along if you're looking for an intro to some of the routes. Alternatively, I'm happy to show you around some of the local trails.

Give me a shout if you want - email in my profile.

Will do when im sorted. cheers pal

I got a £200 off dirty disco from on one on ctw (Yorkshireman here, rrp anathema). Just had a squiz and can't see any discounted 29er hardtails in L or XL (which is what the OP wants, let's face it) in budget. I think he (I'm guessing it's he, unless it's big Sally McSall) needs a bike more than route suggestions..

I think im just going to have to pick a bike and deal with it til I can save up and afford something "proper".

One other thing I've been told is to get something with air forks not coil forks so I can set them up to my weight (16 stone and rising).....any comments on this ?

That's fairly sound advice, though there aren't many bikes at the lower end of your price point that'll come with an air fork. I think the Voodoo does.

13 Incline Alpha - [url= http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/hardtail/product/review-13-bikes-incline-alpha-16-49992/ ]Bike Radar Review[/url] won a group test in last month's What MTB.

Looks like it's £50 off (so £450) at Halfords at the moment. Might be worth a look?

So ive checked at work and have no option except using the approved website for the cycle scheme

I've had a look at some reviews and it seems that this specialised might be my best option

http://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/hardtail/specialized-pitch-sport-650-review

Would you guys go for that (overall cost of £290) and have some cash left over for potential upgrades, or would you not even bother with it and just get a 0 % finance deal on something like the Voodoo or 13 incline from halfords ?

Personally, I wouldn't buy that with the expectation of "upgrading". Either ride it for what it is or spend a bit more to get a better spec to start with (IMHO).

You mentioned that your budget goes up to £800, so how about something like the Cube Acid?

https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/p84761/cube-acid-27-5--2016-mountain-bike

Air fork, 10 speed, Shimano brakes... (No idea how it rides!)

Other bikes by Merida, Scott, etc. at similar price point.

At 6'4" i'd be looking at a 29er. Should be comfier and faster although others may argue otherwise. A 29er HT at the top end of your budget should see you right for years whereas one toward the lower end might not be up to the job as your riding progresses.

Personally, I wouldn't buy that with the expectation of "upgrading". Either ride it for what it is or spend a bit more to get a better spec to start with (IMHO).

You mentioned that your budget goes up to £800, so how about something like the Cube Acid?

https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/p84761/cube-acid-27-5--2016-mountain-bike

Air fork, 10 speed, Shimano brakes... (No idea how it rides!)

Other bikes by Merida, Scott, etc. at similar price point.

See what your saying. the only reason I said about upgrades was that it got 9/10 on MBR and its cons were the stock chain and brakes or something along those lines.

Will look at the Cube too. They have a 29er on the scheme too. Whats the main reason for getting bigger tyres ? More forgiving on beginners/more grip etc ?

So I'm still pretty unsure as what to get, but think I might not bother with the cycle scheme and get a Bizango on finance

I know halfords customer service can be a bit dodgy, but atleast i'd get a chance to have a look at the bike in person.

The cube acid is £50 cheaper on the cycle scheme so thats the other bike im considering. The only issue with the cycle scheme is that if i leave work (short term contract no guarantee of further employment as of yet) then i get stung with the full remaining cost of the bike coming out of my net (not gross) pay. ouch..

Any thoughts about which of those two bikes would be the better option ? (third consideration is the 13 incline alpha, again a halfords bike)

Cheers

Okay from that site I'd probably get this:

https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/p80452/specialized-rockhopper-expert-29-2016-mountain-bike

or the £700 version

https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/p80451/specialized-rockhopper-comp-29-2016-mountain-bike

review:

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/hardtail/product/review-specialized-rockhopper-14-48516/
(cheaper version, but hey)

https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/p83700/scott-scale-970--2016-mountain-bike

or this:

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er-hardtail/scott/scale-970/prd_506348_1548crx.aspx
(difft year but hey. fwiw I've got the old carbon version of this as my riding in the dales bike.)

Chose these mainly because you're less likely to see them discounted and I'd personally struggle to pay £800 for something that's for sale for £600 elsewhere, but then I'm a bargain victim as I've said.

They're only bikes. It's the rider that matters. Get one bought. the way ctw can be, you'll need to buy now in time for summer flatness...

Cheers bud, appreciate it. will make my decision tonight hopefully !

Hi Boaty,

I personally think a 29ner is a must for you as it will fit your size and commute with appropriate tyres.

I picked up a Pinnacle Ramin 4 a couple of years ago from Evans and it has been a great bike, although I would go 5/6 to get the better fork. Evans have deals on sometimes, so have a look as good running gear and cheaper than the corresponding other marques by a few hundred quid.

I hope this helps as not sure what scheme you will be in.