My sister-in-law is looking for a new bike up to £500-550.

She is around 5’10” is so reckon that would be a 17″ frame to start with, though I reckon she will want to buy it from a shop so should be able to ride it first.

Hydro discs and mud clearance are probably top of the list.

I’ve lost touch with new bikes so are there any that stand above the rest?

Hardrock Sport 29″.

Btwin 8.1 from decathlon for £499

Voodoo hoodoo? £499

for that sort of cash it would be worth looking at older discounted models.

this spesh for example:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-rockhopper-11

bear in mind most female specific bikes assume the fairer sex are shorter of arm and longer in the leg. does this apply to your sister in law?

Voodoo Hoodoo looks to be good value for money and shouldn’t be that hard to find one to sit on. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=10151&storeId=10001&productId=786847&categoryId=165499&langId=-1

Should be able to get 2013 rockhopper for that , rrp is 600 but should be able to get a bit off face to face
Although the frame is better on the 2012 one

Btwin 8.1 from decathlon for £499

This.

Thanks guys, the btwin looks good although she is miles away from any stores, but will pass it on 🙂