My brother is looking at getting an MTB after 20 years…

New I was thinking Voodoo Bizango and Canyon Grand Canyon. Anything else?

Otherwise second hand clearly where the value is I would guess?

Any suggestions?

TIA

I’m certainly happy with my Bizango (accepting that it’s a first step, rather than the be-all-and-end-all). Yours today for exactly £500 from either Halfords or Cycle Republic; http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/voodoo-bizango-29er-mountain-bike

A tenner deposit in-store will secure that reduced price.

Cheers, Stu

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/laura-trott-mtb-1-womens-moutain-bike

Spec at least matches the Bizango, but is £70 cheaper (£430), except it is 27.5″ wheels and SRAM NX 1×11 gearing.

In my opinion, the best sub £500 hardtail deal out there I’m aware of, even better if you are a bloke and have a blokes saddle in the spares to replace the supplied one. 😉

there’s a Cotic bfe on the classifieds right now for that money, buy it quick

Giant Talon 2 27.5 Paul’s Cycles.
https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b4s182p5832/GIANT-TALON-27-5-2-2015

Diamondback do some very nice and will spec’d bikes for around his budget

Second hand Scott Scale. I bought a 2015 29er off eBay for £425. I love it and use it more than my supposedly ‘main’ bike.

Forme Ripley for £499? http://www.startfitness.co.uk/forme-ripley-1-hardtail-mtb-blue-for93.html
Seems cracking value

Over budget but a great bike , my lad loves it!

That Forme seems like a absolute bargain for £499!

Trek X Calier 7 Shimano hydraulic brakes and groupset with a nice rockshock fork. Great bike, I use when when leading groups.

Trek £500Trek X Caliber 7. Lovely bike, Shimano hydraulics, rockshok fork and good shimano groupset.

That Forme is amazing for the cash. Proper fork and great spec.

We got Dimondback Heist 1.0 as works Adventure Training bikes.

http://www.diamondback.co.uk/MTB/Product/?pc=1&pt=10&pg=14287

We found them the best bang for buck for us, we’ve had them across Dartmoor and around the local trail centres.
With a quick google there is a few around below £500.

As you say, second hand is way to go IMO. Youd get a cracking bike for 500 quid second hand. 26er frame fork and wheels can be had for peanuts, as can finishing kit which has been upgraded.

I put together a 2013 canyon nerve with fox forks and decent wheels for 400 quid last year.

Otherwise bottom of the range boardman is currently 520 quid in the sale.

I you’re buying new its hard to beat the bizango.

Ignore the fact its from halfords and take note of the highly positive reviews.

Why would you not buy one?

That Forme is simply stunning value at that price.

Agreed, that Forme is nuts for the money! I’d buy it and I don’t even need a bike, or even like hardtails..