Decision Made!: I went to have a look at the Vitus Sentier
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/vitus-sentier-mountain-bike-/1235836364
When I got there the bloke said he bought it - put the handle bars and pedals on and that has been it. I couldn't see any signs of use and everything looks good.
These were £1000 from CRC (currently out of stock at £900) - He had it advertised at £650 and we shook hands at £500
This should allow me an opportunity to have a play and find out what riding I want to do in the future and then look to either upgrade or buy a full suspension
Thanks to everyone that contributed to this thread - It is appreciated and has helped me make a decision
well done! You've got a lot of bike for your money their.
Bargain .... get yourself some decent pedals though (with what you saved) and you can use on the next bike.... bars look a little narrow but that might be the photo's.... but you can get wider cheap if you want to try.
Try a few different places to ride.... and you'll work out what you are enjoying riding most.... then if you sell you can't lose much (or anything) on what you paid.
Nice one OP. A cracking bike for the money. Here's hoping you enjoy mountain biking. Keep posting and asking questions on here as you go. It's a great forum, full of helpful and knowledgeable people.
Where's your first ride going to be?
Welcome to the club 😀
Get yourself a dropper and some decent pedals and you'll be set, thought he'd not ridden it looking at the brake lever/bar angle on the gumtree add. I thought mine was a bargain at £820, £500 is practically theft 😆
It won a £1000 hardtail group test in WMB apparently too.
FWIW, my feelings toward my Canyon Nerve XC have always been a bit mixed. It was my first full suss so my expectations were probably too high.
You've probably done yourself a favour getting that hardtail and avoided lots of time/money on full suss maintenance.
Great buy, you'll enjoy it!
You've got a cracking deal there - I would have bought that if you hadn't. I'm waiting for crc to get some stock in. Hope you enjoy it!
Picked the bike up and it is immaculate - the bloke selling says it's never been used and having a proper look I agree. The £500 was an absolute bargain.... last year a got Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc for £350 and that had only be used a couple of times indoor on a turbo trainer.
First couple of rides will be local in Leicestershire (Beacon Hill - Outwoods - Swithland) and then i'll probably have some time up Sherwood pines and try not to embarrass myself
I need to get some bit's n pieces so i've got some basic kit (Inner Tube, Saddle Bag, Lights, Shock / Mini Pump) and then i'll get some pedals etc
Thanks again to everyone that has contributed to the thread
Are you going for SPD or flat pedals? If flat, I'd recommend Nukeproof Electrons. Cheap and very well made for the money. Don't forget to report back after your first proper ride.
I need to get some bit's n pieces so i've got some basic kit (Inner Tube, Saddle Bag, Lights, Shock / Mini Pump) and then i'll get some pedals etc
These saddle packs are excellent, well made, cheap and
repairable - [url= http://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddle-packs-sqr-bags/carradura-super-midi-saddlepack ]Carradice.[/url]
They do a few different sizes.
The only ones I've used that haven't broken or fallen apart after a couple of years.
Great bike btw, I hope you really enjoy it.
Hi All - Funkmasterp recommended some Nukeproof Pedals and they look really good for the price
However......my road bike has some Candy 3 pedals on (I know weird..... they were on when I bought the bike)
I'm think of going for the Crank Brothers Double Shot Pedals as they're twin side - so in theory I could use the same shoes and cleats on both bikes
Now this would be a bit weird using road shoes on an MTB but it would give me some time to learn how to ride the hardtail with clipless and if I couldn't get to grips with the technical stuff I could still use the pedals with "normal" shoes
If I got used to riding clipless then i'd invest in some proper off road shoes
I think this is a reasonable plan...... but appreciate some feedback
Thanks
