I'm looking to buy a new hard tail Mountain bike, using the cycle to work scheme. i will be using it mainly for commuting but will occasionally be using it for some basic mountain biking and trail riding. I think a 29"er would be good but not sure which brand or type and I'm not willing to spend anymore than £475.If anyone can help me with this please reply...
thanks Milo.
Kona Lava Dome at £499?
Carrera/boardman range is pretty awesome value. Maybe a Carrera Kraken? At that price I would have thought 29ers will be a bit heavy and not as well specced.
ok i'll look at the kona, but carrera is a halfords brand isnt it? surley that means it will not be great quality?
boardman, pro or team ht second hand.
quality and parts best by a long way.
Would you stretch to £549 as the Rockrider 8.1 from Decathlon has particularly good spec for the money
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/btwin-rockrider-81-mtb-id_8168918.html
I would have said definitely worth the extra.
or voodoo wanga for around 500, full xt!!!!!
Carrera and Boardman are good quality bikes. Don't let the fact that halfords sell them put you off. Just inconsistent after sales, there are exceptions but the average bike hut employee seems to know nothing what so ever about bikes. If you get yourself a good multi-tool and a DK/Park/Haynes type bike book you'll be able to do most of your own services and as such, never need to go back in.
Halfords sell some great bikes. And some awful wreckage 😉
MBUK did a £400 - £500 review just recently, they recommended the Calibre Two.Two:
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-alloy-hardtail-mountain-bike-p275612
The comment is "want an entry level bike? Buy this one. It's that good". It's a 26er but I wouldn't worry about that personally.
The Voodoo Aizan at £450 from Halfords got a decent 3 out of 5 in the same test, is a 29er and is also a bloody good looker: