Hi
I havent ridden a bike for 10+ years but have decided to get back into it for exercise.
Looking to get a beginners bike & got £200-£250 to spend, wont be used much, just sunday riudes over the downs.
im 6'62 so will need either a 22" or 23" frame & Not bothered about new or 2nd hand
Have been looking at:
Mongoose Rockadile ALX disc 2010 - http://www.rutlandcycling.com/26083/Mongoose-Rockadile-ALX-Disc-2010---Hardtail-Mountain-Bike.html
Raleigh AT20 - http://www.rutlandcycling.com/29805/Raleigh-20---Special-Edition---Grey---Hardtail-Mountain-Bike.html
or potentially Raleigh AT 30 http://www.rutlandcycling.com/21617/Raleigh-Freeride-AT30---Hardtail-Mountain-Bike.html
Just wondered what you guys think? or can suggest any other alternatives?
Id go for a secondhand Specialized hardrock or a GT avalanch. I have experience of both and they are good bikes. They will both hold value a lot better than the three you have picked.
+1 2nd hand Spec hardrock
see if you can see the bikes in the flesh and throw your leg over to see how they feel
I imagine most people are here will basically say none of the above.
I would really try and get 9 speed if you can.
[url= http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_518285_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#dtab ]what about this ?[/url]
9 speed wouldn't be a priority for me but the brakes on the carrera are good.
Good brakes are essential.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-2-2010-141402418/
by all accounts ive heard these are good for a starter bike tehboo
I wouldn't be so sure about the size. I'm 6'3" and rid an 18". It depends on the type of riding you do to a degree, but my philosophy is to get the smallest frame I can be comfortable on. Your proportions matter too. What is your inside leg? I would imagine a 21" Hardrock would do you fine (I used to have one and considered it a bit big for me).
thanks for all the comments guys, I dont want to spend too much on my first bike incase it ends up gathering dust in the garage 😀
my inside leg is 34", i just presumed that was the right bike size? I saw a 23" and it seemed too high but I guess i need to see a 22 or 21 first