Hi guys, am looking to switch to a Mountain Bike and have found a few articles pretty much like this one [url= http://twowheelsbetter.cc/best-of/best-mountain-bikes-under-500/ ]best mountain bikes under £500[/url] but they all pretty much reccomend the same stuff.
Can I get a decent new MTB for under £500 or should I be looking on e-bay for something second hand.
You'll get more for your money second hand but you run the risk of it being abused. Pick carefully and you could get a whole lot of bike on eBay for £500.
In the bike of the year edition of Mbr, which was last month, the Trek Marlin 7 was shortlisted and got 10 out of 10 when reviewed. It's £500 so probably worth a look. Other option is to look at the big discounters like chain reaction or Paul's cycles and look for a previous year bike with decent money off.
On One Parkwood (direct online) or Voodoo Bizango (Halfords) worth a look too if you fancy 29" wheels. They are both a little over £500.
Second hand might get you something better, but you risk running into problems, as I take it you are not that familiar with bike bits.
A cheap 2nd hand one, because if you have fun you will buy a better one soon.
A friend of mine, new to MTBing spent £600 on Specialized Rockhopper, end of year sell off. He's ridden it locally and at Welsh trail centres. It's a great bike, EXCEPT , for the fork which offers no real suspension and no adjustment except for preload, for decent suspension you need adjustability of sag, rebound & compression.. I'd personally have a rigid fork over a shite suspension fork. Second hand would get you a better bike, if you know what to look for. Charge do some nice rigid bikes. Evans Pinnacle range may get you more for your cash.
This for £340 is a bargain better than what you can get second hand
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-560-mountain-bike-id_8293151.html
Well, it isn't, is it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/331662686008
For example.... (No connection to me, could be nails, just making a point)
I could go and spend £500 on a used mtb and be assured of getting something great. But, that's because I'm not a beginner.
My local Halfords has last year's Bizango for I think just under £500- it was a great buy at full price. It's gone from the website as it's store clearance but might be worth checking out, it's a ridiculously good bike.
All good advice above.
Have you not got a mate with err "a couple of MTB's"
we tend to buy more than one...That you can borrow for a coupe of rides, this would give you at least a little bit of an idea of what you are looking for.
FWIW I would recommend something with a slackish front end, which can give confidence to beginners.
XT equipped, Rockshock Revelation, Hope, DT Swiss full sus Commencal Meta would fit your budget.
You can have mine 😉
Mate just got a 2013 Kona Tanuki(?) Supreme for £550 on ebay. Think they were around £2500 new. So yeah you can get a lot of bike if you go second hand.