Need some help on a £700 bike choice

Hey everyone,

Did a MTB race a few weeks back on a hybrid MTB that I use to commute to work, super skinny tyres, and it was a bloody nightmare but the most fun I’ve ever had on my bike. I’m looking for a proper MTB now.

I’ve been looking at the On-One Parkwood X5 and the Canyon Grand Canyon AL 5.9.

I’m primarily going to be using this to ride trails in the Surrey Hills area with the very occassional MTB event (40 miles tops) thrown in. I’m not looking to be the fastest racer there but I’d like to do it comfortably in a decent time.

Are these bikes decent? They look a good spec for the money. Which bike do you think would be the better one? Which would you choose if you were in my position?

Alternatively, are there any other bikes in the £700 price range that are as good or better than these?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, really appreciate it.

Definitely the Canyon. Spec looks good for the money.

If a racey feeling bike is what you are after then the Canyon will be the most appropriate.

I’m definitely leaning towards the Canyon.

For every day trail riding would the Canyon be the better choice still?

The “racing” is definitely going to be my secondary use of the bike, I’d say 95% of my riding will be on trails with no need to compete fast.

Would the Parkwood be a better choice in this instance or still go for the Canyon?

Appreciate the help and apologies for my indecisiveness I just really want the right bike 😛

BigNine 900Still some left. Nicely reduced price!

Just be aware that Canyon shipping is £50 iirc

Yeah the shipping is £50 but if the bike is much better I don’t mind spending the extra money. I just want the best bike for around that price, I wouldn’t mind spending a bit more to get a better bike.

I’d say the Parkwood looks the better all round choice. Better fork and wheels. Better brakes than those two.
If you’re riding surrey hills than that could be a more playful bike

Sorry to chuck £150 on top of your budget, but this would be a good buy http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/boardman-mountain-bike-team-hardtail-29er#tab2

evans pininicle

Thinking the same as the Boardman a bit.
At least with Halfords or Evans you can have a proper look at them. If this is your first MTB seeing them in the flesh rather than buying based purely on spec. Plus the Ramon is orange.

I’ve had an MTB before but it was a 26 incher jump bike and it’s trashed now.

I’m really looking for the best value for money and it seems the Canyon and planet x bikes are really good value.

Not dismissing the halfords bikes though, I may pop in and have a look but having done my research I feel these two bikes are my best bet.

Didn’t think of the Ramin but i’ve heard good things. Go and have a look because the Ramin 4 is £810 so not a million miles out your budget.
The Ramin models seem best specced for your price point

Edit: Think that ramin 4 @ £810 is the best value of the lot as there’s very little you’d need to upgrade until you wore it out

This looks pretty good if it’s value you’re after. Bit more relaxed like the parkwood and if you’re a member of British cycling can be had for £585.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/sunn-modular-s2-29er-hardtail-bike-2013/rp-prod121788