UKC

Ladies and Gents,

I am in the market for my first dedicated MTB. I am looking for something for use on and around the South Downs and ranges/ training areas of Farnham, Aldershot and Fleet.

I am looking towards HT as I have previously had some bad experiences with cheap FS bikes.

Obviously I am looking for best spec available and appreciated your opinions.

My budget is £500 give or take alittle.
My Frame size sits between 17 and 20 Inches.
New or second hand is an option
Collection from Devon or Guildford areas +/- 100miles

Any suggestions would be fantastic.

In reply to Dan1898: Might pick one of these up second hand

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-on-one...

In reply to Dan1898:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-nine-comp-2012/

I have the 'race' version of this bike and it is great value for the money.

I always see if my lbs are willing to match the prices offered by Wiggle or Chain Reaction. Nice to keep the business local and build up a relationship for servicing.

In reply to Dan1898:

Something like this maybe ? ; http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/5947/trek-4500-disc-hardtail-mountain-bi...

Have a good search online first I would , maybe buy a copy of MBR or Similar too to get an idea of specs and prices , lots of good buys around at the moment , don't be afraid to ask for a few things to be thrown in either worst they can do is say no .

In reply to Dan1898:
That is a big range, I ride a 17 inch steel hardtail, I couldn't imagine riding a 19 inch never mind a 20.

In reply to Dan1898: Have a look at boardman or vitus. Both have great spec for the price, all across the range.

In reply to TMM: Good advice TMM, I'll keep that in mind, thankyou. The nice discount on that atm is pretty nice too.

In reply to Horse: I sit bang on the 5'10 bracket, making small small and stretch stretchy.

Given that, I personally am open to more options and that was what I was trying to get across- my intention would obviously/ hopefully be try before buy.

Like shoes, I find there is some slight variation and trying would be the only really way of testing for comfort.

Perhaps I am misguided, and appreciate your advice.

So after realising my wife bless her cant use a tape measure, we have now worked out:

5'8 or 173cm
31" Inside Leg

Which according to my sourced information =

17", 17.5", 18"

43cm, 44cm, 45cm, 46cm

In reply to Dan1898:

Correct, the only way to know is to ride them. I'm 5'8" and of the long leg, short arm type, it is the reach that is the critical dimension. I prefer a bike that is small and easy to throw around rather than long and racey, of course it depends on the type of riding you do. My 17" P7 has a short (60mm) stem but it still feels a bit gate like at times, it is going in the New Year for a 16" Cotic BFe.

In reply to Dan1898:

That sounds more like it. 20" is a BIG mountain bike.

Whilst conventional wisdom says look at the frame first of all at your budget some bikes will have woeful forks which can wreck their ride so check fork reviews too.

In reply to DaveHK: Dave thanks for the input. I'm happy to spend alittle more later down the line if need be, I suspect maybe wrongly the ROCKSHOX are rather nice?

In reply to Dan1898:



I thought 29'ers were the in-thing down south - might be worth looking at as well

In reply to Dan1898: I have a specialised Hardrock pro. Brilliant bike. Three years old, still going strong. Believe they have converted the hardrock and rockhopper range to 29 now! Might be wrong.

Would definitely look at Boardman, good value for with the kit that's on them. Also trek and giant have some good bikes at around the £500 mark. Boxing day sale maybe to pick up a bargain ?

In reply to Dan1898:

I'm 5ft 7ins with a 30ins inside leg. 17.5 is my Hardrock, and it's a little bit big, if I'm honest. I'm about to build up a 16 hardtail which I think will feel right.

In reply to Dan1898: Won't go wrong with this, an in budget.
http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/merlin-bikes/mer...