Buying advice

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SandraP

SandraP

Senior Member
Location
Scotland
Hi folks, it's me again looking for some excellent advice from all you experience bikers.

I'm thinking of getting a mountain bike after a 12 year haitus. My little second hand shopper won't cut it off-road and I'd like to be able to explore further afield as I live near country paths and beaches. I reckon a hard tail is my best bet and I'm looking to spend around £300-500. Researching online is doing my head in, there are so many to choose from, so I'm looking for personal recommendations. In particular I wondered if anyone had any experience of these makes and models:

Specialised Mika Sport Disc Womens Hardtail XC
Felt QW6 Ladies - I notice Wiggle are selling them with a large discount at the moment but I can't find any reviews

Thanks for any advice.
 
billflat12

billflat12

Veteran
Location
cheshire
recently spotted a 2011 myka , looks great spec @£285
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized...ens-Mountain-Bike-2011-Hardtail-MTB_38788.htm
seriously though a modern hybrid like the crosstrail may even suit you better , especially if you plan to venture further afield with a rear rack fitted. On mountain bikes the frame chainstays are shorter & lack heal clearance for panniers.
Here,s what they say about the crosstrail
http://www.cyclekingdom.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=126
 
OP
OP
SandraP

SandraP

Senior Member
Location
Scotland
Thanks Bill. I think that special offer is only size 19 otherwise I'd be seriously tempted. I'm a size 15/16. My last purchase was too big for me so I don't want to fall into that trap again. I'll have a look at the crosstrail.
 
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OP
SandraP

SandraP

Senior Member
Location
Scotland
Thanks Cubist. I had already shortlisted the Cube Access. How does that compare?

I'm a bit confuzzled by the whole V brake/disc brake thing. Does it make much difference?
 
akb

akb

Veteran
Location
Potton, Bedfordshire
RE Brakes; i have found the Disc brakes (compared to my old V's) provide a much better stopping power, especially when trailing up and down off road hilly areas. Go disc if you can.
 
billflat12

billflat12

Veteran
Location
cheshire
Discs are more reliable & efficient in wet muddy conditions as v brakes simply collect mud & grime from the wheel rims also making them wear out quicker , jamis has lesser known but better spec.rst forks with cable operated discs, giant has better known but basic spec suntour forks & steel bars etc. but more powerful Hydraulic disc brakes..
 
Cubist

Cubist

Still wavin'
Location
Ovver 'thill
SandraP said:
Thanks Cubist. I had already shortlisted the Cube Access. How does that compare?

I'm a bit confuzzled by the whole V brake/disc brake thing. Does it make much difference?
Click to expand...
Cube Access is a more MTB oriented bike, designed for off road, with longer travel suspension fork. It will be less comfortable for distance, but more playful geometry. The Cube LTD I linked to has suspension for the sort of paths and gentle trails you mention, and will be better and more civilised over distance. Both will have rack mounts.

As for V brakes vs Disc, it depends on the sort of riding you want to do. Disc will always be better in wet weather or mud, V weigh a little less and are less intimidating, but they eventually wear your rims out, and discs simply won't!!
 
OP
OP
SandraP

SandraP

Senior Member
Location
Scotland
Thanks all! If nothing else this has helped me focus, and I've ordered the Jamis Durango Sport - with disc brakes and a rack mount. (Blimey, isn't it funny how quickly you assimilate the lingo?)

I'll let you know how I get on with it.
 
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