Commuter Choice - Boardman MX or Btwin rockrider 540

[RyanW]

Hello,

Just another what bike thread! I have done some looking and narrowed it down to there two options (I'm open to other suggestions though)

I have £300~ to spend and need something for a 5-10 mile commute (each way) there are some tracks / slight off road so decided something with a front sus.

From what I can see, apart from the £30 is hydro rather then mech breaks on the btwin.

Anything I have missed?

Cheers for the help.

Ryan

 

[Kestevan]

My first bit of advice would be to avoid the front suss. You wont need it for tracks/slight off road on a commute.

No offence but at £300 for the bike any suspension will be heavy and crap anyway.

 

[vickster]

Look at the Carrera Subway, rugged, rigid forks

Joining British cycling will get you 10% off at halfords on top of most other promotions and other indispensable benefits imo for any cyclist, especially if riding on roads

 

[RyanW]

No offence taken. I know £300 is low but for a commuter that might get nicked its all I'm prepared to spend. I have 20kg of weight to loose so 2kg more on the bike isnt the worst thing ever.

I have two road bikes, so a hybrid seems a bit pointless, I might as well just stick some straight bars on one of them.

I'm after something that I can take out what ever the weather, over some of the stupid put holes we have round here, which is why I opted for a MB just so its a bit more forgiving.

Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[Kestevan]

If you're determined to go for a MTB then the Rockriders are excellent all round machines.

Personally however I think I'd be tempted by the Calibre from gooutdoors.....
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-alloy-hardtail-mountain-bike-p275612
Looks to be a "proper" MTB with decent kit (including good hydraulic brakes) that you could happily hurl round a trail centre as well as commute on.

 

[NorthernDave]

I've got a Boardman MX Sport. Excellent bike, never had a minutes trouble with it.
Quick enough on the road for a hybrid, copes with anything I've thrown at it off road - and the current offer at Halfords makes it a bit of a steal.

 

[MattDB]

There's a few discounted MTBs in the Rutland sale - worth checking out perhaps - also couple of ex hire ones on there.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/3194/bikes-black-friday.aspx

I like the look of the giant talon and have read good reviews.

 

[MichaelW2]

Non sus MTBs are thin on the ground, esp at £300.
Ridgeback MX2 lacks disc brakes and rack eyelets. Their X1 is £500.