Entry level mountain bike

[Faithsock]

Hello,
My boyfriend and I have decided we want to start cycling and have decided to go for mountain bikes and get ourselves out and about in the country (the idea of getting on the road is far to scary for me as a cycling novice). I've been doing some research on good entry level bikes for us. I'm thinking of getting the Specialized Myka 26 for myself because I've read some good things about it and I know that Specalized is a good brand. Although if anyone out there thinks that's a bad choice please tell me!

I've been struggling a lot more to find a similar spec bike for my boyfriend. Really grateful for any suggestions! We are keen to get stuck in but there's so much choice and we don't want to get the wrong bikes and end up giving up before we've really begun. It's a minefield and we don't know where to start so grateful for any tips and advice.
Thanks

 

[Oldlegs]

Something like this http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3847/GT-AVALANCHE-3-0-DISC-(HYDRAULIC)-2012 should do him. Buying "last years" model is a good trick to get lots more for your money.

 

[NEO]

Hello,
My boyfriend and I have decided we want to start cycling and have decided to go for mountain bikes and get ourselves out and about in the country (the idea of getting on the road is far to scary for me as a cycling novice). I've been doing some research on good entry level bikes for us. I'm thinking of getting the Specialized Myka 26 for myself because I've read some good things about it and I know that Specalized is a good brand. Although if anyone out there thinks that's a bad choice please tell me!

I've been struggling a lot more to find a similar spec bike for my boyfriend. Really grateful for any suggestions! We are keen to get stuck in but there's so much choice and we don't want to get the wrong bikes and end up giving up before we've really begun. It's a minefield and we don't know where to start so grateful for any tips and advice.
Thanks

Specialised are a good make and will last i would have recommended the Hardrock Sport Disc @ £500 for your boyfriend however depending on your budget the gt avalanche that oldlegs recommended in his reply looks a great piece of kit for that price to get you started.

 

[vickster]

Decathlon's Rockriders get good reviews for the money. You'll get a better spec than from Specialized with the same money (although perhaps a less good frame and warranty)