First proper bike.

[the snail]

A CX type bike like the specialized tricross would be a good all-round option.

 

[acrybb]

lol i have nowhere to keep 2 bikes it will need to be one bike i have linked a giant MTB in one of the posts it seems better specced than the specialized bike i have also linked. you thoughts on that?

Thanks
Andy

 

[simon.r]

lol i have nowhere to keep 2 bikes it will need to be one bike i have linked a giant MTB in one of the posts it seems better specced than the specialized bike i have also linked. you thoughts on that?

Thanks
Andy

I honestly wouldn't get too hung up on the specification - at that money you're not going to get a bad bike from a big manufacturer, the differences will be fairly minor, probably to the point of not even being noticeable in the real world. For example, I don't think many of us would notice any practical difference between a Deore and Acera rear mech from a riding point of view. Much more important, IMO, as I said earlier in the thread, is to get a bike that fits and that you feel comfy on - a fairly small change in geometry or riding position can make a bike feel quite different on the road (or trail). Get the dealer to get his allen keys out and play about with the position of the saddle, stem (most stems can be moved up or down a bit), brake levers etc.

the snail makes a good point as well - a cyclocross bike will be better on road than a MTB and will be capable of off-road work as well.