new guy needs help

[MikeB18]

So I am new to mountain biking and need help choosing my first bike. I wont be riding fast trails or doing any jumps, I will just be riding round the local forests and getting used to riding off road and improving basic skills before I try anything more challenging. I have a budget of £450 so I am looking for a hardtail that will suit what I need, preferably with a good enough frame so that I can just upgrade components in the future.

The bikes I have been looking at are:

Felt Q220 - http://www.rutlandcycling.com/25578/Felt-Q220-2011---Hardtail-Mountain -Bike.html

Cube Aim - http://www.chainreac...x?ModelID=57177

Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc - http://www.bikescene.co.uk/Specialized-Hardrock-Sport-Disc-1879-31-0.h tml

Carrera Kraken - http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_1000 1_catalogId_10151_productId_518285_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#dtab

What one out of that list would you recommend or are there any other ones that I should look at? I cant go over my budget as I will need the money for other gear.

Thanks for looking

 

[jethro10]

I'd go for the Halfords one if you can put up with having a Halfords brand.
It's by far the best spec for the money - well rated in magazine reviews and it includes hydraulic disk brakes, the others are only cable disks.
One of the others (cube was it?) had Rim brakes, a bit of a problem if you get mud on them - it's why discs were invented for MTB's, to get them away from the mud.

A problem with Halfords is Hit and Miss service levels. If your competent enough to maintain it yourself, then all well and good, but if you get a poor Halfords that you rely on for servicing and set-up, then your probably in trouble!


good luck

 

[zizou]

check out the cyclestore website they have 20% off some bikes that were in a flood damaged warehouse

 

[Silver]

You can do far better within £450 if you are willing to check ebay. There are a couple of good options at the moment on Boardman hardtails depending on the frame size you require.
Boardmans are a popular purchase on the ride to work scheme and many can be found a year later waiting for you to grab a little used bargain. The specs at all levels are high and have altered little since launch.
They are fine bikes that will serve you well as a starter and require little upgrading as you progress.
I had a 2008 team which was a fine machine. Sadly, others admired the bike and and I became a victim of crime.
Good luck in your purchase.
Silver..

 

[chefonabike]

Of those 4 bikes the one with the best spec is the Carrera Kraken, this is what my wife rides and she loves it.
Would have to agree about the halfords servicing though our at penrith has been hit and miss!!!!

 

[Cyclist33]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/bolt-uk-2010-mountain-bike-ec026234

 

[rodgy-dodge]

go to your LBS and try a few as frame sizes vary, tell them your budget you might get a better deal by negotiating and usually the first service is free...I thought I'd be better with a ladies specific but because of my body length I ended up with a mans frame. Mines a Kona Fire Mountain delux cost at the time £500 not a lot to spend on a bike I know but I'm doing everything on it just as good as many of my mates who've paid over a grand for theirs.