New MTBs With 18 Gears And Shimano Gears - What's Available

[woodbine]

I have a 25 year old British Eagle MTB, with 18 speeds (6/3) and Shimano everything. It's an ongoing rideable project. I would also like to buy a new daily MTB with similar spec. I will put road slicks on it.

With a budget up to £300 ish, preferably a little less, is there anything suitable. I only want 18 speeds. I have seen some cheap bikes in the £150 ish price range that have Shimano rear derailleurs and cheap, unknown brand front derailleur. I would like as much Shimano on the bike as possible and may break my budget if anything slightly more expensive appeals to me. I may also consider almost new. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[vickster]

I don't think a 6 speed triple exists now

If you want triple, usually 24 or 27 gears

How about one of these on that basis?

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-bikes/carrera-subway-1-mens-hybrid-bike-2015

 

[Shortmember]

Or you could opt for the 27 speed version Subway 2, remove the largest chainring and -Hey Presto- you have an 18 speed.

 

[vickster]

I'm guessing the OP wants a triple

 

[woodbine]

Thanks for your replies. The triple isn't important, it's the six cogs on the back that matters. I'm lazy, and the bike is for 95% road use. I like to stay in the biggest front cog and just shift rear gears all day long, which is all I really seem to need except the occasional steep hill. If I do this on bikes with over 18 gears (ie. 7 plus rear cogs), we get into cross-chaining territory - and that will put stress if I ride it like I do my 18 speeder.

I realise my needs are a bit specific.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Pretty much all 18 speed bikes now are bargain basement ones. There are a few odd bikes that might suit though.

For your consideration:

Dawes XC18: http://dawescycles.com/product/xc18-gents-2/

21 speed rather than 18; the Ridgeback MX2: http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/MX2

Does it have to be a mountain bike? For mostly road use these might be better:
Dawes Acona: http://dawescycles.com/product/accona-gents/
Raleigh Pioneer 1: http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=1&pt=266&pg=13760

Thinking outside the box a bit (and a wee bit over budget), if you usually stick in one chainring at the front and just use the rear gears, how about a Bobbin Beat: http://www.bobbinbikes.co.uk/beat/ or Bobbin Noodle: http://www.bobbinbikes.co.uk/noodle/