Standard "What bike?" question

[Sjbowen88]

Hi, want to start riding as a new hobby, my girlfriend is interested too. Thinking of doing mainly offroad stuff, woods etc, but the odd trip on the road as well...but mainly muddy in the woods!!

Being new to all this, please can I have suggestion for a first bike, brand, model, price range etc. This would be for my first bike, starting off, so I was thinking budget of £200-500 range? Is this right-ish?.

With regards brand...ive been recommended Saracen, Giant, Trek, Carrera, Specialized. Thoughts please.

Please can I have suggestions for both myself and her.

Thanks.

 

[vickster]

Something like a Crosstrail / Ariel hybrid (or the Roam/Rove from Giant or many other equivalents like Trek, including a Carrera from Halfords). If you can, best get lockout forks for the roads. I know nothing about Saracen, low end?

If serious offroadiong, a hardtail 26" wheeled mountain bike might be better, but less so for the roads

 

[Kestevan]

If there is a Decathlon anywhere near you, go and have a look at their mountain bikes. The 5.2 is a cracking bike for little money, and the more expensive ones are also at least as good as anything else at their price point.

 

[spacecat]

It sounds like you're after a hardtail mtb. Good ones can be had for that money.

Steer well clear of the discount supermarket type bikes. They may look good value, but the nuts and bolts are made from milk bottle tops. It will fall apart and put you off cycling.

Go to your local lbs, or take a friend in the know to look at second hand. Some fantastic second hand stuff that's done no mileage can be had.

You might not end up with the lightest bike, but a bike from a proper manufacturer will take a beating.

 

[Sjbowen88]

Any opinions on a carrera kraken...?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...1_categoryId_165499?shouldCachePage=true&msg=

 

[Sjbowen88]

It's got decent reviews but there is all of this negativity that surrounds halfords...are they really that bad at assembling bikes?

 

[vickster]

Varied from branch to branch, on balance I'd probably buy from decathlon. However if the halfords bike is better, go for it. You can always get it checked. Join british cycling for 10% off and a host of other benefits too

 

[uclown2002]

It's got decent reviews but there is all of this negativity that surrounds halfords...are they really that bad at assembling bikes?

I've had fantastic service from Halfords since I bought my first bike 2 years ago.
Conversely, I've had an unpleasant experience the one and only time I have used a lbs.