Still looking for an MTB...

[hoppym27]

OK, I know i've posted here before but we now hve the cycle2work scheme at work so I can shop for decent bike....I'm looking in EVans and Halfords. Are the Dawes and Claud Butler bikes in Evans good bikes?

 

[Cycleops]

Nothing wrong with Claud Butler and Dawes. They are old skool names that have been bought by a marketing company who get the bikes made in a far east factory like Giant's who also make for a lot of the other big names.
The company that owns Dawes also own the Elswick, British Eagle, Holdsworth and Falcon brands.

 

[DCLane]

Both are basic and don't necessarily hold their value brilliantly - I picked up a recent Dawes MTB for £5 at the weekend.

Carrera from Halfords are OK and Boardman is rated.

What's your budget? Also, what are you intending using the bike for?

 

[fossyant]

Can't go far wrong with Boardman MTBs. As a bit of a bike snob (owning a custom built bike) I bought a Boardman MTB as they are incredible value. The front and rear suspension and brakes alone are worth more than I paid for the whole bike.

 

[bonsaibilly]

Halfords do the Boardman, Voodoo and 13 brands of mountain bike and these all get consistently good press.

 

[hoppym27]

Just towpaths, cycleways and light trails really...i just like the versatility of an MTB over a hybrid

 

[vickster]

Do you have a cycle republic (part of Halfords) closeby as they offer test rides
As do Evans, just need ID and a bank card.
Easy peasy to try the bikes and identify the best for you

 

[Cycleops]

An MTB won't be any more versatile than a Hybrid over that sort of terrain, in fact the reverse is true if you're going to use it on the road as well , but I think we've been here before.

 

[vickster]

27.5" or 29er wheels might make it more comfortable on road or less rough surfaces as opposed to 26". I think most MTBs are these sizes nowadays

 

[Andywinds]

I wouldn't really say that MTB are versatile. I've got a couple of MTB's, an Enduro long travel, and a specialized hard-tail 29". The Enduro is good for bike parks and some trails, whilst the hard-tail is good for some trails and cycle paths.
To make the hardtail versitile i have fitted thinner faster rolling tyres which are perfect.
If I had your requirements I would opt for a hybrid every time, as no doubt you'll be on the roads as well. No bike can cover all areas!

 

[hoppym27]

Would a hybrid be able to cope with the rougher sections of the towpath and something like the trans pennine way?

 

[Cycleops]

It absolutely would.

 

[vickster]

Would a hybrid be able to cope with the rougher sections of the towpath and something like the trans pennine way?

With 38-42mm knobbly tyres, yep. Get one with lock out suspension - lock for road use/smooth path use, unlock for rougher

If you want a HT MTB though, get one. Get the bike you want, but make sure you consider different options. Every bike will have a compromise or 5

How much ££ are you getting on C2W

 

[hoppym27]

Its up to £750 but I only want to spend between £300 and £400....I've narrowed it down to the 2 below:

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-lithium-2-2017-hybrid-bike-EV275572

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-lithium-2-2017-hybrid-bike-EV275572

 

[vickster]

Links look identical? The red bike will be faster

Easy, call local Evans, see if have on shop floor. Otherwise for a £60 refundable deposit, if in warehouse, they'll get them in for you and you can have a good outdoor testride (need photo ID & bank card)

No suspension but should still be fine for your intended uses