Used mtb under £150

[gazza81]

So after not really getting into road cycling im thinking of trying abit of off road riding, just thrashing around the local woods really.

I want to try pick up a used mountain bike, for under 150, i know im not going to get much but spent a small fortune to find out road cycling isnt really for me so dont want to do the same again!

Any recommendations on what bikes to look out for?

 

[fossyant]

For that price, look for a classic 90's MTB without suspension. Cheap suspension, or a new 'cheap' MTB will be a dogs dinner, and heavy, especially if 'full suspension.

You could look for a nearly new Carrera MTB - e.g. Vengeance or similar - not bad bikes at all - my son's had one about 6-7 years, no issues.

 

[Blue Hills]

If you are comfortable with bike fettling (some stuff will likely need replacing and everything should be checked/lubed that needs lubing) I'd look for some 90s steel. You could get such a thing for as little as £50 or less. I'd avoid suspension.
Edit just seen fossy's post posted while i was posting

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

A year and a half ago I picked up an as-new condition 1994-built Raleigh 18-23 steel framed MTB for £20 including the cost of the petrol to collect it. All I had to do was put some air in the tyres & lubricate the brake cables before I could ride it. Didn't need any parts, not even tyres. For some reason old Raleighs rarely seem to make much money, despite being well made bikes. I often see junk suspension BSOs that I wouldn't touch with a bargepole sell for more! The secondhand MTB market is a strange place at times. For £150 I would expect to get a rare Reynolds 531 framed bike in very clean condition!

 

[uphillstruggler]

or try decathlon, from memory you'll get something reasonable for about £170

 

[gazza81]

Specialized muka. Felt

Marin


These three bikes I've got my eyes on between 100 and 150
Any of them worth getting?

 

[vickster]

Specialized muka. Felt
View attachment 474497 View attachment 474498
Marin
View attachment 474499

These three bikes I've got my eyes on between 100 and 150
Any of them worth getting?

The Myka is a WSD bike so assuming you're a bloke, you'll want to check the geo and colourway suits

Post the details of the bikes, not just tiny pictures so people can look at the specs and compare. I'd go for a rigid fork though (don't like suspension even if it's locked)

 

[Cycleops]

These three bikes I've got my eyes on between 100 and 150
Any of them worth getting?

Depends in what sort of mechanical condition they are in. Personally I'd go for for an older all rigid model as four previous poster have suggested.
How about this tidy Raleigh for just forty notes;
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/...ntain-bike-15-gears-26-inch-wheels/1345633051
Check for usual wear and tear in the drivetrain, headbearings, and especially the fork. Older bikes can be afflicted with tyres cracking. Also make sure the frame is straight. Budget disc brakes can give problems.
After checking them over I'm sure at least one will come up trumps.

 

[gazza81]

Post the details of the bikes, not just tiny pictures so people can look at the specs and compare. I'd go for a rigid fork though (don't like suspension even if it's locked)

This is basically all the sellers have listed is what the bike is and the frame size they're cheap bikes I doubt the Sellers even know the specs.

Ok thanks guys giving me some food for thought I'll have a search for the older rigid style frame

 

[gazza81]

Ok how do these specs look I've got no idea what half of it means...

This is another Marin bike I'm looking at for 175

 

[Cycleops]

Like I said before it's all about the condition, if you're looking less than £200 then you can't expect anything too wonderful in terms of specs, they're all going to be fairly basic.
If you want something more modern how about this Carrera Axle, only a couple of years old;
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/carrera-axle-ltd-hybrid-mountain-bike/1345499771
Or this one with the fashionable 27.5" wheels;
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/gents-mountain-bike-275-wheels/1345336693

 

[gazza81]

Thanks, that marin i posted above just looks like i get more for my money but i dont really know anything about them!

Most of the parts he says are recently fitted so he says and i do prefer the look of it and with front suspension

 

[Cycleops]

Marin are good bikes, i used to have one.
Looks okay but you won't know until you can check it over. What parts has he "fitted" recently? Check the fork actually works and if you ride it the gears are selecting and not slipping. Budget to replace service items like chain, brake pads and cables.
Good luck.

 

[gazza81]

Well he said cassette, chain and headset are "pretty much new" and also he said the forks are "very rare" ?

 

[biggs682]

@gazza81 i have this for sale https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/...mmuting-or-station-or-student-bike/1345598032

Just needs a good service