what begginer mtb on a budget

[peterbeard]

Hey all, I'm new to forums so go easy on me, I'm looking to replace my older cbr urban 26" for a new mtb. Its mostly being used to commute to work a 3 mile run along canal path, however I would also like to try and go on some light off road runs aswell for fun. I am overwieght and (18st) and 6 ft tall and I find my cbr uncomfortable and would very much like to cycle for health reasons and try and help lose the weight as well as fun days with the kids. My budget is a little low at around £300 so I've found three bikes I think might fit the bill. Muddy fox san diego 29er, Falcon radon29er or Falcon ravage 27.5 and would very much appreciate any reviews or ideas on these or alternative bikes. Thankyou
Kind regards peter

 

[Cyclist33]

None of those.

1. Question / challenge yourself as to why you need a mountain bike? At £300 new, any suspension fork on the front will be very heavy, offer no control over its spring and probably be dangerously unreliable. For the sort of riding you describe you really only need a good strong frame with a straight fork. Tyres and your body add the remaining suspension into the mix.

2. If you cannot make this culture shift then look at Decathlon's Rockrider bikes - the ones you listed are all just cheap trash bikes that won't add any enjoyment value that you could otherwise get.

3. Or go second hand, but you'll need to take a knowledgeable bikey friend, and more importantly, listen to them..

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/lithium-one-2015-hybrid-bike-ec105727 would be as good as anything in my opinion.

Stu

 

[vickster]

As above. Also look at the carrera subway models from halfords

 

[peterbeard]

Thankyou, I'm not really wise on the bike front and don't know what's good or not. I can up my budget to £500 - £600 if it would make a difference on the quality of bike. I only aimed at the£300 mark because I didn't think my moderate use of the bike would require any more. However I do want to enjoy cycling and would like to be comfortable on the longer runs I intend to go on and also experience some days at mtb trails if any other suggestions at the £500 -£600 mark id be grateful.
P.s thanks again for the help appreciated I was going to go ahead with 1 of my 3 but that pinnacle now the front runner.
Regards peter

 

[Cyclist33]

Hi

Yep you will get a better bike for 5 or 600 quid and shopping wisely nets you a decent fork even at that budget. I would still ask yourself how much you really need suspension because light trails eg blue runs at trail centres are much fun with a suspension free bike, typically for the same budget the bike would be much lighter and often the parts quality higher because the brand didn't have to shell out speccing a spring fork.

However, they do say that the 600 quid line is where mtbs start to go from entry level to actually ok.

You've got bucket loads of choice. Halfords do some bikes called Voodoo which are great spec for the money. Decathlon is worth a look too. There will be lots of Summer deals going on. Why not pop onto Evans website or chain reaction, wiggle, etc, filter by price 500-600 and see what you like the look of, then post the links here...

 

[Cyclist33]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/charger-72-2015-mountain-bike-ec073456

For example. I tested a version of this bike two years ago. It was great.

 

[vickster]

If thinking of buying online, look at the offers on

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk

However, as a beginner, you'd be better off buying in a local shop and getting the advice and after sales support if needed

 

[FastFlyer]

Not that I know much about MTBs, or bikes in general, but I have been advised this is a good bike given the discount at the moment:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/rockhopper-comp-2015-29er-mountain-bike-ec070635

 

[peterbeard]

Cheers all, I appreciate the help, clear now that I need to put in a little effort and not just buy first bike I think looks nice. I don't think I really need suspension for my use of bicycle so a little more searching required, would like to get best bike I can for my £ but I think your help has pointed me in right direction and now putting more effort into seeing what's available to me rather than just buying first thing i see, though I am still drawn towards that hybrid pinnacle that was suggested I'll take a little time and try buy a decent bike around the £500 mark. I will check out all suggestions b4 spending though!
Thankyou all much appreciated
Kind regards peter

 

[peterbeard]

P.s thank you cyclist 33 I don't think suspension is that important to me I was just following the mases! as I said daily 6 mile run on canal and light trails when possible so suspension not really needed. Thank you for your time.
Regards peter