What Style of MTB and Size?

[aserota]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a MTB, but am not clued up about them at all. I know my stuff with road bikes and own a nice bike which is used daily. Im now on the hunt for a MTB which i can have fun with offroad and by that i mean riding on grass, gravel, over uneven surfaces and up and down hills (not jumping).

Im not quite sure on what style to get and am tempted to go for a specialised bike, due to good reviews. Im told that a full sus. bike is pointless if it costs under £1k etc.

Ideally im looking to spend between £600-£1k for a new or used (ideally) bike. Id like something very low maintenance, which is built solid. Also im not 100% sure on frame size, my road bike is a 58cm frame

 

[RedBike]

Although there are several very good full suspension bikes available under £1000 general a ful suspension bike will be heavier and poorer eqiuped than a similar priced hardtail. (Rear shocks / bearings all add weight. The shocks and linkages cost money so lower end parts need to be fitted to the rest of the bike to offset the cost of the suspension)

At £1000 you'll be hard pressed to find a bad bike.
My personnel favourite is Merlins Malt/Lobster
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=category&categoryId=6

Worth looking here too

 

[Renard]

Rockhopper at lower end of budget or Stumpjumper at the top end. I would reckon about a 20" frame.

 

[aserota]

I have been doing a little bit of research and this has come to my fancy
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Specialized-F...hash=item180265924572&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318

any opinions on this bike?

 

[aserota]

alternatively there is the hardtail option as well

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2007-SPECIALI...hash=item160262565948&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318

 

[RedBike]

For riding on grass / gravel. Go with the hardtail.