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Thread: Mountain Bike Newbie Here

  1. #1
    Member Trash Man's Avatar
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    Mountain Bike Newbie Here

    I'm after a mountain bike, mainly for work and back. I just realised though I know nothing at all about bikes, what makes are good? and so on. Just been looking on ebay and there are a lot of bikes on there for all sorts of money.

    I'm looking to spend no more than £500, can anyone recommend any models or makes? Anyone have some sites I could view that might help me.

    Thanks guys.

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  2. #2
    Senior Member Shad's Avatar
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    Have a look around www.wiggle.co.uk

    You should be able to get a nice mid-range bike for that much, look for something with at least a front disc so you can still stop in the rain. Front suspension makes life a bit easier too

    I've had my GT since '97 and it's still going strong, absolutely bomb proof frame. Kona are also very good.
    Simon


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    Studmuffin Flibb's Avatar
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    I would strongly advise against buying a bike by mail order, if the fits wrong you can hurt yourself. Frames are sized but geometry varies by brand and model. I would try to find a bike shop nearby, as they will be handy for servicing and parts, you normally get the first service free. Hate to say this but the Halfords in store bike huts can be good, they tend to stock a reasonable range, but can also get high end stuff in for a look. HAve a llok at some of the mountain biking mags, they do group reviews in variety of price bands. Dont forget you also need to get a good lock and some lights, I splashed out a lot on lighting as i have nearly been run over several times.

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    Consider getting a road bike if you aren't planning any actual off-roading, they are really quick and light compared to a mountain bike, and a lot comfier for cruising on 8)

    Alternatively, I'd recommend Trek if you aren't looking for something very serious. Although they aren't as high end as kona and the like, you'll get a good bike for £500

  5. #5
    www.5lab.co.uk
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    trash man - i do a LOT of biking (got 7 bikes) - i'd strongly reccomend visiting singletrackworld.co.uk - the forums on there are VERY active and helpful, and if you post what your needs are they will reccomend a bike, then you can pop to the uber-active 2nd hand section and say 'wtd: this bike' and someone will sell you that

    there might be 5 or 6 guys who can give you advice on here, but there'll be about 100 on stw
    hughlunnon@yahoo.com | I have sigs turned off..

  6. #6
    Senior Amoeba iranu's Avatar
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    Listen to Fibb. Would you buy a pair of trousers without trying them on? Always get a ride of a bike. If you go to several bike shops they should give you solid advice on sizing. 3-4" clearance above your family jewels and the crossbar (top tube) with feet flat on floor is essential. If it feels too big it probably is. A bike shop will ensure that the saddle height is adjusted correctly for you too.

    All manufacturers have a range from £300 to £2000+ so find the models that are in your price range. Use internet! Sometimes you can get good deals on last years models, these days there's not a lot of difference year to year.

    Evans cycles have a massive range do a search to see what's generally available. There are others.

    You get loads of bang for buck these days. Suspension forks and disk brakes hadn't been invented when I pad £330 for a Ridgeback 603 steel framed, Shimano Deore bike weighing 28lb in 1988!!
    "Reality is what it is, not what you want it to be." Frank Zappa. ----------- "The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike." Huang Po.----------- "A drowsy line of wasted time bathes my open mind", - Ride.

  7. #7
    Senior Amoeba iranu's Avatar
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    Singletracks pretty good, Chips is a decent chappie too.
    "Reality is what it is, not what you want it to be." Frank Zappa. ----------- "The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike." Huang Po.----------- "A drowsy line of wasted time bathes my open mind", - Ride.

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    Chipps is no longer editor of Singletrack I don't think. Can someone put me straight on this?

    As for bikes, I've got a Litespeed but Konas always ride nicely. Get a decent hardtail with front suspension. Please please don't try and get a full susser because you'll regret the shortcomings in other places and the suspension won't be up to much.

    If you want any more info let me know

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    Senior Member Tumble's Avatar
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    My Wolf Ridge is brilliant thanks.. been going for 5 years and still as good as new..

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    VTECmeous Vimeous's Avatar
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    I've a 13yr old Specialized and it's never shown me trouble so a big thumbs-up from me
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    Aka Bres subucni's Avatar
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    Get a splined bottom bracket and crank set

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    The higher end Shimano and Raceface cracks are now one piece too for extra stiffness!

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    adamspestcontrol.co.uk
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    GT here now 10 years old and taken everything I can throw at it

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    Big Ginge
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    Snapping a zaskar frame has kinda put me off gt's, i now ride a kinesis maxlight frame and cannot reccomend it enough, but as has been said, if you wont be going off road, a road bike would probably be a better choice.

    Col

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    Photographer; for hire!! shiato storm's Avatar
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    I got a stumpy. ace bike, takes what you give it and hands you back a spade full of speed and control!
    shame I've knackered the rear hub, the wheel wobbles from side to side (lateral movement) and its even more interesting whne braking at speed! need to get it sorted asap. hope its not the whole hub needing a wheel rebuild, if so then I'll fork out for a new set of rims and go disc... currently on V's. they do the job just fine cause I'm quite light, but man do they wear out!

    @5lab, never knew you were into bikes...7?! ! when you you have time to ride them all?


    except reverse ...?
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  16. #16
    www.5lab.co.uk
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    different bikes for different itmes

    20" bmx
    24" bmx
    specialized p3
    kona roast
    orange mrXC
    sunn roader
    and a half-built gt..



    vid of my last bikin trip @ http://www.5lab.co.uk/biking/busa2k5medium.wmv
    Last edited by 5lab; 16-07-2005 at 12:18 AM.
    hughlunnon@yahoo.com | I have sigs turned off..

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