Buying a mountain bike on a budget

[JPreston]

Definitely, definitely get that Vulcan. Print out the online price and they will maybe match it instore (I presume it's order online for instore build and pickup anyway)

I wouldn't rule out even the 18" - I have 34" inside leg and would take a 18" carrera, they have comparatively long top tubes I think, but then you are taller than me (just have shorter legs) so who knows? You definitely need to try them out - I should think the 22" is definitely too big though. Vulcan/Kraken/Fury frames are all different but I think they have the same geometry so you can size up on any one in the range. And, anecdotally halfords are very good about exchanging for size reasons anyway.

Sizing also depends what you mean by 'light off road'. I'd say go for at least 2" - 3" standover height if you go offroad at all, then think about how much stretch you want. More stretched out (to a point) is more efficient pedalling but until you are an expert cross-country racer you may well prefer a more upright position. For your commuting, you can cope with a too-big bike, it won't matter as much. But I would say err on the side of smallness - you can always get a longer stem and layback seatpost for a bike that is too small but there is nothing to help with crushing your knackers on a frame that is too big.

[stuartw101]

Thanks for the info guys. They don't seem to do a collect in store at the halfords near me, will phone up and double check they have the carrera in store before going. Not too bothered about ordering online anyway.

[Lowe]

Speaking from personal experience, I've just bought a CB Cape Wrath d27 (got a bargain at £250) which is an 18" frame. I've come from a CB Ravana that's a 22" frame - oh and I too have a 34" inside leg.

The Ravana was fine over the general commute but once I hit the trails it was a touch worrying if I came off - the meat and veg was *very* close to the top bar. With the 18" frame on the d27 and a high saddle, it feels much better.

Personal choice though.

[Dorza]

I always go for a smaller frame than what I *should* get. It gives more room to maneuver the bike when I'm going down hill. And I find when going up hill that my back is more vertical and not crunching over the handlebars so much, which gives me back ache. It is also a lot more comfortable for me to have wide handlebars. It's a lot to do with the bike geometry as well, the bikes in my sig are amazingly comfortable to ride all day long.

[stuartw101]

Well i ordered the 20" after trying it out in store, and it feels comfortable enough. £187.48 including delivery which is expected on or before 31st which is quite a while to wait really

[arbitor]

Yeh but at least you would hope it shoudl come out working like a beauty, although halfords are pretty shocking, and the bike dept when i went was run by teenage enthusiasts and thier manager was someone who had no clue at all.

But sounds like a good deal you got there.. good luck

[stuartw101]

How much will i need to do with thew bike in terms of putting it together? Will the majority of it be completed?

[arbitor]

It should be, i mean in theory you should just have to put the wheels and seatpost on then attach the brakes...

but everywhere is different..

[herulach]

youll probably need to attach at least one pedal and tighten the stem up too. both of which are allen key jobs.

[arbitor]

Oh yes pedals will probably be seperate and the handlebars wont be straight..

I should know built many of the poxy things for work expeireince a few yrs ago

[JPreston]

Yes straighten the handlebars and tighten the stem bolts to ~40Nm ( - tight, but don't use a 24" wrench and strip the threads), fit the pedals (careful because one of them has a reverse thread ) and you are away.

Buy yourself the Zinn book too in the meantime, it will save you much time and money in the future.

[arbitor]

Or even the haynes bike manual is pretty decent

[Tumble]

Well.. I've got permission to get a new bike.. so I'm going to save up and get this one:
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/.../9383-41_l.jpg

But, If I've saved up enough before the 14th September, I'll get this one, with slightly better kit on it....
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/.../9383-31_l.jpg

[Dorza]

Very nice bikes. The Elite in particular is an extremely classy looking bike .

[stuartw101]

Just an update really, i have cancelled the order for the vulcan. I have decided to spend that little bit extra and buy this: Evans Cycles: Product: Specialized Hardrock Sport 2007 Mountain Bike

Any opinions? The best bike for the price?

I decided to cancel as i have heard a few bad things about the bike from a couple of halford employees and a former employee aswell.

[moogle]

Just an update really, i have cancelled the order for the vulcan. I have decided to spend that little bit extra and buy this: Evans Cycles: Product: Specialized Hardrock Sport 2007 Mountain Bike

Any opinions? The best bike for the price?

I decided to cancel as i have heard a few bad things about the bike from a couple of halford employees and a former employee aswell.

get disc,
GT Outpost Disc 08 - £249

its a bit less. free delivery and you get %10 free accessories in the bikes value.

My GT avalanche came today and its well good.

GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc 08 - £299

the pedals are really nice. and the suspension lockout is just excellent.