Another MTB question?
25 January 2007, 03:17 PM
#1
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Another MTB question?
Sorry about this chaps - it seems every day you get one of these.
Basically i need a MTB for 250 quid or under, not bothered too much about going up mountains as i'll be initially riding along canals and tracks plus maybe a little off roading, i just need something that is fairly light but robust.
i'm thinking of maybe a GT or a Trek?
would have liked disc brakes but hey for 250 notes what do i expect.
although i definitely want front suspension - i realise at this price i will only get a hard tail.
would rather spend this money on a good make but basic model than some bike i aint heard of with full suspension that falls to bits within a week.
please help as i know nowt about bikes
cheers
Basically i need a MTB for 250 quid or under, not bothered too much about going up mountains as i'll be initially riding along canals and tracks plus maybe a little off roading, i just need something that is fairly light but robust.
i'm thinking of maybe a GT or a Trek?
would have liked disc brakes but hey for 250 notes what do i expect.
although i definitely want front suspension - i realise at this price i will only get a hard tail.
would rather spend this money on a good make but basic model than some bike i aint heard of with full suspension that falls to bits within a week.
please help as i know nowt about bikes
cheers
25 January 2007, 03:48 PM
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Go very basic (V brakes, definitely no rear suspension, possibly even not front suspension) and I'd seriously consider going to a decent local bikeshop and having a look at a few second hand bikes.
£250 won't get you much new unless you buy some dodgy brand but as bikes are worth about 1/3 of their RRP 2nd hand, you could get something quite decent.
Don't even look at rear suspension or disks - Both will be a heavyweight waste of money at this price bracket.
If it must be new,good value brands are Trek, Saracen and sometimes Claude Butler.
Even if you're planning on downhilling, a decent hardtail will be much better than a cheapo full suspension bike.
£250 won't get you much new unless you buy some dodgy brand but as bikes are worth about 1/3 of their RRP 2nd hand, you could get something quite decent.
Don't even look at rear suspension or disks - Both will be a heavyweight waste of money at this price bracket.
If it must be new,good value brands are Trek, Saracen and sometimes Claude Butler.
Even if you're planning on downhilling, a decent hardtail will be much better than a cheapo full suspension bike.
25 January 2007, 03:51 PM
#4
Personally i'd look on ebay and get a good second hand bike.youll get alot more for your cash
.A few years back i bought one for £300 it was a custom built one with lots of top quality components which would have cosy more than £1000 if i bought it new
.A few years back i bought one for £300 it was a custom built one with lots of top quality components which would have cosy more than £1000 if i bought it new
25 January 2007, 05:32 PM
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Whilst we are talking MTB I hope you don't mind if I hi-jack??
I am waiting on my Stumpjumper FSR Comp and am considering upgrading some components.
I have had very little experience with SRAM but apparently its better than the Shimano equivelant.
I am wanting to change the shifters from SRAM X.7 to SRAM X.9 (worthwhile?)
Change the LX front mech to ....?? It was suggested that the SRAM fronts weren't that great?? so perhaps XT?
The cost would be the difference in price -10% so as well to do it now than pay full price and take a hit selling bits s/hand.
I am waiting on my Stumpjumper FSR Comp and am considering upgrading some components.
I have had very little experience with SRAM but apparently its better than the Shimano equivelant.
I am wanting to change the shifters from SRAM X.7 to SRAM X.9 (worthwhile?)
Change the LX front mech to ....?? It was suggested that the SRAM fronts weren't that great?? so perhaps XT?
The cost would be the difference in price -10% so as well to do it now than pay full price and take a hit selling bits s/hand.
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25 January 2007, 05:37 PM
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Go very basic (V brakes, definitely no rear suspension, possibly even not front suspension) and I'd seriously consider going to a decent local bikeshop and having a look at a few second hand bikes.
£250 won't get you much new unless you buy some dodgy brand but as bikes are worth about 1/3 of their RRP 2nd hand, you could get something quite decent.
Don't even look at rear suspension or disks - Both will be a heavyweight waste of money at this price bracket.
If it must be new,good value brands are Trek, Saracen and sometimes Claude Butler.
Even if you're planning on downhilling, a decent hardtail will be much better than a cheapo full suspension bike.
£250 won't get you much new unless you buy some dodgy brand but as bikes are worth about 1/3 of their RRP 2nd hand, you could get something quite decent.
Don't even look at rear suspension or disks - Both will be a heavyweight waste of money at this price bracket.
If it must be new,good value brands are Trek, Saracen and sometimes Claude Butler.
Even if you're planning on downhilling, a decent hardtail will be much better than a cheapo full suspension bike.
Only thing I'd add is that Giant do some respectable m/bikes at this price level - economies of scale with them being a large company makes them good value, apparently. And yes, ignore cheapo full sussers. What with the thing weighing almost 40 pounds and with it bouncing about soaking up your pedalling energy, you'll be lucky to get up that damn hill !!
Andy
25 January 2007, 05:39 PM
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Whilst we are talking MTB I hope you don't mind if I hi-jack??
I am waiting on my Stumpjumper FSR Comp and am considering upgrading some components.
I have had very little experience with SRAM but apparently its better than the Shimano equivelant.
I am wanting to change the shifters from SRAM X.7 to SRAM X.9 (worthwhile?)
Change the LX front mech to ....?? It was suggested that the SRAM fronts weren't that great?? so perhaps XT?
The cost would be the difference in price -10% so as well to do it now than pay full price and take a hit selling bits s/hand.
I am waiting on my Stumpjumper FSR Comp and am considering upgrading some components.
I have had very little experience with SRAM but apparently its better than the Shimano equivelant.
I am wanting to change the shifters from SRAM X.7 to SRAM X.9 (worthwhile?)
Change the LX front mech to ....?? It was suggested that the SRAM fronts weren't that great?? so perhaps XT?
The cost would be the difference in price -10% so as well to do it now than pay full price and take a hit selling bits s/hand.
25 January 2007, 05:44 PM
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I run full XT on my Cannondale and was going to do the same on the Spesh but all 3 shops I went to (a few of the guys there race) suggested that SRAM was better kit atm. 
25 January 2007, 05:47 PM
#12
I still like Shimano stuff, not the cheapest, XT or above. (My Ti framed bike in France is fully XTR equipped).
Well made, works well, not hard to set up, not bothered by small knocks and mud, easy to work on and maintain, spares available, replacements available everywhere........
Alcazar
Well made, works well, not hard to set up, not bothered by small knocks and mud, easy to work on and maintain, spares available, replacements available everywhere........
Alcazar
25 January 2007, 05:57 PM
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I had considered decking it out in XTR but 2 different shops had commented on the fact that they had had a couple of serious customers return their XTR and go the SRAM route.
25 January 2007, 06:57 PM
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I'm fully XT'd up and it lasts very well.
Only non XT bit is an LX Hollowtech 2 chainset (stronger than the XT) which looks cool but seems to creak a lot.
SRAM chain and rear cassette though- Both seem to be soaking up abuse well.
Andy - Knew I'd forget a manufacturer - Giant are probably the leaders in half decent value products!
Only non XT bit is an LX Hollowtech 2 chainset (stronger than the XT) which looks cool but seems to creak a lot.
SRAM chain and rear cassette though- Both seem to be soaking up abuse well.
Andy - Knew I'd forget a manufacturer - Giant are probably the leaders in half decent value products!
25 January 2007, 08:10 PM
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£250.00 will buy you something very very very special down "Brick lane " London. Market sunday mornings. Ive seen some real exotic stuff like "Lightspeed" and "Merlin" last week there was a "Sigma" that was off this world (But road bike !)
Konas ,Cans and Specialized all over the place.
Take a look
Konas ,Cans and Specialized all over the place.
Take a look
25 January 2007, 10:32 PM
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£250.00 will buy you something very very very special down "Brick lane " London. Market sunday mornings. Ive seen some real exotic stuff like "Lightspeed" and "Merlin" last week there was a "Sigma" that was off this world (But road bike !)
Konas ,Cans and Specialized all over the place.
Take a look
Konas ,Cans and Specialized all over the place.
Take a look
25 January 2007, 10:46 PM
#18
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What are Mongoose like nowadays
i can remember these when i was into BMX's in the 80's and they were one of teh top makes.
how do they stack up as a mtb manufactuarer???
Evans Cycles: Product: Mongoose Tyax Elite 2007 Mountain Bike
i can remember these when i was into BMX's in the 80's and they were one of teh top makes.
how do they stack up as a mtb manufactuarer???
Evans Cycles: Product: Mongoose Tyax Elite 2007 Mountain Bike
25 January 2007, 11:28 PM
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who knows why they are been sold ? But thats what they are "Sold" many many every week. Its easy to jump to conclusions, but who's to say they are all stolen? And its no worse than ebay! I bought some Fox vanillas and a complete XT groupset with Avid Hydro brakes and A Chris King all for £150.00
25 January 2007, 11:37 PM
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I'm fully XT'd up and it lasts very well.
Only non XT bit is an LX Hollowtech 2 chainset (stronger than the XT) which looks cool but seems to creak a lot.
SRAM chain and rear cassette though- Both seem to be soaking up abuse well.
Andy - Knew I'd forget a manufacturer - Giant are probably the leaders in half decent value products!
Only non XT bit is an LX Hollowtech 2 chainset (stronger than the XT) which looks cool but seems to creak a lot.
SRAM chain and rear cassette though- Both seem to be soaking up abuse well.
Andy - Knew I'd forget a manufacturer - Giant are probably the leaders in half decent value products!
25 January 2007, 11:47 PM
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There is very little between the bikes at circ.£250 so look for a good frame above all else.
Going on the price of the Mongoose bike there are a few sugestions below. As is always the case (and I hate to do it as I always complain about seeing it on here) an extra £50 would make a fair differance on the number and quality of bikes availible to you but a 20% increase might not be justifiable in this case.
Depending on the size you require there are some good bikes below.
The Felt and Specialized being my choices.
Evans Cycles: Product: Specialized Hardrock Sport 2006 Mountain Bike
Evans Cycles: Product: Dawes Silkstone Mountain Bike
Evans Cycles: Product: Trek 4300 2006 Mountain Bike
Evans Cycles: Product: Felt Q250 2007 Mountain Bike
Also worth a look:
BIKES - Mountain Bikes - Front Suspension - Pauls Cycles
Trek 06 4300 Bike £229.99 - Leisure Lakes Bikes
Going on the price of the Mongoose bike there are a few sugestions below. As is always the case (and I hate to do it as I always complain about seeing it on here) an extra £50 would make a fair differance on the number and quality of bikes availible to you but a 20% increase might not be justifiable in this case.
Depending on the size you require there are some good bikes below.
The Felt and Specialized being my choices.
Evans Cycles: Product: Specialized Hardrock Sport 2006 Mountain Bike
Evans Cycles: Product: Dawes Silkstone Mountain Bike
Evans Cycles: Product: Trek 4300 2006 Mountain Bike
Evans Cycles: Product: Felt Q250 2007 Mountain Bike
Also worth a look:
BIKES - Mountain Bikes - Front Suspension - Pauls Cycles
Trek 06 4300 Bike £229.99 - Leisure Lakes Bikes
25 January 2007, 11:48 PM
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26 January 2007, 12:04 AM
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Uncle Buck. there is NOTHING you could teach me about "Brick Lane"
You would faint if you could see what gets sold out of the Publics view.
Agree with Xt been better than XTR. XTR is only good if you are near a bike shop all the time. XT isnt as Finniky and lasts longer.
You would faint if you could see what gets sold out of the Publics view.
Agree with Xt been better than XTR. XTR is only good if you are near a bike shop all the time. XT isnt as Finniky and lasts longer.
26 January 2007, 08:22 AM
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26 January 2007, 08:28 AM
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I'm fully XT'd up and it lasts very well.
Only non XT bit is an LX Hollowtech 2 chainset (stronger than the XT) which looks cool but seems to creak a lot.
SRAM chain and rear cassette though- Both seem to be soaking up abuse well.
Andy - Knew I'd forget a manufacturer - Giant are probably the leaders in half decent value products!
Only non XT bit is an LX Hollowtech 2 chainset (stronger than the XT) which looks cool but seems to creak a lot.
SRAM chain and rear cassette though- Both seem to be soaking up abuse well.
Andy - Knew I'd forget a manufacturer - Giant are probably the leaders in half decent value products!
I would go second hand or ex demo if I could - hardtail.
Try and get the best frame /wheels you can afford - the rest can upgrade when the basic stuff wears out and you will end up with a great bike.
As for the person saying about SRAM shifters - they look good but I wouldnt want to do any serious trekking on the bike with them on - spares are not as easy to come by.
26 January 2007, 08:47 AM
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Another vote for Giant... I've got one like this:
eBay.co.uk: GIANT VT2 FULL SUS MOUNTAIN BIKE WITH DISK BRAKES (item 140078142194 end time 31-Jan-07 20:15:00 GMT)
They're great value
eBay.co.uk: GIANT VT2 FULL SUS MOUNTAIN BIKE WITH DISK BRAKES (item 140078142194 end time 31-Jan-07 20:15:00 GMT)
They're great value
26 January 2007, 08:54 AM
#28
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XT isnt as Finniky and lasts longer.
(how time flies!) around Glentress, Innerleithen, Lake District and Fort William.... XTR gets destroyed up here by the type of mud which we seem to get all year round, it's just a thick grinding paste that loves all alloys !!! I've found XT is by far the best compromise re longevity, price, quality, weight and reliability. XTR cables with XT kit has been my choice for some time now Based on my use (and admittedly only a weekly clean, when a daily strip-down and re-build would probably be more appropriate....but then, who the hell has the time to do that and fit a daily pedal in !!!!!?) an XTR Chainset and cassette would last around 3 months and XT around 8 months.
As for Chief's original question, I'd agree with PG
Evans Cycles: Product: Specialized Hardrock Sport 2006 Mountain Bike
However, my wife bought one of these a couple of years ago and I was pretty impressed and I'm sure it would suit your needs...
www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk
26 January 2007, 09:14 AM
#29
[quote=PG;6588757]Whilst we are talking MTB I hope you don't mind if I hi-jack??
I am waiting on my Stumpjumper FSR Comp quote]
So am I - can't wait. Due Wednesday I think
Nearly bought the XC FSR Pro for £180 less, available in November, but the Foxs and '06 S-Works frame swung me.
Never used X-Ram either, but will give it a fair chance
This time of year you won't get a lot for £250. Arounbd October you can get upto 1/3 off as the new stuff comes out.
I am waiting on my Stumpjumper FSR Comp quote]
So am I - can't wait. Due Wednesday I think
Nearly bought the XC FSR Pro for £180 less, available in November, but the Foxs and '06 S-Works frame swung me.
Never used X-Ram either, but will give it a fair chance
This time of year you won't get a lot for £250. Arounbd October you can get upto 1/3 off as the new stuff comes out.
26 January 2007, 09:19 AM
#30
who knows why they are been sold ? But thats what they are "Sold" many many every week. Its easy to jump to conclusions, but who's to say they are all stolen? And its no worse than ebay! I bought some Fox vanillas and a complete XT groupset with Avid Hydro brakes and A Chris King all for £150.00