Mountain bike advice needed

[Dicehunter]

I usually go jogging every morning at around 4am but I fancy a change a few times a week, I know there are a few cyclists on here so thought I'd ask for advice on what to look out for when shopping for a good bike, Make, Model etc...

Any advice is appreciated

 

[MadShadow]

Sorry, not exactly helpful, but 4 a.m!!? That's impressive.

 

[Dicehunter]

Sorry, not exactly helpful, but 4 a.m!!? That's impressive.

Well I like to do my daily cardio before breakfast to wake myself up and get my appetite going before heading into work to train more people and then eventually myself at the end of the day ^_^

 

[tinytomlogan]

Just like PC parts whats your budget and what do you want to do with it!

 

[Dicehunter]

Just like PC parts whats your budget and what do you want to do with it!

Cooleo thanks guv, Well my budget is at the moment 300 notes, I'd prefer to buy it in England as I tend to spend quite some time here lately also if needs be I can wait a little while longer to get more funds.

I mainly want to do steep hill climbing so it would need to have a durable crank etc...

 

[paulstung]

I was in the same boat, with the same budget a few weeks ago, and couldn't find much, but came across a Carrera Vulcan in Halfords, for £320, I usually stay clear of Halfords but the reviews were too good to not at least have a look. For the money it is pretty dam good,if your doing a lot of street riding I'd change the tyres though as the standard have such a high rolling resistance.

The brakes can be a pain to bleed to, as I've just found out, but mine are finally fully working and set up correctly, and are very good. I posted earlier that they're crap, that was before I sorted them out, I'm surprised on how good they are for an entry hydraulic disk brake.

 

[SPS]

For £300 go second hand, don't even bother trying to buy from a shop.

Is it just for roads or off-road too?

 

[Phenakism]

I agree with SPS here. You will get far more for your money going second hand.
Try to find something with Shimano XT/XTR running gear (brakes, derailers, chain etc) or even Avid on the brakes. If you see Hope brand around, they are great as well.

For uphill stuff, light frame with a rigid tail, decent butting and lockable front suspension is a must. Rock Shox are great, stay clear of SR Suntour.

Hope this helps a little, if not, kick me haha

Good luck.

 

[Warchild]

second hand bike all the way.

If you can, get one with a lockout on the suspension forks. Trying to ride uphill with your suspension compressing etc takes alot of momentum out of your ride.

Depends on how interested you will get though because even Shimano Deore components will be enough and more towards your budget. Personally I dont touch anything Shimano. SRAM all the way

I think one of the important things is a good head stem though, something strong. Also make sure if you go second hand that you test the gears and make sure there are no worn teeth in the crank or cassette.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specializ...1400569802?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1c4409afca

Good example of what you could find, although the recon model forks were bad in my opinion.