Which Mountain Bike

[boxboy]

Hi all,

I've just started to get really into mountian biking with my 2 son's and want a good full suspension bike that's light and can take some beating. Looking to spend £350 top's.
Any idea's??

Cheers

[jamiefrost]

For £350 I would not go for a full suspension, you won't get a good bike, better off getting a hard tail (front suspension only).

The rear suspension at that sort of price is just very heavy and will waste a lot of the pedaling power.

Any particular reason you want a full suspension bike?


Hardtails for about £350

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/GT...08/5360032286/

or

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Mo...08/5360032198/

Bought a Tyax Super last year, very pleased with it, good base to upgrade from.

[ikthius]

£350 no way, I would never go for a full suspension for that price.

as said, get a hard tail, and anyway I prefer hardtails.

this is the time to buy last seasons models, as they are getting their 2009 models in now so you could get a cheap 2008 model, but if you could get a 2007 model you might get them cheaper.

is it off road?????

ok things I would want on a mountain bike....
Disc Brakes (or at least the hubs to take disc brakes later) V-Brakes a second
Front Shocks - manitou (basic) Rock Shox (you may only get suntour though)

I would, if I were you invest in mainly the frame, just now, make sure it fits well and your comfortable on it, then you cvan upgrade the components when you feel fit.

Makes I would go for are, Scott (I have a Scott) Felt, Focus, Kona, GT, Trek, there are others that are good, but Felt and Focus make good bikes, Kona, GT Scott, Trek have good pedigree.

A snall list
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/GT...08/5360032286/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Ko...08/5360032678/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Fe...08/5360032855/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Fo...08/5360032323/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Fe...08/5360032856/

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec000556
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec000043
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec001563
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec000661

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=17829
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=29071
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=14963

Not recommended:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec001189
why not recommended, well full suspension needs to be tailored specifically to the terain and your weight and riding style to get the best from a full sus.


go to your local bike shop and seek advice, even the small country ones, they are sometimes the best for advice, htey may match or even better what you find in hte main dealers... go and try some bikes, best way really, then when you find the right bike, then try and find it cheaper online.

good luck

[admars]

I agree with the above.
I bought a Giant nearly 10 years ago, it has no suspension, was reduced from £450 to £300, at the time suspension bikes were starting to appear at £300. But to me, for what I'd be using it for, i.e. mostly road for occasional light MTBing it made sense it made sense to sacrifice suspension for a better frame, gears and brakes.
A "cheap" MTB with full suspension would IMHO be a bad idea. If you think about it, to save money to put on suspension you're going to get budget components such as brakes and gears, which you'll use a lot, to subsidise cheap suspension, which as Jamie says will hamper ridability.

also, I'd strongly recommend www.wiggle.co.uk for buying bits and bobs from, but I think buying an actual bike you'r ebetter of in store, unless you already know exactly what you want,.

[Wicked_and_Crazy]

should be able to pick up a decent Kona for £350

http://www.konabikes.co.uk/2k7bikes/...untain_2k7.php

[mr_bo]

I recently bought http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...sid=08Hardrock for £349.

It is excellent and easy to ride.

[ikthius]

the kona fire mountain is a fantastic bike, and I mean fantastic for its price.

Specialized are another great pedigree of bike, I prefer the rock hopper though

[mr_bo]

Originally Posted by ikthius

the kona fire mountain is a fantastic bike, and I mean fantastic for its price.

Specialized are another great pedigree of bike, I prefer the rock hopper though

My mate bought the rock hopper, nice bike but nice price too.

[bmxbandit]

Agree with all of the above, good advice. What kind of terrain are you likely to be riding on? The extra money spent on some decent forks will make for a better ride than cheaper full sus.

[jamiefrost]

If you are still looking for more ideas or information try looking at www.bikeradar.com lots of reviews and helpfule people in the forums.

JJ

[boxboy]

Hi All,

Thanks for the reply's. Sorry i've not been online till today. Looks like I'll go for a Kona hardtail for about £350.00.

thanks again.

[southwell]

Originally Posted by ikthius

the kona fire mountain is a fantastic bike, and I mean fantastic for its price.

Yep i had the 2007 model, was fantastic until some scrote nicked it