Which bike would you recommend?

Question

Summer is here so i need to get a bike for myself. Im thinking about a trial - jump kind of bike (also used for 4 miles commuting to work).My budget is max 400 pounds. Im 6ft tall, so I need 26" wheels , but i dont know what frame size.
The most important thing for me is the weight of the bike ( it has to be as light as possible) .I found couple of bikes :
- Saracen flea 2 : http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s3p263

-GT Chucker 2 : http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/products.php?show=124

- Diamondback assault : http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s3p130

If anyone is able to help me to chose one of them (or suggest other one in that price range ) i would be really greateful

or a diamondback t10 : http://www.comptoncycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s9p1317&z=720

Answer 1

I personally wouldn't recommend anything that you wouldn't be able to sit on (properly) if you're going to cycle for distances greater than a kilometer (unless it's hardcore off road trails). I like road/racing bikes better for usual commuting but also enjoy the odd venture off the road (on mountain bike of course).

Would recommend eBay if you want a cheap bike, especially a second hand one. For example, I've seen very good road/racing bikes going for under 300 quid, used. There are also retailers operating only on eBay so they don't rent a shop front, hence can supply (new) bikes at a cheaper price.

But alas, there are opportunity costs (and possible risks) associated with eBay - the time spent/wasted browsing and bidding means time spent not doing other stuff in life. So, if you have plenty of time to spare, I would definitely give eBay a shot.

Answer 2

Of those bikes definately one of the first, Saracen are an excellent company for jump/trials bikes but also at 6ft tall you dont need 26inch wheels as i'm 6ft 4 and still ride 24's. The GT has a good spec for this price range however generally saracens frames will be better so you just need to find out if there is neway you can try them both first so you can get a better impression, If you consider other bikes as well the Saracen Mantra is an excellent bike for this area

Answer 3

Hey mate, do yourself a favour and pop into W H Smith and get a copy of What Mountainbike? magazine. They have a whole heap of reviews and kindly divvy the bikes into use specific categories, so you can compare like bikes. Certainly beats having to go to each companies sites!!

Alternatively pop onto www.mbuk.co.uk they have a handy review section of bikes they've tested or thrashed, including an archive section, so the bike you're interested in might be there.

Specialised do a awesome jump bike, also look at DMR, Identiti and Santa Cruz Jackal, although I believe when you get to the skill level where you might want to do tricks requiring your legs to cross the top bar, the admittedly sexy tubing on the Jackal gets in the way.

Have a chat to your local bike shop, don't be shy, tell them what you're after, your budget and yor skill level and they can point you in the right direction.

Answer 4

I like mountain bikes better for what you say you are going to use it. (Summer, commuting,...)

From the three choices you have I like the GT chucker 2 the best. Nice components, nice frame too.

Ask around, and decide on what you like best at the end of the day.

Enjoy!

Answer 5

The GT has better kit. SRAM is very nice. Truvative components are also good. GT frames can be a bit heavy, but overall they are sturdy and relatively good.

You might also want to consider Scott/Giant/Specialized. Try these sites:

www.rutlandcycling.com

www.evanscycles.com

www.paulscycles.com

Luck

Answer 6

Get a Mountain 100.00 bike- Better for you...

Answer 7

go with a trek 4300 disc, same price

Answer 8

a tricycle