Starter mountain/road bike?

Question

Hi there, I can get a bike through work but the only thing is the bike has to be bought through halfords, what would people suggest for me to get, I was thinking anywhere between £200 to £500. I want this bike for a good few years so dont mind spending up to my limit. I am not entirely sure what bike to go for, I quite like the Carrera Fury its well spec'd for the money but I think it might be a bit extreme for me as I want to use it for mainly on roads/canal paths and the occassional off road trip, so I was thinking the GT aggressor or Carrera Vulcan - there is also the subway 2 which would be ideal but not very good for off road! The only thing is these are a little less well spec'd so is it worth spending the extra cash on the Fury? Any other ideas are welcome also!
If anyone has any reccomendations I would gladly read them!
Thanks

Answer 1

Depending on how much off road you'll be doing, there are some good bikes available in the Carrera range. Be honest with yourself though - how much off roading will you really do? If you specify a bike to cope with serious off roading, you'll be handicapped in most of the riding you'll do on roads and canal paths. Big fat MTB tyres, full suspension and MTB geometry do not a good on-road bike make!

The Subway range is fine (especially for the price), and will cope with the odd spell of light offroading - actually, the frames are made by Merida - the same people who make GT's frames. However, while you're looking at Halfords have a look at the Boardman bikes range of Hybrids. They're a step up from the Carreras and there are at least two available in your price range.

Have a glance at www.boardmanbikes.co.uk (or possibly .com).

Just don't buy one of their "Apollo" monstrosities!

Answer 2

When you say that you can get a bike through work, but only through Halfords, I assume that you do not work for Halfords, but your place of work is taking advantage of the 50% tax rebate offered to individuals who buy a bike to cycle to work on? If this is the case, then more bike places are open to this scheme than just Halford. You might try Evanscycles, Pitsford Cycles or any number of other places. The reason that I am plugging anywhere else is that Halfords have deals with their suppliers to produce bikes that are specific to them. I.E. cheeper than a normal shop would sell because the spec/manufacture is different. Also, Halfords hires minimum wage monkeys who are basically what you would expect from a large multiple like this.

However, if you are stuck with them, you have to ask yourself what you actually want from a bike. Roads canal paths and the occasional off road trip. You many not necessarily need any suspension, but would probably still benefit from large tyres. Gearing does not need to be spectacular either. That said, you need to look at the spec and of the bikes that you have mentioned, the GT tends to be a bit nicer. The unique frame design offers a good ride, with little harsh feedback, since a lot of the energy is disipated into the horizontal tubing. If you are mainly playing at XC, Deore may be a bit overkill, but in any event, I would go for either 8 or 9 on the back sprocket, since it is not so easy to upgrade the 21 gear system.

However, if you are talking about spec, then the only one that really matters is the frame. Everything else can be upgraded. The frame is the heart of the bike. If you are spending £500, then compare it to other bikes in the price range. I would expect hydroforming and heat treating as well as decent welding and butting at the critical joints. This should be made of a decent grade of allumium 6061 or A1. Also, look for a separate drop out (Attaches rear de-railier to the frame and protects the frame if the derailier gets bent).

Next, look at the wheels and finishing kit. Are they good quality? Is the bike light? does the bike finish generally look good? However, if you have looked into spec, then you know this. If you are taking it off road, then better quality kit will last longer. Buy it cheep, buy it twice. Also, the machine will stay set up corectly, for longer, with good spec components. Cheep will fail, usually when it is least convenient.

For about £200, you might get a viable road bike, but you will not get anything that you could take off road. For £500 you will get a decent enough machine. It will be entry level into the more serious aspect of MTBing. You probably wont be able to hold your own against race MTBs, but you will get a lot of pleasure off of the trails. For this price bracket expect hydraulic disc brakes, Deore/LX, Alex 18 rims, Shimano hubs, decent tyres and viable forks with at least pre-load and possibly lock out.

At about the £350 mark I would expect a good frame, basic forks, 24 gears and V brakes.

However, all of this is bunkum until you sit on the bike and find out if you are comfortable. I would do this before anything else. However, if you are not tied to Halfords, go to your local bike shop and ask thier advice. You might also consider a hybrid.

Luck

Answer 3

The bicycle business is so competitive these days that any two bikes at the same price point are very likely to be comparable values. Don't get hung up on brand names. Ignore the marketing hype and glossy brochures. The most important thing you can do is to test ride all the bikes you are considering. One bike will fit you better than all the others you are testing. You will be able to tell very soon after just sitting on that bike. Buy that bike. It is the one you will enjoy the most.

Answer 4

Trek Su200

A real solid machine for the type of riding you described.

Answer 5

Specialized, Gary Fisher/Trek, KHS, and Giant have good bikes in your price range

Answer 6

Thanks Steve ! ! !

I use an Apollo TDF02 to commute to work! - I Would hardly call them monstrosities but I agree with your tip for the Boardman bikes.

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