Advice please!

[jimbo]

Alright guys

Im looking to get a half decent mountain bike to start off with but dont really know where to begin - ie brands / models / spec / brand new vs. 2nd hand etc.

Anyone got any advice on a good bike to start off with, ie something thats reliable but isnt going to break the bank.

Any ideas? Price range ideally would be about £250-300 tops, so I guess that limits the options a bit but any advice would be welcome!

Cheers

[parchment]

A quick search on bikeradar gives this:

www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain/?brand=&results=12&orderby=highestrated&pricerange=0-500&_brc=0

You can filter by brand to see reviews of what you will be able to find in the loacal bike shops (trek/specialized/saracen at eurocycles, Scott/Giant/Kona at bikestyle?)

[mannyiom]

Or pop into the shops and have a word with the staff,we are here to help people get into cycling not frighten them off!

[jimbo]

Exactly what I plan to do on the weekend mate!

Cheers guys

[skippy]

My advice would be to get a £300 bike. At this price range the extra £50 makes a big difference. Eurocycles (I got my bike from them) or Bikestyle will give you good advice if you tell them your budget and where the bike is most likely to be used.
Try a few different models to find which feels best as it can vary a surprising amount. Don't be tempted with any mail order cheapies. They weigh a ton, the quality is crap and will totally spoil what should be great fun.

[xxcai105xx]

www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b49s3p1193&rs=gb

dmr drone but will need suspension(forks)