Mountain Bikes

[Val]

P.s any if you bike experts recommend a car figment that I can put 3 bikes onto safely? ( man, the cost is increasing)

I have a Saris Bones rack and it's the best one I've ever had but would much prefer a roof rack but as I change my car pretty frequently I've decided against.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/saris-bones-3-bike-rack/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=saris%20bones%20phrase&utm_campaign=RTC_saris&referid=googwig&utm_adgroup=MS_Saris_Bones&gclid=CJShg9eo_7gCFcLHtAoduioAjQ

 

[GreiginFife]

Bit late in the day to add suggestions to what's above but used to do some downhill in my younger days and had a Marin California Hardtail "Silver Back" and found Marin to be one of, if not the, best at bikes.
Still got it but sadly after a crash it needs repairs that cost more than I'm willing to pay as can't really use it for it's purpose anymore.

Marin now do mid range bikes that, by all accounts, are fantastic quality as would be expected.

 

[Aztecs27]

Right so after much further searching I have come up with a few options, any thoughts on which one of these would be best for some light cross country (canal paths, forrest paths etc)?

http://www.freeborn.co.uk/saracen-2012-tufftrax-comp-hydro-disc-bike

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-53-mountain-bike-white-id_8206682.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-big-rr-53-mountain-bike-white-id_8202905.html

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141024587420?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (minus the basket thingy on the back!)

All thoughts gratefully received

Forget the Carrera. I've owned two but was lucky enough to have the higher end models, which are good. The budget ones that you see on most of the Halfords shop floors are heavy and not very good.

Either of the other 3 are excellent buys for the price. As I said previously, I'm a bit B'Twin biased, so I'd go with one of the rockriders - plus, they're white, which looks pimp!

As a side note - loads of great general advice on this thread!

 

[Which tree did that hit]

plus, they're white, which looks pimp! !

Not normally a pimp type person but I'm with you there! I'm thinking swap the saddle for a white one then get some red pedals and it will look pretty good, even if I look like a fool on it!

What are the benefits / drawbacks of 29" wheels over 26"?

 

[Aztecs27]

Not normally a pimp type person but I'm with you there! I'm thinking swap the saddle for a white one then get some red pedals and it will look pretty good, even if I look like a fool on it!

What are the benefits / drawbacks of 29" wheels over 26"?

This should give you some basic info:

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/what-is-a-29er-28684/

29" wheels look HUGE if you're used to 26", but ultimately, it's personal preference.

I would suggest getting some less-knobbly tyres too if you're not going to be doing strictly off-road cycling. The hardcore knobblys can be hard work!

 

[bluewolf]

IMO, 29's offer easier riding and more control. 26's are more maneuverable and faster on tight tracks. Most manufacturers are moving more towards the 29ers at the moment, and I don't see that trend stopping. If you just want a bike to ride canal paths etc, then go 29. It'll be more comfortable.

 

[Rooter]

IMO, 29's offer easier riding and more control. 26's are more maneuverable and faster on tight tracks. Most manufacturers are moving more towards the 29ers at the moment, and I don't see that trend stopping. If you just want a bike to ride canal paths etc, then go 29. It'll be more comfortable.

I find my 29r really good and easier to ride fast, maneuverability has not been an issue for me, i mainly do light off road stuff.

My bike is white too! Ergo its pimp!

 

[bluewolf]

I find my 29r really good and easier to ride fast, maneuverability has not been an issue for me, i mainly do light off road stuff.

My bike is white too! Ergo its pimp!

Definately Pimp mate.. Mines bright shiney red, as everyone knows that red bikes are faster.. Just fixing up an old Diamond Back BMX for the boy. Strangely enough it's exactly the same shade of red......

 

[Which tree did that hit]

Nice

Have bitten the bullet and ordered the 29" one, will look forward to it sitting in my garage!

 

[CMAC]

Good advice here, thanks all and OP for letting me 'ride' the thread.

Not sure if 29 or 26 but if 26 doesn't look to wee then I'll go for that, need to test them, do bike shops let you test drive bikes?


P.S why do MB's not have a small mudguard on them, your back will just get splattered wont it?

 

[DappaDonDave]

Good advice here, thanks all and OP for letting me 'ride' the thread.

Not sure if 29 or 26 but if 26 doesn't look to wee then I'll go for that, need to test them, do bike shops let you test drive bikes?


P.S why do MB's not have a small mudguard on them, your back will just get splattered wont it?

Because mudguards are the biking equivalent of wearing two black/navy golfing gloves in summer

 

[Toad]

Just ordered a Giant Revel 0 Ltd as an upgrade from my old halfords bike that's 15 year old, plan on cycling to work everyday and heading up the hills at the weekends as lots of trails around me and no I've not ordered mud guards lol

 

[CMAC]

whats the big laugh about mudguards they look tiny and stop you getting a mud splattered wet back! or is that something you have to do to be a real Mountain biker

must admit I havent cycled competitively for a long time so things must have changed a lot

 

[NWJocko]

Glad this thread came up as looking to get myself a decent-ish bike just for general use and getting out with the kids.

Sooner get a good quality second hand bike than paying out for something cheaper but built with poor quality components....

Any suggestions from my knowledgable forum cyclists? So far been looking at saracen mantra, gt avalanche, specialised rockhopper (older models but better components from what I can gather).

Any and all advice gratefully received, thanks

 

[DappaDonDave]

whats the big laugh about mudguards they look tiny and stop you getting a mud splattered wet back! or is that something you have to do to be a real Mountain biker

must admit I havent cycled competitively for a long time so things must have changed a lot

Black gloves have plus points as well...but you just wouldn't would you? Lol

Anyway, may I suggest the carrera kraken. Got one 4 years ago on the cycle to wok scheme. It's a great bike! Would suit perfectly for the non competitive casual rider. Great spec as well.

 

[NWJocko]

Black gloves have plus points as well...but you just wouldn't would you? Lol

Anyway, may I suggest the carrera kraken. Got one 4 years ago on the cycle to wok scheme. It's a great bike! Would suit perfectly for the non competitive casual rider. Great spec as well.

Thanks for the suggestion, that one has come onto the radar aswell as another carrera (centos).

Looks like I should be able to get something to suit my rather pedestrian needs that won't fall apart after 6 months pretty easily.

 

[CMAC]

right, some good suggestions on here and Bikes need to be purchased asap, so now where to buy?

Do I test ride bikes (do they let you do this) at Halfords or local bike shops or just buy on T'interweb and hope they turn up and we all like them? whats the tried and tested way for you bikers?

 

[Aztecs27]

right, some good suggestions on here and Bikes need to be purchased asap, so now where to buy?

Do I test ride bikes (do they let you do this) at Halfords or local bike shops or just buy on T'interweb and hope they turn up and we all like them? whats the tried and tested way for you bikers?

Evans, if you've got one near you, let you test ride a bike (properly), but the type of stock and variety changes from store to store (for instance, the new Cheltenham store stocks mostly higher end stuff, as I found out yesterday).

Even if you can go to a LBS, most will let you have a small ride round and all shops will at least let you sit on the bike. If you can, buy in person and avoid buying from Halfords if you can. Their "mechanics" are a bit questionable sometimes so the bikes aren't that well put together!

 

[Rooter]

Specialized concept stores will let you test ride anything.

PS.Mudguards on MTBs is the equivalent of iron covers.

 

[CMAC]

Specialized concept stores will let you test ride anything.

PS.Mudguards on MTBs is the equivalent of iron covers.

Motor Torpedo Boats oooh yes I'd rather have one of them......

so I'm assuming the design has changed over the years and you dont get a constant stream of watery mud spraying from your neck to waist?