[Woodsie]

Good evening,

I am looking to get a bike and need some advice from the knowledgeable people on here

I have around £300 to spend (thats the upper limit really) and could do with some recommendations on what to buy.


I have seen a GT Avalanche 3.0 2009 for £276 and it seems to be getting good reviews but I know nothing!

I will be using it for around 80% road/canal paths etc and the rest will be light trails.

Also, with regards to frame size I am around 6'1" with 35" inside leg, I worked it out to about a 22-23" frame, is that right?

Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

[SG-22]

Wow how strange i was literally just about to post the same topic

Will watch this thread with interest

[Woodsie]

Originally Posted by SG-22

Wow how strange i was literally just about to post the same topic

Will watch this thread with interest

Beat you too it then

Also, found a Specialized Hardrock for £292 at evanscycles, any opinions on this?

Cheers

[jassco]

strangely enough I was about the post the same on behalf of my girlfriend! I've not been into bikes for a good few years now, but I always used to like the GT Avalanches; however this was a few years ago and things can quickly change. Specialised were always good as well, but I preferred the GTs.

Best thing to look for is the drivetrain and the suspension. If you can, get LX drivetrain and rockshox / manitou forks, although may be pushing it for 300

[domtheone]

Originally Posted by Woodsie

Beat you too it then

Also, found a Specialized Hardrock for £292 at evanscycles, any opinions on this?

Cheers

I'm waiting for that bike at my local bike shop. They're giving me a ring in the next day or so and i'll be able to pop along and compare 2 x Hardrock models.

I'm a total novice though but it appears to be well rated in the £300 bracket.

If it feels ok etc etc i'll 95% be buying it.

There's a Mountain bike thread from a few weeks back here (just search for mountain) which has a bit of info on it.

[loz]

Originally Posted by Woodsie

Beat you too it then

Also, found a Specialized Hardrock for £292 at evanscycles, any opinions on this?

Cheers

we have a couple of them. (Son and I)
Specialized Hardrock Sport

Very happy with them.

To be honest, for the uses you are planning, then most of the bikes in this price range I would think you will find more than adequate. They are all going to be well equiped, well made bikes.

[happyhomer]

Personally I'd suggest a hybrid, rather than a mountain bike, the reason being that for roads/towpaths a hybrid is faster i.e. you travel further for the same amount of effort. They can still cope with light trails and aren't as uncomfortable as a full-on road bike can be.

Something like this would fit your requirements, but ask at your local bike shop and try some out to find what suits you best.

[eL-ZilCHo!]

Originally Posted by Woodsie

Beat you too it then

Also, found a Specialized Hardrock for £292 at evanscycles, any opinions on this?

Cheers

My first real mountain bike was a Specialized Hardrock, I loved it, then some scrote nicked it.

I don't think you'll go far wrong with anything from the major brands at this price point for the riding you want to do.

I've always liked the look of Gary Fisher bikes, I quite like Marins too.

[insomniak123]

I bought a Specialized Rockhopper from evanscycles, and first off, the company is excellent. Bike was delivered within 3 days, had a call off them when it was ready for dispatch, I was muchly chuffed with the service

With the Specialized Hardrock at £292, you're getting budget forks (suntours) and V-brakes, not discs. When I'm trailing, I like to know I've got a steady pair of discs that are going to stop me, especially if the trail happens to be a muddy one but then you're looking at an extra ~£100ish.

The balance is that you're getting a quality frame, a quality bike in essence. Most of my riding is similar to yours, canal tracks, country roads, with moor trails included. I wouldn't recommend a hybrid, but that's just my preference. I like the feel of MB's and the comfort of knowing it'll cope if you want to 'upgrade' you riding at all.

The GT Avalanche does have disc brakes however. I've got no experience with GT's (other than a quick test ride on one last year) but I'd say it's essential you try at least sitting on the bikes before you commit, if only to check the sizing is right

I'm 5'9" ish with a 31" leg; I ended up with a 15" frame, partly due to the shape of the Specialized, partly to do with the way I like to ride; you do need a fair chunk of clearance with a mountain bike as you don't want to be worrying that you'll get closely acquainted with the cross bar too often

[Reign-Mack]

buy an angle grinder, ride a new bike everyday.

[dan1979]

I have a GT avalanche from a few years back which I use predominantly on canal paths. It's worth remembering not all canal paths are nice and smooth and there might be times when you're glad you have the ruggedness of a mountain bike..

Depending on what tyres come with it you might want to swap them for something a little less knobbly for added speed.

I've never used a hybrid myself but obviously there may be an advantage depending on your route.

[domtheone]

If you fancy a haggle too, don't bother with Halfords.

Barely an hour ago, the chappy told me (when I asked about a discount for a one off 08 model they had) that they couldn't do discounts on bikes, not a single penny. Company policy

[branny]

Get yourself down Wigan on Friday or Saturday. There's loads of bikes on show matey, and they only cost the equivalent of a couple of beers

[hopeless]

i have a funky scott which i got from evans.

you can buy last years models which are generally heavily discounted