[Misc] Buying mountain bike advice

[Weststander]

Hi.

Looking to buy a new mountain bike for my 15 year old son. It will only be used for casual rides, short commutes to school and some 40 mile rides around Sussex cycle paths.

Budget, say £500.

Someone mentioned to him that Carrera are good.

Thinking that only front suspension is necessary, which also saves weight and cost.

All sensible recommendations and advice welcome please. Ta.

 

[banjo]

http://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-cheap-mountain-bike-331305

Specialized are good.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

The problem with Carrera is that it is a Halfords brand, and their mechanics haven't really got a clue - I wouldm't have them build a bike for me.

Go to Rayments and have a chat. £500 is fairly 'entry level'. but the Specialized Hard Rock is in that price range - a really good bike for the money - and at this time of year you are likely to get a 2018 bike at sale prices.

The advice you get in a local bike shop is priceless, and the guys at Rayments are friendly, honest and knowledgeable. They also encourage people to test the bike they are interested in before buying.

 

[banjo]

double post.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

http://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-cheap-mountain-bike-331305

Specialized are good.

Looks like the Hard Rock may have been renamed. But yes, Specialized are excellent, and Rayments...specialise in that brand.

 

[banjo]

Looks like the Hard Rock may have been renamed. But yes, Specialized are excellent, and Rayments...specialise in that brand.

That was uncanny, I was gonna mention you’d be the man to ask.

 

[maffew]

I used to mountain bike quite a bit but dont have much of a clue anymore. Back then 400-500 got you a decent enough Specialised (as mentioned) or a Trek which were both really customisable. I had a Carrera Krakatoa and despite having a similar spec to my mates who had a bit more money than I did and were on Specialised, Muddy Fox or Diamon Backs, it was sluggish and heavy. It was the frame which let is down. Many moons ago this was. I came last in a mountain bike race once. It was definitely due to the frame

 

[theboybilly]

The major brands will all have something to suit and likely have similar gear and brake systems. At that price point you won't be buying rubbish so have a look at various models. I have seen a Scott Aspect 700 selling new for £400 which is an excellent brand. I think it's best to buy from a cycle dealer as local as possible and build a rapport with them.

Edit: Scott Aspect 770 - £399 from ubyk in Sydney Street. This will leave a good amount for lights and other extras.

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

Use Halfords for their cheap, own brand inner tubes only. (5 for £10 when they're on offer). Avoid Carrera. Avoid buying a bike from either Halfords or Evans, or any chain bicycle shop.

 

[Weststander]

Thanks to all.

I had a feeling that the easy option of Halfords, my lazy usual port of call, isn't the best choice.

I'll follow up on the recommendations.

 

[Birdie Boy]

I wouldn't go with a carera but Halfords do the Boardman bikes and I think they are excellent value for money. Loved mine when I had it.

 

[scooter1]

Have a look online at 2017 models, there are some great bargains to be had if you can be arsed to shop around. As has been said, swerve Halfords

 

[Saunders]

Thanks to all.

I had a feeling that the easy option of Halfords, my lazy usual port of call, isn't the best choice.

I'll follow up on the recommendations.

They are cheaper because they scrimp on the more important parts of the bike. Also bear in mind that this seasons bikes are about to come out (the 2019 models in July August I think is the time they come out) so that will make 2018 2017 2016 prices drop for the bikes they still havent sold for those years and other than christmas is one of the better sale times.

 

[Billy the Fish]

In that price range I would look at Specialized or Scott, they're better bikes than Carrera.

You'll be limited by budget and all the decent makes will have a similar spec on their entry level bikes, your main choice will be wheel and frame size. Personally I would avoid the 29 inch wheels but I know some people like them. 27.5 for me.

The manufacturer will have a size guide to get the frame size based on his height.

 

[Barham's tash]

I'm going to throw some spanners in the works here but crucial question is what does he want it for? Trail riding or downhill or general all round? Once that decision has been made he's likely to want to choose between full sus or hardtail.

At that price IMO his best option is clearly hardtail. Spend the money on the frame and not the extras. If your budget can stretch another £50 to £100 then he could get something quite decent. When I last bought in c2014 I got a Scott Reflex 20 with upgraded front forks, some egg beater SPD pedals and new handle bars for £585 from Sidney St bikes (now Ubyk).

 

[Motogull]

[MENTION=21158]Weststander[/MENTION], is he still growing?

If in doubt consider the decathlon hybrid. Cheap but will not let him down. No suspension so I'm with [MENTION=27836]Barham's tash[/MENTION]. If he likes it, you could upgrade later but if not no great financial loss.

 

[FatSuperman]

[MENTION=21158]Weststander[/MENTION]

At that price point, the most important part are the forks - and that leaves you with only one choice; the Vitus Nucleus 275 VR. Go and read a couple of reviews, or just Google 'hardtail of the year' and it'll keep showing up.

I don't have this bike, nor even this brand, but if I was spending £500 that is the easily best bike you can buy.

No matter what you do, you will not get a better spec (or indeed bike) for that money. You can buy a frame and then try and buy the parts, but it'll be way more expensive - the forks alone are £150.

Don't go anywhere near a full suspension for £500, it'll be dire.

 

[theboybilly]

[MENTION=21158]Weststander[/MENTION]

At that price point, the most important part are the forks - and that leaves you with only one choice; the Vitus Nucleus 275 VR. Go and read a couple of reviews, or just Google 'hardtail of the year' and it'll keep showing up.

I don't have this bike, nor even this brand, but if I was spending £500 that is the easily best bike you can buy.

No matter what you do, you will not get a better spec (or indeed bike) for that money. You can buy a frame and then try and buy the parts, but it'll be way more expensive - the forks alone are £150.

Don't go anywhere near a full suspension for £500, it'll be dire.

That certainly looks a lot of bike for the money and the fork is worthy of a much more expensive bike. Mail Order isn't for everybody though as you have the faff if there's a problem on arrival, however unlikely.

 

[folkestonesgull]

can you get the bike on a cycle to work scheme? can lead to a bargain if you also find a sale bike on Evans.

if not if I had £500 I would buy a decent bike from 2014/15 or so second hand. I sold a £1.5k Lapierre Zesty last year to a dad for his son for £500...an awesome bike for a teenager that i have ridden in the alps, wales etc

the Vitus is also a good shout.

 

[Tokyohands]

Another vote for Specialized here. I had a Hard Rock when I was his age and loved it, it took years of abuse on the south downs with out any big probs at all.