Mountain Bike Question

Teferi

Was in a bike shop today having a look around at buying a new bike. I'm interested in getting a mountain bike which would be mainly used for commuting and a little bit on the mountains hopefully. The guy who was taking me around was saying that entry level mb are fine for commuting but wouldn't stand up to much use on the mountains and that they look the part but aren't really any use.

He then guided me towards more expensive mb, saying it would be more worth my time to get one of them. I don't really have the money for anything past €300 so they were well out of my price range.

My question is, was he right or was he taking me for a ride?

Ciaran500

He's kinda right. Alot of cheaper bikes are considered "mountain style" bikes and would not hold up to the abuse of the mountains. However you will be able to get a capable mountain bike in the €300 price range.

What bikes was he showing you?

DJsail

I agree you can get a capable ride for around the 300 mark but not superb in any way and it really depends on how hard you inted on riding it, the quality of the frame and its welds will be important if your taking it off-road but won't be worth worrying about for moving around town.

At this price range the fork if its front suspension only won't be the best in the world and may not even be oil dampended all together. If your seriously considering a bike for mtb use then try second-hand, you may be lucky and pick up a used, specialized rockhopper for this price which can be used for both off-road and commuting and will be well worth the money.

In short he was kind of right but ask yourself what you'll mainly use it for? Commuting get a cheap and sturdy Carrera Subway, MTB buy second-hand with ur budget!

Teferi

Ciaran500 wrote: »

What bikes was he showing you?

He showed me some Giant bikes - umm...the boulder, the rock and then it moved up to the brass and STP I think.

He also showed me some Lapierre hybrids which, after researching a little, I like the look of.

DJsail wrote: »

In short he was kind of right but ask yourself what you'll mainly use it for? Commuting get a cheap and sturdy Carrera Subway, MTB buy second-hand with ur budget!

Apart from Adverts and Buy&Sell, where are other places to look for 2nd hand bikes?

DJsail

I've seen some cracking bikes on www.dublin-bicycle.info for no money whatsoever!

Ciaran500

Teferi wrote: »

He showed me some Giant bikes - umm...the boulder, the rock and then it moved up to the brass and STP I think.

The brass and STP are not the type of bike you're looking for at all.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/mountain/2449/32673/
The boulder is a reasonable bike and suits your needs and the Rock is a bit cheap. 7 speed gears is very old at this stage.

Teferi wrote: »

He also showed me some Lapierre hybrids which, after researching a little, I like the look of.

The Lappie's are lovely but pricey.

Slumlion

specialized hardrock sport.........

DJsail

If you can stretch your budget to this http://www.worldwidecycles.com/pc-128-6-specialized-hr-comp.aspx

I doubt you'll regret it otherwise try and wait for something to appear second-hand!