Best value mountain bike for less than €500

LadFromLimerick

Hi folks,
I'm competing in an adventure race (Cuchulainn, Newry) next month and need to get a mountain bike. The max I would spend would be €500 (but less if I could get away with it), would appreciate some advice on how my money would be best spent?
Many Thanks

thebouldwhacker

Hi Lad,

For €500 you'll pick up a good second hand specialized rock hopper with change to spare, if you could add maybe €100 you'd prob get a 2008 one new. No idea what the terrain is like but if its gonna be muddy with sharp descents (I'm guessing your not 'into' mountain biking) you probably need something strong with disk brakes. Stay away from full suspension! If you get a cheap bike shaped object you may well end up buckling a wheel at your first fall and that will be end game.....

I have a rock hopper and it has never let me down.

seamus

Kona are a well trusted brand:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Kona_Fire_Mountain_Deluxe_2009/5360039069/

Rockhopper's a good bike too.

I would also recommend though maybe getting something second hand, one or two years old and in good condition. The person who's selling it will probably have upgraded the crappier parts on the bike but are selling it because they're looking for a more serious bike.

Ideally you'd get a knowledgeable mate to go with you when you go to look at the bike. In particular you're looking for damage to the frame, cracks around around the welds and anything else bent or not looking right. Many components are consumables and easily replaced. Frame & forks, not so much.

The bouldwhacker is spot on - don't waste your money on full suspension. You won't get a mountain bike over €300 these days *without* front suspension, so that's not really a concern. Cable disc brakes, though they get a lot of slack, work very well, last long, and are more effective than V brakes in really bad conditions.

thebouldwhacker

I'm guessing by you name that your from limerick..... If you can make it to ballyhoura you should talk to chris in xtc, they rent the mtb's there and sell off top notch old stock. there is normally a waiting list so google him and give him a buzz I can only say good things about him, straight up lover of the sport and takes pride in his thing...

guym

Hi,
As previous poster said you'd be best to go for a hardtail as opposed to full suspension with your budget, hydraulic disc brakes are a must also. Try posting a request up on http://mbcc.ie/ or http://www.epicmtb.com/ to see if anyone is selling a a second hand bike, you would get a much better specced bike if you went second hand.

If you set on brand new, the following might be worth a look:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=43257
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=33982
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b2s2p1492

The mongoose would be the best specced of the above. Another consideration is if you are shorter or taller than average you might find good discounts on line for end of line small or x large bikes.
Happy hunting!!!

davgtrek

second hand is good.
though there are some nice bargains on that paulscycles.co.uk site previously mentioned.

if you are doing adventure races and with winter on board you might find you would get into mtb'ing.
if your dropping up to 500 on a bike make sure its a decent one but i would throw another 200 to buy new online and get exactly what you want on the risk that you will get into it.

kona

How tall are you?

Forget about getting konas and specialized for e500. If you do they will be low spec(for that range). If your buying 2nd hand, youd want to know what your looking at as some bikes are overpriced ****e. You can make e500 go alot further.

Have a look at the carrera Venganc disc, a few here got one for e375 or something. Super value for the parts, hydraulic brakes, rock shox, truvativ, sram.

mockler007

go for good parts, it makes a huge difference. dont want to get a chicken chaser. halfords do have good bikes for very good value. ie good parts, stay away from rear shocks on a bike for that price, unless shes second hand and the guy is looking for quick cash, xtc in ballyhoura mite have something layen around. shop around is you best bet!!! buy a mtb mag and get up to speed on what parts are good, or even do a bit of internet research about good parts so you have some idea and dont go in buying blind! that is all;)

DirkVoodoo

http://www.madmtb.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=5

and

http://www.epicmtb.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=6

donothoponpop

kona wrote: »

Have a look at the carrera Venganc disc, a few here got one for e375 or something. Super value for the parts, hydraulic brakes, rock shox, truvativ, sram.

I just picked this up (ordered from www.halfords.ie), €370 online price. All the above parts are great, frame seems decent enough, a few small things like the pedals, tyres, grips, etc are carp, but I'm real happy with hydro discs and a rockshox fork (albeit no lockout) for that money.

I'm yet to take it for a spin mind, but I'd thought I'd share the above, seeing as the offer ends soon.

LadFromLimerick

Thanks for all the replies folks, really informative.
To answer Konas question I'm fairly tall at 6ft 4. Halfords are offering the Carrera Vengeance in size 18" and 20" for €370, would the 20" frame be the correct size for me?
Thanks again.

donothoponpop

LadFromLimerick wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies folks, really informative.
To answer Konas question I'm fairly tall at 6ft 4. Halfords are offering the Carrera Vengeance in size 18" and 20" for €370, would the 20" frame be the correct size for me?
Thanks again.

I'm 6'2" and got the 20"- ordered it without trying for size. I was a bit surprised at how big it is, I had expected to raise the saddle a lot more than I did, and there's plenty of scope for more height if needed. I would think the 20" would be plenty big for you too.

kona

Id have thoiught the continental tyres on the vengance were pretty good....better than most other tyres on stock bikes?

mattock

well Lad, i have a Trek MTB on adverts its 21" and thatsd the reason I am selling its to big for me , the bike is perfect , except for one small scratch, Pm me for more info if you wish.