Urban and Mountain Bike - in one?

Hi - just wondering if it's possible to get a bike that would work as a low-miler urban bike and occasional off-road mountain bike - for trails like ballinastoe for example?

I was thinking of this - seems like good value for the money...

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_778053_langId_-1_categoryId_212589#dtab

any opinions? would those tyres work for an urban environment?

JonDoe

Ah but for a mere 100€ more you could have this
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/16281/Ridgeback_Quest_29Inch_Bike_2008
As regards the Carrera, I can't see anyone paying 600€+ for it. The only thing it has for something in that bracket is Hydraulic brakes, the dart 1 fork is ok but no lockout which means climbing will be hard, unbranded wheels and no name tyres, can't make out the thread pattern but does look worst of both worlds.
The Ridgeback it's not a real mountainbike but more a canal bank type thing a few cheap parts but you can replace these when they wear out, the forks are meant to be good though.:)

I wouldn't pay 600 for it but it might be worth 360...
I've heard that some Halford's branches are better than others - any recommendations on which ones are good and which to avoid....?

angry_fox

I would forget about buying from halfords, you should go down to your local bike shop and ask them about what you want. Where are you based? You should maybe look at getting cube aim also a specialized rockhopper is very nice bike

Greyspoke

If you're prepared to swap between slick tyres for the road and a proper mtb tyre for the trails then a hardtail mtb with a reasonable fork with lockout is a very good compromise and will be fine on the road.
Very good value for "real" mountain bikes can be found on www.merlincycles.co.uk - check out what builds or offers they have on their Malt 1 frame.
As regards brakes, you'd be fine with v-brakes for occasional Ballinastoe type trail riding and you certainly don't need discs on the road.