Picking 1st mountain bike

ABitofsense

Hi guys

First time on this forum,

Im getting my first mountain bike in the next few weeks and im new to this. So many choices . My budget is between 500-800. The guy in the shop has recommended getting a trek (4300 or 4500) or Specialized (hardrock). Has any one any experience with these or could recommend which is better?

Thanks in advance

Tenzor07

Which do you think looks better?

Have you gone on a quick spin on either, what did you think?

Both would be of similar spec so would be "splitting hairs" on the spec...

gman2k

Without knowing the specs of either of the bikes you listed, I would aim for the one that has the better fork.
Have you considered second hand? And final question - are you in the BTW scheme?

Icyseanfitz

most bikes at that price range will be very similar like the lads pointed out, are you willing to buy online? maybe save up to 1000?

steamsey

I have to say that I'd go second hand for that price range. Could get a great second hand MTB for €700ish and plenty for sale in Ireland ATM - only thing is finding the right size for you. I'd get something with disc brakes, good overall components and good front forks (IMO avoid SC Suntour and Rock Shox Dart).

To actually answer your question, the Specialized hardrock is a good bike and there's nothing wrong with it, but it is an entry level MTB so if you get into MTB'ing and enjoy it, it's likely that you'll soon want to upgrade. I've no experience with the Trek.

Biking.ie sell their old rental Trek MTB's after 3 months so might be worth calling them to see what they have for sale.

Icyseanfitz

if your willing to buy online these two are great and just a bit over your budget

Canyon Cube

mickeycav

Specialised Rockhopper might be a better choice at slightly more €850, i've had one for years and its a great bike

Tenzor07

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

if your willing to buy online these two are great and just a bit over your budget

Canyon Cube

Best he buy local for his first MTB and get some advise and servicing from an expert face to face..

Daniel S

Remember, when buying a bike, colours mean everything.

studiorat

A site called mountain bike reviews did a top 10 of hardtails between 350 and a grand. 4 of the bikes came from Halfords, gulp...

So I'd say look at the Carrera branded bikes there, the Kraken or the Fury. The former can be had for less than €500. If you are starting out it would be ideal. I've had the Spech Hardrock, my girlfriend has the Trek 4300. Neither of them are anything amazing, infact I prefer the Carrera to either of them.

There is the point about quality servicing from a local shop, but you can still use the local guys for servicing.

I don't think there's any point in buying a bike in the next price bracket if you are only getting into it. You'll either get mad into it and want a €3,000 all mountain boutique job or it'll sit in the shed.

Icyseanfitz

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Best he buy local for his first MTB and get some advise and servicing from an expert face to face..

if your willing to put a bit of time into learning how everything works and do a bit of research before hand id still recommend online, i did that and now i can service all my own bikes to a level i find acceptable,
of course i am a glutton for punishment

Tenzor07

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

if your willing to put a bit of time into learning how everything works and do a bit of research before hand id still recommend online, i did that and now i can service all my own bikes to a level i find acceptable,
of course i am a glutton for punishment

OP, get down to your LBS quick!!


(Icsean, you should have a blog of your bike "expieriences")

Icyseanfitz

dont worry as soon as i get a job in some bike shop im sure my tune will change

ABitofsense

Its part of my girlfriends BTW scheme :rolleyes: . I used mine 2 years ago to get Rayleigh hybrid for going to work and want a MTB for off-road with my husky. There is only select shops that her work allows tho. I would love to buy online, alot cheaper but can't.

But out of curiosity what are the best sites to get 2nd hand bikes on? Donedeal?

Zebrano

I have the hardrock think its a great bike but looking back now would have spent €800 and got a bike with better spec think the forks let it down when off road but have never had a problem with it and the tires that come on them are dodgy off road more for gravel tracks than mud stones and roots

worded

mickeycav wrote: »

Specialised Rockhopper might be a better choice at slightly more €850, i've had one for years and its a great bike

Im selling my rockhopper ....... will get a link to it.

steamsey

ABitofsense wrote: »

Its part of my girlfriends BTW scheme :rolleyes: . I used mine 2 years ago to get Rayleigh hybrid for going to work and want a MTB for off-road with my husky. There is only select shops that her work allows tho. I would love to buy online, alot cheaper but can't.

But out of curiosity what are the best sites to get 2nd hand bikes on? Donedeal?

I got my MTB second hand from Donedeal.ie. Have been keeping an eye on it since and there are some good ones to be had.

There's a Rockhopper on Donedeal ATM for €535, but it has the Rock Shox Dart unfortunately. Nice bike though otherwise.

There is also a nice Cube Ltd Race up there for €800.

ABitofsense

Sorry for keeping this going but i made my choice between either a specialised hardrock sport disc http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62179&scid=1100&scname=Mountain

or

rockhopper comp 12 http://www.mycycle.ie/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=sproc123

Which for a beginner would be best?

steamsey

The Hardrock's Suntour XCR forks are OK for beginners, but they are not really proper XC forks. I could see someone getting this bike and if they enjoy MTB'ing, looking for an upgrade by the end of the Summer.

The components on the Specialized hardrock disc sport are not great - for example, those Fast Trak LK tyres are totally useless in the mud so figure on getting them off immediately and decent pair on. They are not suitable for Irish trail conditions, as I found out the hard way.

The Tektro and very basic Shimano (Acer) components on this bike would put me off TBH. It is an entry level bike, which is fine if this is what you are looking for. But to me, it looks better than it actually is.

The Comp 12 has slightly better components (brakes, tyres, derauillers) - so I'd probably go for this one if these two were my only choices, but I'd still go second hand myself.

JH_raheny

just got this myself
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=232&idproduct=47497#details
total beginner myself, I know price is showing 817 but I got it for 756 after they applied the loyalty discount even though I was a new customer