Recommend an entry level MTB for some summer forest trails.

BenEadir

Hi all,

I am a 46 year old weekend road cyclist doing 50km skins with the odd 35km morning or evening spin in Spring/Summer and spent my bike to work scheme on a new Cube road bike a few months ago.

In the summer I also do some casual spins with my family on mostly forest trails but my trusty 20 year old Pugeot MTB is just about knackered so I'm looking for a cheap/entry level MTB to replace it. I'd consider used but I haven't seen anything interesting on Adverts and I'm concerned about buying something stolen.

I could buy this new MTB for €200 from http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-340-mountain-bike-grey-white-id_8231773.html but given I'll only use it for a few weeks in the summer I'd prefer to keep the spend to €150 or so.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Johnny Jukebox

The "value" of the bike depends on your expectations - 200 yoyo does not buy you quality - so if you're happy enough to maintain service and replace parts on a regular basis while pushing a 14kg+ bike along, go for it.

Personally, I would buy 2nd hand with that budget and then I'd be going for an old but well maintained hardtail.

iwillhtfu

You're gonna struggle (even second hand) for a decent mountain bike at your budget. Would a hybrid suffice as most cheap mountain bikes have cheap heavy useless front suspension. Avoid any that have full suspension at that price point as they'll weigh a ton and probably came free with a car or large company order.

If you upped your budget to 350-450 you'd pick up a decent second hand hard tail.

There's a number of them on adverts.ie a few Boardman/Giant MTB that look decent and would probably take an offer.

BenEadir

Johnny Jukebox wrote: »

The "value" of the bike depends on your expectations - 200 yoyo does not buy you quality - so if you're happy enough to maintain service and replace parts on a regular basis while pushing a 14kg+ bike along, go for it.

Thanks Johnny, I dream of pushing along a14kg bike, my old Pugeot weighs over 18kg!! I'm also happy enough servicing the bike myself and don't expect longevity from the components of a €200 new MTB but given I'll be doing less than 500km a year on it I still expect it give me relatively trouble free cycling for 4 or 5 years providing I maintain it.

Johnny Jukebox wrote: »

Personally, I would buy 2nd hand with that budget and then I'd be going for an old but well maintained hardtail.

I'll keep an eye on Adverts for something old but good for around the €150 mark and hardtail is definitely the way I'll be going regardless of whether I buy new or used.

BenEadir

iwillhtfu wrote: »

You're gonna struggle (even second hand) for a decent mountain bike at your budget. Would a hybrid suffice?

Hi iwillhtfu, a hybrid might do the job allright, particularly if it has front suspension. I'll keep an eye out for them also.

CatFromHue

Where are the forest trails you'll be using?

You may be able to rent a bike for the day instead of buying.

BenEadir

CatFromHue wrote: »

Where are the forest trails you'll be using?

You may be able to rent a bike for the day instead of buying.

They are in France and it's a combination of beach paths and forest trails. I usually do 30km to 35km each morning with my wife during our annual 3 week campsite holiday while the kids (14 and 10) are in the kids club.

The cost of renting a bike for the three weeks would go a long way towards paying for a new/used one.

Here's my current MTB, I've had it from 1993 or so!!!



Perhaps I'll just get it serviced and it'll do me for another few years - I've been saying that since 2005 though :rolleyes: The only big issue is the front suspension which is locked solid and has zero movement.

BenEadir

I much prefer to use my LBS and spent €1,100 on a road bike there during the summer but for a casual 500km a year forest trail MTB this looks like amazing value - http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/apollo-evade-mens-mountain-bike#[object Object]

Thoughts?

gman2k

BenEadir wrote: »

I much prefer to use my LBS and spent €1,100 on a road bike there during the summer but for a casual 500km a year forest trail MTB this looks like amazing value - http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/apollo-evade-mens-mountain-bike#[object Object]

Thoughts?

Junk.
Better off spending 200e on a SH bike.

"Offering superior performance in wet and muddy conditions, the Apollo Evade Mens Mountain Bike features disc brakes that offer efficient stopping in all conditions. Get out there and tackle those uphill paths and downhill trails on this great value bike. Nothing superior about this bike, unless you compare it to a childs trike.

Lightweight alloy frame for fast and easy cycling It's not lightweight
Shimano 21 speed gearing for reliable and accurate shifting through a range of gears They will be neither reliable or accurate
Front suspension for improved comfort and control" What is on the front of this bike could not be honestly called susension. Maybe spongy brick.

BenEadir

gman2k wrote: »

Junk.
Better off spending 200e on a SH bike.

"Offering superior performance in wet and muddy conditions, the Apollo Evade Mens Mountain Bike features disc brakes that offer efficient stopping in all conditions. Get out there and tackle those uphill paths and downhill trails on this great value bike. Nothing superior about this bike, unless you compare it to a childs trike.

Lightweight alloy frame for fast and easy cycling It's not lightweight
Shimano 21 speed gearing for reliable and accurate shifting through a range of gears They will be neither reliable or accurate
Front suspension for improved comfort and control" What is on the front of this bike could not be honestly called susension. Maybe spongy brick.

So what do you really think??? :P

OK, maybe I'll just get new suspension for my old Peugeot + a good service from the LBS as I took it out for a spin earlier and it still clips along freely with no rattles or complaints of any sort, the gear changes are smooth and the brakes still stop ok albeit with a bit of a squeal. What would a new basic front suspension cost? If I could get a new suspension + a good service for €100 I'd be better off doing that than buying something junk new which won't last and/or ride well or something secondhand which will probably be good to ride etc but may need additional money spent on a service.

gman2k

If you're just talking about Forest Trails, then there's nothing wrong with your Peugeot that a good service can't put right.

StereoSound

Maybe spent that €200 on a better front shock for your Peugeot. Would it be worth it? I don't know much about old skool Peugeots but it does look very like my Raleigh Activator I had in 1993. Awesome bike but the fork broke in two and broke!

BenEadir

StereoSound wrote: »

Maybe spent that €200 on a better front shock for your Peugeot. Would it be worth it? I don't know much about old skool Peugeots but it does look very like my Raleigh Activator I had in 1993.

Apparently the Activator and the Peugeot were very similar. One copied the other. I think the Peugeot copied the activator.

BenEadir

gman2k wrote: »

If you're just talking about Forest Trails, then there's nothing wrong with your Peugeot that a good service can't put right.

Feck it, I think that's what I'll do. I'm never going to get rid of this old MTB am I?

StereoSound

BenEadir wrote: »

Apparently the Activator and the Peugeot were very similar. One copied the other. I think the Peugeot copied the activator.

The front fork looks the same and the frame too...who knows the Raleigh was a rebrand Peugeot?

StereoSound

BenEadir wrote: »

Feck it, I think that's what I'll do. I'm never going to get rid of this old MTB am I?

Old skool, keep it going I'd say.

BenEadir

StereoSound wrote: »

Maybe spent that €200 on a better front shock for your Peugeot.

No way Jose!!! I'll probably get something between this http://www.ebay.ie/itm/26-BLACK-Bike-Front-SUSPENSION-FORKS-1-170mm-Threaded-Steerer-NEW-/380921896118?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item58b0b6dcb6 and this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/rockshox-xc30-tk-coil-100mm-suspension-fork. Whatever my LBS can do for me. In fact, if they have any trade in's they are using for parts or can source a used fork I'll be happy enough with that.

Looks like for €100/€150 I can get a new suspension fork (even a poor suspension fork should be better than the rigid suspension fork I currently have) and a service.

BenEadir

StereoSound wrote: »

Old skool

Old Skool like me unfortunately :cool:

Johnny Jukebox

BenEadir wrote: »

No way Jose!!! I'll probably get something between this http://www.ebay.ie/itm/26-BLACK-Bike-Front-SUSPENSION-FORKS-1-170mm-Threaded-Steerer-NEW-/380921896118?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item58b0b6dcb6 and this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/rockshox-xc30-tk-coil-100mm-suspension-fork. Whatever my LBS can do for me. In fact, if they have any trade in's they are using for parts or can source a used fork I'll be happy enough with that.

Looks like for €100/€150 I can get a new suspension fork (even a poor suspension fork should be better than the rigid suspension fork I currently have) and a service.

Just check that the diameter of the steerer tube on the old MTB can accomodate those forks....

iwillhtfu

BenEadir wrote: »

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/26-BLACK-Bike-Front-SUSPENSION-FORKS-1-170mm-Threaded-Steerer-NEW-/380921896118?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item58b0b6dcb6

Don't waste your money on this one and I'd guess the other one wouldn't fit your Peugeot.

Vizzy

This is the bike I use as my commuter.
Its about 1990 I think and was fairly advanced in its day.
Old School, no suspension, perfect for forest trails/fire roads and beaches

Don't think you need the hassle or the weight of a low grade suspension fork.

I reckon you could pick up a suitable fork in any recycling centre or your LBS will probably have something as well (probably free too).

A good service of the bike you have and you are good to go.

Good luck

StereoSound

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Don't waste your money on this one and I'd guess the other one wouldn't fit your Peugeot.

Didn't the second generation activator II have one of those? Bloody similar looking.

ednwireland

thats probably a 1 inch steerer tube, to replace the forks you would need forks with a 1 inch steerer diameter (non avalable on CRC) new headset and stem, minimum if you can get them.

rebuilt this a few years ago but managed to get reducers as it was a 1 1/4 headtube.

cdaly_

Vizzy wrote: »

This is the bike I use as my commuter.
Its about 1990 I think and was fairly advanced in its day.
Old School, no suspension, perfect for forest trails/fire roads and beaches

Don't think you need the hassle or the weight of a low grade suspension fork.

I reckon you could pick up a suitable fork in any recycling centre or your LBS will probably have something as well (probably free too).

I'd second the notion that you don't need a suspension fork. Get a light rigid fork and fat tyres and you're good to go...

BenEadir

cdaly_ wrote: »

I'd second the notion that you don't need a suspension fork. Get a light rigid fork and fat tyres and you're good to go...

I like the sound of that. I haven't had a working front suspension for over 10 years so lightening the load and putting some bounce into some fatter tyres might be an interesting way to go all right.

iwillhtfu

http://www.adverts.ie/7126457

Might be worth considering if you're handy with some tools you could invest in decent forks down the road.

BenEadir

iwillhtfu wrote: »

http://www.adverts.ie/7126457

Might be worth considering if you're handy with some tools you could invest in decent forks down the road.

Thanks iwillhtfu, If I could pick it up for €150 I'd probably go for it but it's only a 19" frame and I'd like a 21" frame as my current MTB is 21" and I'm 6ft 1.

Vizzy

Sorry to keep butting in here, but my other Mountain Bike is a Spec Rockhopper (19")
I'm 6ft tall and there is loads left in my one to raise the saddle etc.

The modern MTB is a completely different animal to your(or mine ) old one.

If the seller is local to you, you should have a look at least.

Best of luck.

BenEadir

Vizzy wrote: »

Sorry to keep butting in here, but my other Mountain Bike is a Spec Rockhopper (19")
I'm 6ft tall and there is loads left in my one to raise the saddle etc.

The modern MTB is a completely different animal to your(or mine ) old one.

If the seller is local to you, you should have a look at least.

Best of luck.

You're not butting in at all Vizzy, I appreciate your input.

Based on your feedback I threw an offer of €140 to the seller. It's probably worth more than that and I don't want to pi$$ him off but if he'll sell for that I'd buy it as I'll probably end up spending a similar amount changing the fork on my own bike and getting it serviced.

It looks a very nice bike, well coming from a 20 year old MTB anyway!!

BenEadir

iwillhtfu wrote: »

http://www.adverts.ie/7126457

Might be worth considering if you're handy with some tools you could invest in decent forks down the road.

Guess what I'm the new owner of?

Thanks for the tip off iwillhtfu, it's exactly what I'm after. Something good which has been well looked after and is good value for money given it'll only be used for a few weeks during the summer although that might change once I start riding it It's a lot of bike for €150 and looked really good new http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/archive/2008/rockhopper/rockhoppercompdisc

Anyone want to buy an old skool Tim Gould Peugeot MTB?

iwillhtfu

Good Stuff glad you got sorted in the end.

A bit of spit and polish and you'll be good to go. The two sets of tyres will be handy although it might be an idea to get another set of wheels

Hope to see some pics of these trails in the photos taken on your cycle thread

BenEadir

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Good Stuff glad you got sorted in the end.

A bit of spit and polish and you'll be good to go. The two sets of tyres will be handy although it might be an idea to get another set of wheels

Hope to see some pics of these trails in the photos taken on your cycle thread

Cheers iwillhtfu. I'll be shot if I buy a second set of wheels. The shed is getting wedged with bikes!!

iwillhtfu

Time for a man cave so

StereoSound

Nice! Welcome to the 21st century

BenEadir

StereoSound wrote: »

Nice! Welcome to the 21st century

I'm probably going to hang onto the Peugeot also. It's a great bike for tipping around on and not having to worry about it being nicked