Hard-tail on Bike-to-work scheme 1250 budget

romperstomper

I'm doing a MTB event and have been advised by someone who has completed the event to get a hard-tail. 70 miles off road through fields and such:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/events/bike-rides/london-to-brighton-off-road-bike-ride

I'm based in north Dublin and will be using the Bike to Work scheme. What should I get with a 1250 budget?

Krusty_Clown

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058210924/hard-tail-on-bike-to-work-scheme-1250-budget

Certainly not an expert, but in similar circumstances, I bought a Canyon Grand Canyon AL 6.0 and it has been a fantastic bike and represented super value for money. Canyon are internet-only sales, but will provide invoices and the necessary documentation to allow you to purchase on the bike-to-work scheme. There is some minimal assembly required, but they do represent a very decent spec for the money. Linky: https://www.canyon.com/en-ie/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/grand-canyon/#sections-products. Also worth checking out their outlet, as if you can live with a scratch or two, you can shorten delivery times, and upgrade your spec for the same money.

romperstomper

Thank you for your reply. My company uses travelhub and I have been told to deal with LBS directly. Luckily there are some good ones near me: 360 in clontarf and Little sport in fairview. However even these stalwarts have eff all stock these days

Pomodoro

Is it just for the event? If its just through fields / unsealed roads / gentle trails, a gravel / cyclocross bike will be a lot faster.

Your choice will be limited by whats available - although for an MTB i'd be aiming to get something with air forks, deore 10/11 speed, hydraulic disc breaks, and 29 inch wheels. Call around a few shops and figure out whats available anyway.