What mountain bike? opinions


B

brucie

New Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2009
Messages
68
Im after a decent starter mountain bike for around £400

Ive narrowed it down to these

-Kona Fire Mountain 2010
Plymouth Cycle Scene

-Marin Shoreline Trail
Plymouth Cycle Scene

-GT Avalanche 3.0
GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc 2010 Hardtail Mountain Bike

-GT Outpost
GT Outpost Disc 2010 Hardtail Mountain Bike

Opinions greatly appreciated as i have no idea about these things! Im kinda limited to these makes as i need to use the two shops in the links due to a government scheme for tax free bikes for commuting to work.
 
The Kona or the Marin for me but thats just as I dont really like GT no real reason, A friend of mine bought a Kona Shred a while back and it is a lovely bike so no doubts about them, no hands on experiance of Marin but heard good things about these also. If your just commuting to work I dont think you can really go wrong with any of them just get the one you like the look of really as your not going to be abusing them to much.
 
go for the kona, usually have really good frames that can take alot of abuse. for that price though dont expect the components to take much abuse though. you'll probably start replacing most of the bike the more you get into the off road side.
for that price too get the bike shop to throw in a free helmet and some tools etc
 
Ill sell you a Kona Roast mate... Cracking bike.... Cost me over £1100 and i have put race face cranks on it recently they were £200.... Will take £450 for it!!
 
Hi there Fella

I work in the trade for a south eastern company Called Cycles UK, im the manager of the Maidstone Store, Marin offer's lifetime frame Garantee, Kona's a great bit of kit as well,

the cyclescheme is upto £1000 unless your employer is being tight, our best selling marin in the shop is the Bobcat Trail,

I've got a Marin Wolf ridge as me play bike and a retro Kona Fire Mountain as my hack to work bike,

Hope that help's,

Need any more info just drop me a PM

Dean
 
Nice we have an expert :) your not far from me dean I might have to look into this aswell and give you a shout as I'm sure my work have some connection to this scheme tho they are tight as hell. Main thing is if I can be bothered to put the effort into riding after work I just want to be home as quickly and easily as possible.

@ OP if your using it for more than just commuting I would look at a different style of frame to the ones you have listed designed more for jumping etc these will put up with anything.
e.g thicker chain stay and seat stays (the back of the bike)
 
Last edited:
i dont know what to go for. The scheme limit for my work is £500 hence the price ranges ive been looking at.
 
my friend has the kona fire bike, lucky git won it in a raffle! says its great bike, good for every day cycling, and really reliable
 
Hi, I'm not sure if you've heard of them, but Cube do a very good selection of mens hardtail mountain bikes.

Have a look:

Cube Analog Hardtail Bike 2010 | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com

I have a similar model - Cube analog disc. Had it for around a year now and do quite a bit of long distance off roading at the weekends. It's not let me down since, minus a couple of puncture's fom nails though! Highly recommend them! :nice:

Regards,

James
 
im being swayed towards paying a bit extra and going for the kona fire mountain deluxe model.

@ wazer. Ive heard of cube and was looking at them. The shop down here, cogs, is a bit expensive for me i think.
 
brucie said:
i decided, went for the kona fire mountain deluxe model!
Click to expand...

Great bit of kit,

if any ne wants to get home fast and dont mind road travelling, either a

Specialized Allez 16 Road bike £499.99 if ok with drop bars

Or A

Marin Belvedere £499.99 If your ok with Straight Bars

Dean

My commute is 9 miles in to work and then 9 home, on a 6inch travel full suspension, my bike collection is worth more than me ek9 lol
 
To be honest i own a Norco mountain bike and a specialised half carbon race bike so i have experience on both extremes

What i'm getting to is that if its just to cycle to work i can give you some suggestions if you answer these questions

1.What millage each way to work?
2.Road conditions terrain?
3.Your stature

If its just road you dont have to work about frame and wheel strenght (as its a mountain bike)...gearing will be the most important! If you get shiy/low quaility gears its a waste
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top