General Cycling Discussion - What Bike?

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JamesR
05-27-07, 05:44 AM
I'm trying to decide what bike to purchase. I'll be mainly riding off-road on birk tracks, woodland roads etc, some hills and downhill, plus a smalll amount on the road - I have around £500-£600 to spend - would apprecioate anyone's advise on Make/Model etc

East Hill
05-27-07, 07:40 AM
Hello James, sounds as if you either want a straight mountain bike, or a cross bike. I'll let others make the recommendations about the bike.

Where are you located in the UK?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill
alanbikehouston
05-27-07, 12:10 PM
Look for a local library that keeps back issues of "Cycling Plus". The editors of "Cycling Plus" do detailed test reports on bikes sold in the UK in every price range.

Visit four or five bike shops that are close to home and spend some time asking questions. A good shop has staff who take the time to listen to customers and give advice. Buy from a shop that is close to home and that is focused on good quality customer service.

stapfam
05-27-07, 01:26 PM
Just get some of the Mountain bike magazines and look for the Writeups on the £XXX bikes that they do. Don't know where you live but if you can get to one of the big bike shops- NOT HALFORDS- and see the range that is done ther- but look around on line for better buys

By far the best bet though- is to find a good local shop and see what they suggest.
Couple of Links below

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/acatalog/Merlin_Bikes.html

For a range of mail order bikes

and

http://www.evanscycles.com/

For a large chain of shops.
old and new
05-27-07, 02:31 PM
Myself and others often sight Jamis as a winner www.jamisbikes.com (http://www.jamisbikes.com) stateside of course, they're available your side o' the pond I'd reckon.
Trek, Giant, Bianchi..etc..etc.. all fine bikes. Jamis has steel bikes as well as other materials and styles to choose from. The site's not complex either,an excellant body of reference if nothing else. Given your price point, you have a great many choices in any of the brands I've listed. The Coda is a good one to check-on, given your criteria. In any case the sites provided by manufacturers as well as merchants provide a visual. A poster states some fine ideas on available texts as well. Your price-point is quite realistic, you'll find a fine bike