Gerryattrick

You will struggle to get more than £30 for that bike in good condition.

I admit to not being a fan of Apollos. They are low-end Halford bikes that serve a purpose if you just want a new cheap bike to get into cycling, but if you expect them to last well you will be disappointed. I read the reviews of the Feud and they are OK and if you are keen then they are better than not riding.

Do some research on the market in used GT, Giant, Kona, Trek, Marin etc. and make your decision of either new or used based on local research and advice.

Whichever choice you make, you may make a mistake, but at least you will be riding. Just do it.

Lionheart123

Yeah you are right, I will be researching on those companies used bikes see if I can get a descent bike. Thanks for the help, think I am pretty much sorted now, alot of help is given, I will be looking over at this thread to reread the advices and searching through forums threads and stickies to gain more knowledge.
Also will be staying on this forum, love the information here and people are cool here

Stucky

Don't even THINK of buying a new bike in your price-range- Anything for that price will be JUNK.

You may get lucky, and find a gtood used older bike....

But remember, in mountain-biking, things break; you always need consumables, like tires and tubes; brake pads and chains. It may not be a real expensive sport...but there are recurring expenses, even after you acquire the bike and the gear. If money is that tight, taking up the sport right now may not be such a good idea. Like someone else said, maybe better to flip some bikes (buy; fix-up and sell for a profit) and build up some more money first. Heck, what does a decent helmet cost?

Lionheart123

@Gerryattrick You seem knowledgeable in this category. I did what you said on researching used bikes on the good companies. These bikes I can get around £100

GT Aggressor 3
Trek 4500
Trek 810 (Old)

GT Aggressor 3 looks really good, only con on the reviews it mentions the seat is uncomfortable which isn't a problem.

Gerryattrick

Providing the condition is right each of those bikes will be fine to get into mountain biking, and around £100 is a reasonable price used. I had a GT Aggressor for a while and it was a nice bike. As you say, the Trek 810 is the oldest, but that shouldn't be a problem if the condition is good.

Just make sure that the bike fits you and that basics such as gears, brakes and suspension work OK, and of course no serious frame damage other than possible scratches or minor dents which you often get with used mtbs. I believe all these bikes are alloy so rust shouldn't be a problem.

You will learn about maintenance as you go along. There are plenty of internet sites that give instructions and/or videos on most types of maintenance if you search for them.

Lionheart123

I will take a look on maintenance tips. For equipment I do have bomber gloves and finding a helmet won't be a problem. I will buy mud guards too.

a77impala

I would look for a rigid frame non-suspension front fork, '90's, Trek 800 or 900 series. They will be of good to great quality and last a lifetime if taken care of.

Lionheart123

The only old Trek models of 800/900 series I can find is the Trek 810. It has a 18" cromolly frame, sync suspension forks, 21 speed shimano acera groupset, quickrelease alloy wheels and seat, v type breaks and it has bar ends. Bike condition is good too.

a77impala

If the fork and shifters work and its the right size would be okay. The suspension fork just adds weight, in my opinion. If it has grip shift be sure it works. I have no idea of its value where you live, here $50 to $125 depending on condition.

Lionheart123

@a77impala heres the link to the bike TREK 810 singletrack mountain bike for sale. | United Kingdom | Gumtree

fietsbob

Thats Low end too but from Trek , they have a cheap components pick to keep the cost Low.

Trek's Frame warrantee is only for original owner... Resale it's N/A.

a77impala

I don't know value of your money but seems high. I doesn't have grip shift, thats good. Looks well cared for, ride it and see what you think. Offer him 80 pounds if he says no walk away.

Lionheart123

Why is it good to not have have grip shifts?

a77impala

In my opinion, the housing where the cable enters the shifter is prone to break if hit accidentally, the cables are almost impossible to replace. Other than that they're ok. Thumb shifters work, if they don't they are easy to fix, usually by cleaning out the sticky grease.
I volunteered at a bike recycle place for seven years and never did successfully repair grip shifters.

Lionheart123

Anyways guys thanks for all help. When I get my first mountain bike I will let u guys know. Quite excited too

Lionheart123

Got my first mountain bike, feels amazing. I have the Land rover experience comp lockout. It fits me perfectly. Pedalling around my area, will need to buy a helmet before I hit on the trails and big boy stuff
This big bike has got shimano gear thumb shifters, lockouts, V brakes, lot of other good stuff.