Hello, I was wondering if anyone could help me get started in mountain biking, I used to ride bikes serveral years ago. I am looking at the Specialized Hardrock Sport 2006 currently £299. Is this a good bike to get started on? My budget is £300. Can anyone suggest best place to purchase from or any alternatives. Any help or advise will be appreciated.

Thanks Simon

it's a decent starter bike, especially in a bugeted price range. but a good part of it depends on what kind of riding you will be doing. surf around the net and on here to find out what kind you want, or go talk to a bike store. there's cross country, downhill, all-mountain, freeride, dirt jumping... all sorts.

the thing i don't like about the HR sport is that while the frame looks beefy, it also feels heavy, and usually if you buy a bike with a good frame, as you grow you will change out components as they wear out or you find you need something better. it's important to have a good frame as your base.

As said the hardrock is a decent newbie bike. You could also look at Giant, Haro and Kona. You should also look at this thread. And welcome to bike forums

I realize now that its hard to choose a bike untill you are conditioned to riding mountain bikes. I say this because i used to ride bikes several years ago and just recently started riding again, having to pick a bike to get me going. I think that for a person [ with exceptions ] to evaluate a bike, they have too be able to test it for a contineuse time in order to produce a positive rating " with exceptions " to thier riding style. I am not saying that i didnt make a wise choice in the bike that i chose, but that the bike that you buy now might not produce the same ride as it would if you were conditioned to your riding style. Anyway i guess you can tell waht bike you like your first ride, if the bike your riding has the specs you need for your style.

I guess

Good call!