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| TheWarden Member Since: 25 Feb 2013 Location: Southampton Posts: 179   
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If you want a mountain bike that will also be used on road, look at getting Schawlbe Marathon tyres - they fit 26inch MTB wheels but with a lot less tread - ideal for road and light offroad use.
As for a bike, look a the Specialized Rockhopper - excellent entry level bike. Several online retails also do 0% finance if hat helps 2013 Aintree Green 110 Station Wagon SX |
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23rd Apr 2013 9:25pm |
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| custom90 Member Since: 21 Jan 2010 Location: South West, England. Posts: 20839
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I have a hard tail jump bike that I'm looking to sell but perhaps not what your looking for? It's a Kona Cowan and I was looking for around your price range. _\Hennessey|Venom| F5/___
___\âï¸Lone|Star|State/___ ____\We|Will|Win/___ ____/🇬🇧🇺🇸\____ _//*⛽ï¸ðŸ›¢ï¸âš™ï¸ðŸ§°*\\_ |
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23rd Apr 2013 9:25pm |
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| SiWhite Member Since: 19 Jan 2010 Location: North Hampshire Posts: 455 
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I read an article today that suggested that 26" wheels are not going to feature on any new mountain bikes in the next couple of years. I'd advise future-proofing and either going for 650B wheels (27.5") or 29".
A full sus bike at your price will be heavy and ineffective - get a front suspension bike. Don't overlook a second hand bike - some stonking deals on bikes from a couple of years ago as long as they have seen light use or are very well maintained. My blog - www.anacreinhampshire.blogspot.co.uk 110 TD5 BuildHERE - sold! 110 Tdci Build HERE - sold! Passat Alltrack - 4x4, auto, 45mpg, gloriously comfortable - but not a Defender! |
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23rd Apr 2013 11:20pm |
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| Rozzer Member Since: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 43 
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If you are mainly road riding with gentle off road tracks look at a cyclocross bike. They have road bike technology but run more rugged wheels and have a wider gear ratio.
The specialized tricross is a great entry level bike at about £750. You'll get more out of the road bike riding position on road than the upright MTB position and you'll be much quicker. |
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24th Apr 2013 8:07am |
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| TheWarden Member Since: 25 Feb 2013 Location: Southampton Posts: 179
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This is where I got my last bike from - lots to choose from in your price bracket
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/bikes/mou...p;psize=12 2013 Aintree Green 110 Station Wagon SX |
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24th Apr 2013 8:29am |
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| Rozzer Member Since: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 43
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I forgot to mention. Have a look at a German web site called Biker Boarder. They have a good range, are much cheaper than UK sites and deliver all over Europe.
I bought my boys bike from them and saved £300. Delivered within a week and told me it would arrive between 1200 and 1300. It was in my hands at 1230. Gotta love the Germans. |
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24th Apr 2013 8:39am |
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| x-isle Member Since: 26 May 2011 Location: Midlands Posts: 1327 
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26'ers are unfortunately being left behind just due to a fad by the willy wavers. It's all about money and the wannabies who have to be seen on the latest technology because it makes them look good and makes them think they can ride better.
However, there will be support for 26 for long time. Even if 26 suddenly stops being made, the majority of riders will remain on 26 for many years. Hopefully, the world will see sense that 27.5 and 29 are not the only option. I'm not against 29, they do have their advantages, but not for me. I also don't see the point in long travel full sus 29. If I was to replace my Hardtail? Would I look at 29? Maybe. I wouldn't be scared of buying a 26, don't let the media and marketing scare you off. However, if 27.5 or 29 is good for you, then go for it. As already mentioned, although I'm not a fan of Specialized (mass produced stuff), the Rockhopper is hard to beat for value. Also, don't be put off by Halfords (although many are a bit naff!), the Boardman range is still great value for money. Another  for Leisure Lakes. I've had a few bikes from their Wolves store, great shop, great guys!
Another avenue, have a chat to GREENI, he may know of some great offers! The key here is try. Find somewhere that is willing for you to try a few bikes out, even if you don't end up buying from them (although a lot of shops rip you off for this privilege). For your price range, again, as already mentioned, no point in full sus, it won't be great. Ex-demo is another cracking way to purchase a bike. A couple of years ago, I got a Hardtail for £500, a couple of months old. It was supposed to be £1200. Finally, if I was to really recommend a bike for what you actually want, it wouldn't be a Mountain Bike or Cross Bike. I'd get a Hybrid. That would suit exactly what you want it for. A road biased bike that is good enough for the occasional off-road. Craig Rogers 2007 Puma 110 XS 2011 Evoque Coupe Dynamic Lux www.craigrogers.photography |
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24th Apr 2013 8:50am |
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| Tiger Member Since: 06 Jul 2012 Location: Wales Posts: 2265 
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Had a Spesh Rockhopper comp before it got knicked. (I then got niche bug) Did the "The Beast" at CyB several times on it.
Spesh are great bikes and really they make the most of trickle down. This years Rockhopper frame is generally the top of the range Stumpjumper from 3 years ago. I think your friend has given you reasonable advice. A 29 Rockhopper will cover lots of bases. Decent bike with robust gear Will roll fast on roads (29er) Should be a nice neutral ride Can step up to the mark to be a proper MTB if and when needed Not mental money. If you get serious the frame is generally better than the equipment so you can upgrade. Boardmans are good also (Got a FS Comp, I have a lot of bikes  )
Boardmans tend to be better headline equipment but maybe a slightly weaker brand and I noticed on mine some bits didn't stand up that well. (Bottom B / Wheel Hubs / Chain) |
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24th Apr 2013 9:52am |
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| MartinK Member Since: 02 Mar 2011 Location: Silverdale (Lancashire/Cumbria Border) Posts: 2665 
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Peter - how tall are you? If you're a taller guy and need a large frame, the 29'er makes sense. Sor a smaller frame, the 29 inch wheel means a longer bike, and you may find that it's much less nimble than a 26'er.
The 29'ers do tend to roll faster, but the downside is that the extra length can reduce the nimble-ness. You should try a ride on both. As our friends above state, 29'er doesn;t have the same adoption as 26'ers in the UK (but America's mad on 29'ers). Another bike option is On-One. Great bikes at a great price, and you can customise the spec to suit you (and hence get eaxctly what you want up-front): http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBOO26...ntain_bike Heres an interesting article on MTB wheel sizes... http://www.pinkbike.com/news/26-vs-275-vs-29-Wheels.html Have fun! Defender "Puma" 2.4 110 County Utility (possibly the last of the 2.4's) |
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24th Apr 2013 4:59pm |
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| Sonic3d Member Since: 28 Jan 2008 Location: Ross on Wye Posts: 1505 
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We have these 2 bikes
both 29er's as said above they roll along better than the smaller wheeled bikes...
The first one is mine 
 Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge |
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24th Apr 2013 6:09pm |
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| GREENI Member Since: 22 Aug 2010 Location: staffs Posts: 10383
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Er, yeah, I know a place
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24th Apr 2013 7:24pm |
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| peterl Member Since: 08 Jan 2009 Location: Pembrokeshire Posts: 312 
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Thanks for this, if dry tomorrow, can have a test ride on a few bikes, so will go and see what comes out of that.
Will be back. Matt, hows the van, ours will be here mid may........ |
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24th Apr 2013 7:43pm |
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| Sonic3d Member Since: 28 Jan 2008 Location: Ross on Wye Posts: 1505
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Hi Peter It's back with Ed having the rest of the interior done It's been away nearly 3 weeks but should be back tomorrow hopefully
Off next Wednesday to St Tropez for a week camping in it so will post some pics up have you any plans for yours yet? |
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24th Apr 2013 8:12pm |
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| peterl Member Since: 08 Jan 2009 Location: Pembrokeshire Posts: 312
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Just going to use as is to start with, see where we want things, then start work. Will do a few weekends, hope to catch up with you and then fit out before France in sept.
Catch you soon |
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24th Apr 2013 10:04pm |
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