what would you buy?

[Leighcal]

Right so I'm looking at something more modern to what I have but don't have a really big pot! I'm after a hardtail maybe 29 er mtb that's £500 or less. I've seen a couple of cube bikes that look ok but I though I'd get some input from some people off here first before I make a decision.
Obviously I'm buying a modern bike for all their mod-cons so hydraulic breaks and a half decent groupset and forks would be good but I do also realise I'm not going to get anything super amazing for what I have to spend.
All input and suggestions gratefully received
Thanks in advance
Leigh

 

[longun]

Re:

Get a second hand 26er or 650b. IMHO the 29ers don't feel stable over the rough stuff and don't jump anywhere near as well......but, it's dependant on ow and what you ride. Plenty of bargains to be had this time of year so play the market and get the most for you money. I've a charge duster built up for a little over £200 and has all the mod cons and still rides with the spirit of retro although when the pace gets fixed it may be up for sale if you fancy a bargain

 

[gradeAfailure]

Re:

For that money I'd definitely be looking at a used bike - I picked up a Genesis Core with X9/SLX kit, good wheels and carbon finishing kit for £230 just because it's a 26er.

If you must go new, have a look at the Canyon range, or the discounted bikes at Paul's Cycles.

 

[Leighcal]

Yeah is definitely gonna be new. I want the new bike feel as it's been a while since I bought out new as in brand new.

 

[MND]

Re:

Deleted.

 

[davidj]

Re:

If new is what you want you need your employer to sign up to a bike to work scheme, gives you a budget up to £1k and interest free but not costing you much more than your planned spend.

If not available to you can your wife/partner get one? Who is to know!

 

[legrandefromage]

£500 buys a lump of monkey metal masquerading as a supposed 'bicycle' if you really really want to buy new.

You'd get better value waiting for fatty to become bored of cycling over winter and buy their cast offs. New doesnt give you any advantages over old and any old can be made reasonably new looking within a few hours.


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ns-b ... prod125503
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lapi ... prod126009
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitu ... prod120705

The above have crappy forks and Altus bits - bleugh...

 

[fettler]

Re:

At this time of year I`d be looking at all the likes of Chain Reaction, Wiggle, Evans etc. Or even your local shop. Now the sales on they must rid their stores of all last years models. Loads of bikes with up to 50% or more off. There are a few bargains second hand out there but if it needs new tyres, pads &/or discs & chain & sprockets in the next few months you`ll be throwing more money at it.

 

[Canopy]

have a look at my recent post here, i had the same budget and have ended up with nice xt spec bike, for exactly 500 quid.

 

[gradeAfailure]

Re:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s182p5 ... 7-5-2-2015

Or
http://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/1899669/

I know which way I'd go for the money. Remember it's only new for one ride..