Mountain Bike Advice

[siwickm]

My misses wants to get a Mountain Bike. I have been to a couple of shops and have been overwhelmed with the choice at the under £400 mark.

I want to get her something that has front suspension and thats about it. I don't think disc brakes are required, too heavy and she is not going to be getting too severe.

Does anyone have any recommendations and should I be looking on Ebay?

Any advice on what I should look for for under £400 would be really helpful.

Cheers

Marek....

[Jon H]

Save £400 and get one out of a skip like Marco

[siwickm]

Is that where you got your TT bike?

[Alan M]

I got myself a specialized rockhopper last year aiming for the cheapest version of a reasonably high spec bike - i.e. no discs, hardtail etc. Evans has them at n£450 for the 2005 model which is exactly what I bought for the same price nearly 2 years ago and I think there is a ladies version but Bike plus which is AKA Geoffrey Butler also stock them and offer discount to ACC members or you may be able to take advantage of there 20% xmas sale

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=5328

hope this helps

[Bo-Gilly]

or how about http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60577

[Dr Frigo]

Yes sitck to a rigid frame and vbrakes you'll get better components for the same price, also the main brands like Giant, Trek or Specialized offer the better value at the low end.

I wouldn't buy a second-hand bike on ebay if I wasn't familiar with mountain bikes. A new one from an ebay shop maybe. Evans is a safe bet if you buy in a shop.

I like this one from wiggle, women-specific 2007 model and decent spec - only three sizes though:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... Name=Bikes - MTB HT&ProdID=5360026024&UberCat=0

This one is discounted:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... Name=Bikes - MTB HT&ProdID=5360021040&UberCat=0

Discounted but in 17" only, better spec:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=10831

A GT:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=13839

My favorite - lovely French bike!

http://www.bonthronebikes.com/10-29351

[Bo-Gilly]

If its a proper mountain bike your after, to well, go up mountains on, I would seriously consider the Merlin Malt 1 Ltd Edition at just 50 quid over your limit.
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/acatalog/ ... Bikes.html