High-end mountain bike purchase advice

[alex048]

I would like to buy a relatively high-end mountain bike as a gift and my budget is about £500-£1000, but I am not familiar with those bike brands, is Halfords a good choice?

 

[Drago]

In terms of mountain bikes that's pretty low end.

But fear not, as £500-£1000 is a decent budget if you're canny. In particular, if you don't mind last years model many retailers will sell you bikes for a grand that were near on double that price last summer (Paul's Cycles, Evans, Wiggle etc are all worth scoping out for such deals).

What will you be using the machine for, your age, ability, intended mileage, any injuries etc?

 

[cubey]

I had a very nice Trek for £500

 

[fossyant]

Take a look at the Boardman range as Halfords often have them at 20% off.

 

[Spiderweb]

This one, great spec, Kinesium alloy, half price at £699. Check the website there is a lower specced Forme MTB for £499 which is also excellent http://www.startfitness.co.uk/sale/bikes-sale/forme-winscar-29-xt-hardtail-mtb-black-for48.html

 

[Spiderweb]

This is the other one at £499.
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/sale/bikes-sale/forme-ripley-1-hardtail-mtb-blue-for93.html

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

You won't get high end anything at Halfords or for £1000 my friend.
What it will get you is a decent hardtail,and a GT Zaskar springs to mind immediately.
About £800 I think.

 

[mustang1]

Op, do what fossyant says above. Go to Halfords, choose a Boardman. Just make sure the size is correct.

What the others say about £1000 not being high end is correct and it's good they made you aware of it. Much depends on who you are buying for: if they think a grand is high end, the it's all ok. But if they know about mountain bikes, well you are the judge of that...

 

[Milzy]

I'd get a Wragley Marley 1.0 for a grand. Albeit I got a Scott 735 carbon for £1000 as it was last years, was £1700 new.