MTB newb/noob/whatever

[Tui]

Have you had a look at the Evans site? There overpriced but they have loads of choice, might give you some ideas?

 

[MatthewJMcc]

Have you had a look at the Evans site? There overpriced but they have loads of choice, might give you some ideas?

i think they're reasonably priced but yes i have, the rockhopper catches my eye quite a fair bit

 

[MatthewJMcc]

in honesty, HTs are probably harder to ride then a full sus in many situations, although i pref them they tend to be a touch on the twitchy side if your doing anything 2*- 3* - which is certainly a challange for a beginer but not out of reach.

all depends on what you plan to do, your later post of £750ish would get you a very nice full sus, used but great condition, that will absorb many of your mistakes and make the learning curve much more enjoyable.

if you want to go to Bike parks as a noob, then go full sus, speaking as someone who learn the hard way on a hardtail, and has the scars to prove it, hardtails also knacker you out quicker as your taking all the shock.

if you just want to ride around woody areas then go HT imo.

have a look at this, it will hep you decide on what style of biking youd like to get into, (note, i wouldnt suggest Freeride unless you have balls of steel)
http://www.chicksandsbikepark.co.uk/trail_guide/

that website is fantastic, shame im 19 and car insurance is around 7000 for me but i do like a challenge so HT it is and quicker knackering means more fitness if you ask me

 

[MatthewJMcc]

was thinking of this one http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/rockhopper-expert-2012-mountain-bike-ec030688

 

[nick.b]

was thinking of this one http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/rockhopper-expert-2012-mountain-bike-ec030688

i had a go on one of those and they are a nice bike, although i would pref 120 travel, i think this frame is ok with that but i cant see a spec sheet for it, 100mm would be fine for xc though, its a nice bike, but for £800 id want a better fork.

 

[nick.b]

Important to note that the 2013 bikes will be out soon and the 2012 frames will drop in price, 9 of 10 times its just a colour change and you can save £150, but if thats the one the you can get it with a free £75 voucher here, personally, id ring rutlands up and haggle a discount, they will normally move a bit (my local bike shop so have some experiance), id aim for 10% off, which they can easily do, and see if theyll do it.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/42764...Expert-2012-with-free--75-Online-Voucher.html

Important also, its a 29" wheel, make sure you want that and not a standerd 26".

 

[MatthewJMcc]

Important to note that the 2013 bikes will be out soon and the 2012 frames will drop in price, 9 of 10 times its just a colour change and you can save £150, but if thats the one the you can get it with a free £75 voucher here, personally, id ring rutlands up and haggle a discount, they will normally move a bit (my local bike shop so have some experiance), id aim for 10% off, which they can easily do, and see if theyll do it.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/42764...Expert-2012-with-free--75-Online-Voucher.html

Important also, its a 29" wheel, make sure you want that and not a standerd 26".

yeh i was thinking about waiting till the new year as they usually knock at least 100 quid off and as for your last post i was thinking the same about the fork travel, bit disappointed with that

 

[Cubist]

yeh i was thinking about waiting till the new year as they usually knock at least 100 quid off and as for your last post i was thinking the same about the fork travel, bit disappointed with that

Why disappointed re fork travel? A 100mm fork on a 29er is plenty for many trails, don't forget the effect that the bigger wheels have. Plus, long travel 29ers will have very difficult geometry in "normal" sizes.

 

[nick.b]

Why disappointed re fork travel? A 100mm fork on a 29er is plenty for many trails, don't forget the effect that the bigger wheels have. Plus, long travel 29ers will have very difficult geometry in "normal" sizes.

well, personally, i wouldnt want a 29er, thats why i pointed it out incase the OP hadnt noticed, but 100mm travel doesnt give a bike as much flexability generally speaking.

 

[Cubist]

well, personally, i wouldnt want a 29er, thats why i pointed it out incase the OP hadnt noticed, but 100mm travel doesnt give a bike as much flexability generally speaking.

In 26 inch I'd agree, but the geometry of a 29er means that the stack height is already long with 100mm forks. The wagon wheel effect smoothing out the bumps (allegedly) means that 100mm is perfectly adequate, even for pretty extreme trails. 120s and 140s are out there, but the stack heights make them awkward and needing flat if not backswept bars to keep the front end at sensible heights.