New bike for beginner

[Smidger]

How's it going everyone , I'm new to forum and would say a novice in terms of biking . Looking to get a new bike within my budget and have narrowed it down to 3.
the bikes I'm looking at are the
GT AVALANCHE 3.0 (2012)
CANNONDALE SL 5 (2012)
GIANT TALON 3 (2011)
my budget is between £350 -£450

Don't do much road cycling as the c2c trail runs along where I live ( Sunderland to consett) and looking to do c2c in summer with friends

any help or advice on these bikes or any other within that budget would be appreciated .
Cheers

 

[DaveyM]

Maybe have a try popping into a couple of the bigger bike shops and see what they have. ie Edingburgh Cycles or Start cycles.
has to be something that is right for you

 

[Cycleops]

Can't comment on the individual bikes but likely to be much of muchness at that price point. The other two might actually be made by Giant as they make for a number of other companies, so may offer the best value. Go with the one that you feel most comfortable on, if you can try them out, and make sure you get the correct size for you. All have similar specs with disk brakes (which will stop you pretty smart and won't suffer inefficiency in wet coditions) and suspension forks. Good luck!

 

[AndyPeace]

Welcome to the forum. Bikes are a personal choice, it would be best for you to visit a bike shop and try a few. I could tell you what I'd buy but it's more important , at entry level, that you get a bike that inspires you to ride!

 

[AndyRM]

As above, 3 very similarly specced bikes. Personally, I'd not bother with suspension at that price. It will be heavy and probably un-necessary.

Get along to Peter Darke Cycles. They'll sort you out!