New hardtail around £500

[Atlanta]

Hi guys new to cycling and looking for some advice, got around £500 to spend on a MTB and seem to be lost with all the different brands, been looking at these and also if anybody has anything to recommend? Thanks for any advice!

Cube aim SL http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Aim-Sl-29er-Mountain-Bike-2017-Hardtail-MTB_97429.htm

Scott aspect 750
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Scott-Aspect-750-27-5-Mountain-Bike-2017-Hardtail-MTB_96084.htm

Cannondale trail 6
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-Trail-6-27-5-Mountain-Bike-2017-Hardtail-MTB_96496.htm

Also looking at the cheaper cube aim which is £50 cheaper than the SL
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Aim-Race-27-5-Mountain-Bike-2017-Hardtail-MTB_97426.htm

 

[vickster]

Have you had a look at some of the deals on Paul's cycles if looking to buy online

If not, go try them out at your local bike shop. Firstly, you need to decide on a 29 vs. 27.5 wheel

Decathlon do well specced well priced MTBs, check out in local store

 

[Joffey]

I'm no expert but if it is them 4 that you are choosing from I'd go with the Cube aim SL - I have used a hardtail with Acera and Altus and the shifts are bad. At least with the aim SL you get a Deore rear mech which should be better.

I'm a B'Twin fanboy and own a Rockrider 560 (2016) which has Sram X5 & X7 mix - the shifting is far better than the Acera and Altus in my experience.

On the 2017 model (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-560-mountain-bike-275-black-red-id_8364715.html) you get a Rockshox fork - all your selections have Suntour. Now I don't know if that fork is any better but it seems the better specced bikes stop using Suntour.

The Cannonale looks to be poorly specced at that price point - I'd avoid that if anything.

Or just buy the Rockrider 540 - pretty much the same spec as the bikes you have listed but a steal at £340... https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-540-mountain-bike-red-275-id_8379537.html

 

[Custom24]

http://m.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-two-two-v2-mountain-bike-p383858

That's 26 inch, which seems out of fashion, but I would still consider it. Also 100 squid spare

 

[Atlanta]

Thanks for the replys, so am I best trying to stay away from acera and altus parts?

 

[Cycleops]

There's very little separating the bikes looking at the specs. I think you need to decide which size wheel you want first, if that's important. What are advantages or otherwise of the sizes?
I'm also no expert when it comes to modern MTBs but the Cube looks best to me. It has internal cable routing too which the Cannondale and Scott don't. Gives a neater look.

 

[Cycleops]

I have an Altus rear mech on one bike and the shift whilst not being the very best is still very acceptable.

 

[Atlanta]

Thanks cycleops

 

[Joffey]

Thanks for the replys, so am I best trying to stay away from acera and altus parts?

Not saying that specifically but having used them I was not impressed but they are certainly usable. I'd just be looking to get the best value I could. Some may argue that with the Cannonale etc you are getting a better frame but at that price point they will be much of a muchness. Plus in the future if you want to spend more money on the bike you are better off buying a new one rather than upgrading parts on a £500 bike so the frame isn't too much of an issue.

Ultimately get the one that you like the most, rather than the parts - you will enjoy it much more.

Try and have a ride on them first and see how they feel. Good luck!!