New mountain bike purchase

[pb018]

Hi, New to cycling with a budget of £250 (I gather this is about entry level budget) however do not want to regret first purchase. Looking on internet, Evans cycles seems to have a good sale, although all the technical terms about what the bikes have means nothing to me. Can anyone advise if there is a good buy in the few bikes my budget covers, or if they feel Carrera vulcan 08 from Halfords is a good purchase (£249.99). LBS offerred an entry level giant bike (no more details) for £179.99. I could see it had brakes and two wheels other than that he could have been selling me anything, so limited is my knowledge. Any advice would be helpful. By the way is cycling like photography, you buy the camera think your sorted and from then on you just keeping dipping your hand in your pocket to get the gear you really need. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Globalti]

At this stage in your cycling career you really would do better to go and talk to a few bike shops. They will have deals going and will advise you on the best kind of bike. Best of all, they will sort out any problems, which arise. You can't get that service if you buy online.

Try to go during a quiet time, i.e. early on Saturday or during a wekday if you can get time off work. Wear apropriate clothes so you can test a few bikes around the car park.

Where in the country are you?

 

[punkypossum]

By the way is cycling like photography, you buy the camera think your sorted and from then on you just keeping dipping your hand in your pocket to get the gear you really need.

Yes, unfortunately!