new to mountain biking and forum

[bigmick]

hi all i'm i was playing semi professional rugby last year but due to a change in circumstances and location i had to join a new team who's training just isn't up to my standards so myself and a friend decided to take up mountain biking to supplement our gym work and rugby training,the thing is i have been borrowing a friends bike who now wants to join us on our rides so i need to invest in a bike myself,i have a budget of £400 to £500(could stretch a little bit further but not a lot as i have a baby on the way and the mrs would kill me),need a xc bike with half decent front suspension,and im 6,3 and 16 stone,any suggestions?

 

[mickle]

You're a skinny little runt bigmick!

Look at the Kona Blast.

 

[addictfreak]

I would personally go for a scott or trek. You may find some good deals if you shop around particularly on the internet. Some places may even do interest free.
Oh and I usually lie to the wife about how much I paid.

Your on the doorstep of some great countryside for MTB.

Good luck

 

[addictfreak]

Something like this:

http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/2009-bikes-5/mountain-hardtail-bikes-17/scott-2009-scale-70-690.htm

This shop is not far from you, a little more than you want to pay but you could always haggle. As I say theres deals to be done the 2010 bikes are out soon, that means money off the 2009 models.

 

[bigmick]

thanks for the info im going to have a look at both bikes tommorow after work,although if first impressions count i think i will be going for the scott even though it's over budget.
addictfreak i'm originally from middlesbrough but moved away to play rugby so i know some really good trails etc from my younger days that are practically on my doorstep,i've been getting out twice during the week and at least once on a weekend but that will probably drop down to once on a sunday once the rugby season starts and we start getting the dark nights i will be glad in a way because my gym work has been restricted to 45 min of weights during my dinner hour because i have well and truly caught the mountain biing bug i would probably be out 7 days a week at the min if it werent for rugby training and not having my own bike

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Look hard at those suggestions. and then buy a Specialized.

Wiggle have some outstandingly good vfm Focus MTB's at the moment but you have to buy on line which might not suit.