Which mountain bike? expert advice needed please

[dex91]

Ok, so I am wanting to get back into cycling again. I want a mountain bike and the bike will be used for a bit of road cycling, some cycling on cycle routes etc and maybe off road later on down the line. I live near a halfords store which is very handy, and have narrowed the bike down to two choices: -

http://www.halfords....yId_165499#dtab

http://www.halfords....yId_165499#dtab

I'm leaning towards the vulcan at the moment, with regards to specs but I much prefer the look of the paradox in all honesty. The vulcan has v brakes and the paradox has disc brakes... is this an issue at all, ive always thought v brakes were better but disc brakes are more common on the bikes ive looked at. To you, does one stand out as better when compared with the other? The £30 price difference isnt an issue.

Anyway, if you could give me any tips and advice on the bike choice then that would be great... thanks in advance

 

[mightyquin]

Definately not the Apollo, I think that's a typical BSO. For your use you don't need suspension at all let alone full suspension!

Have you looked anywhere else other than Halfords? Any Local Bike Shops? Something like this would be much better IMHO http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/dew-city-2011-hybrid-bike-ec027214

 

[bob bones]

hey big spender i feel your pain, i to need some info on what bike tobuy altough it seems at least you have a better idea than me. i to livenear a halfords but am reluctant to but from them, once you read mostof their reviews they say the bike is great but has been put together bymonkeys and almost always has to be sent back within weeks for repairsand modifacations

anyway let me know how you get on with the bike you choose, there about 20 squid over my budget but will help to give me an idea

 

[Cubist]

dex91 The Vulcan is the better bike of those two. I would never recommend a full suspension bike at this sort of pricepoint, because the rear unit tends to be an undamped spring, which won't do much in terms of keeping the rear wheel in contact with the ground. Those Y-Frames are very heavy compared with the Vulcan's diamond frame.


The brakes are adequate for the type of riding you can expect to do on a basic level hardtail. It has a reasonable fork on it, and basic, serviceable gears.

It will serve as a commuter, it'll certainly handle purpose built cycle paths and would be fine on Green and Blue trail centre routes.


There are other possibilities at that pricepoint, but would be restricted to say Decathlon Rockrider. These are well-recommended, and have mechanical disc brakes.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-3-2010-117024744/

I would venture to suggest the Rockrider would be my choice at that sort of money. If you can save a little more and get nearer to the 300 mark you open your choices for the Carrera Krakens etc.

 

[Cubist]

Try also the B'Twin Riverside 3 from Decathlon.

 

[gallego1968]

I have Ridgeback MX3 which is a great bike off and on road. It is £300 so in your budget.