Reccomend a Mountain Bike for me

[GTiBEER]

I am 30 and haven't ridden a bike since i was 15 and I have decided to get one and I have a budget of £300. I want suspension and good breaks and something to get very muddy on.

Can anyone recommend a particular brand I should be looking at or anywhere that has special offers on at the moment?

thoughts appreciated.

Beer

[daboy3000]

I just bought one of these.

http://www.cycleking.co.uk/SALCAN0-NG030-27-SPEED-DEORE--5-8-product-242.html

In store I got it for £275 originally it cost £650.  It has one of the best gear and brake systems, hydrolic rear suspension and it looks the nuts in the flesh.

It's also great to ride.

Good luck

[Drapoon]

I would avoid rear suspension at that price in my humble opinion.
I would suggest a specialized hardrock with disc brakes ( lower maintenance in muddy conditions).
Look out for a 2-3 year old specialized rockhopper sport.

[LouCyffer]

If you've less than a grand to spend, avoid a full suspension. Hardtail only at this price point; that's front forks only.

Have a look at our advice on this thread:

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,23164.0.html

[animal]

As above, at £300 avoid full suspension at all costs. The bike will weigh a ton, the linkage will use crap bearings and the rest of the component set will be compromised to offset the cost of the frame.

With respect, having been out of the saddle for 15yrs, you aren't going to be doing anything that needs full-sus. If you want comfort, get a decent saddle, not a cheap full-suss.

I'd also suggest going second hand. If it must be new, look for '09/'10 models that have been reduced.

IMHO, at this price point, you wont go wrong with a Trek or a GT - Specialized and Kona are good too, but choice will be limited at this end of the market.

[daboy3000]

I understand what you guys are saying, but the op just wants a good bike for his money, if you check out the components on the bike I posted you'll see they are good parts, yes the frame is not as good as a £1000 but I'm sure that's not going to bother someone who rides once a week. If the op is going to use it at a higher level then I guess he would need to spend more or settle for less.

[Greeners]

Little bit more, but for me it would be the CUBE 

http://www.cultracing.com/categories/Bikes/Mountain-Bikes/?sort=priceasc

[LouCyffer]

I understand what you guys are saying, but the op just wants a good bike for his money, if you check out the components on the bike I posted you'll see they are good parts, yes the frame is not as good as a £1000 but I'm sure that's not going to bother someone who rides once a week. If the op is going to use it at a higher level then I guess he would need to spend more or settle for less.

I think that most folk just want a good bike for the money. You can arguably have as much fun on a £50 bike as a £3k one. We've got a mate who comes to Dalby with us on a ten year old Apollo that weighs a ton. He huffs & puffs but has just as much fun.

However, anyone serious about a mountain bike needs to think very carefully at this price point. Suspension is limited & components not as durable, frames & wheels are heavier. The simple truth is that you will get what you pay for.

Go to your newsagent. Buy What Mountain Bike magazine. Read the buyers guide at the back. Decide.

There's a good point for going second hand & splashing out once you know you're really going to be serious about it.