Mountain Bike Advice

[andrewparker]

Hi guys, I'm looking to replace my ageing Orange E2 mountain bike and have a budget of £500 - £600.

I'm looking at 3 bikes at the moment -

SPECIALIZED HARDROCK SPORT DISC 29ER
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Hardrock-Sport-Disc-29er-Mountain-Bike-2013-Hardtail-Race-MTB_54994.htm

CANNONDALE TRAIL 29ER 5
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-Trail-29er-5-Mountain-Bike-2013-Hardtail-MTB_56481.htm

GT AVALANCHE 2.0
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.GT-Avalanche-2-0-Mountain-Bike-2013-Hardtail-Race-MTB_56180.htm

I'm totally out of the loop where bikes are concerned, so have chosen them purely on brand and looks. I am only buying it to ride trails with my young son, so it won't get any hard use.

Does anyone have any opinions on the bikes I've listed or can recommend any others? I won't consider buying secondhand, has to be new.

[andrewparker]

Oh, and has to be a hard tail, not a fan of full suspension, especially not with my budget.

[Greeners]

Have a look at the Cube range Andrew.

http://www.cultracing.com/cube.html

[andrewparker]

Have a look at the Cube range Andrew.

http://www.cultracing.com/cube.html

Ah yes, I was looking at this one:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Analog-26-Mountain-Bike-2013-Hardtail-MTB_55738.htm

[Deako]

I had a Cube Analog last year  best spec for the price. And the year before that a cube ltd team.

Highly rate them.

[andrewparker]

I had a Cube Analog last year  best spec for the price. And the year before that a cube ltd team.

Highly rate them.

Cool, swaying towards the Analog. Detailing looks amazing for the price.

[Deako]

I had a Cube Analog last year  best spec for the price. And the year before that a cube ltd team.

Highly rate them.

Cool, swaying towards the Analog. Detailing looks amazing for the price.

I was going to go for a Cube Ltd Pro this year:

http://www.formbycycles.co.uk/product/12334/Cube_LTD_Pro_Mountain_Bike

But i have opted out of C2W this year to save as much cash as possible towards the house on a monthly basis. I will still get one i think when i have £950 kicking about one month.

[Oli]

I'm on a 29er, Trek Superlfy, and love it. Go for it

I would consider second hand or last years model to get a better bike.

[bigmig95]

I'm on a 29er, Trek Superlfy, and love it. Go for it

I would consider second hand or last years model to get a better bike.

I've got a Specialized stumpjumper 29er, great bike.  Trek or Specialized would be my preferred way forward.  Last years model would be the shrewd solution.  Most decent sized shops will carry a bit of older stock .  With the new 2013 ranges coming out towards the back end of last year 2012 stuff is selling on cheaper at the moment while stocks last.  Get in there quick, good time to buy.

Where abouts in the country are you Andrew, my in laws own a big bike shop ?

[andrewparker]

I'm on a 29er, Trek Superlfy, and love it. Go for it

Would you recommend a 29er over a 26er? Seems that opinion is pretty split on the benefits...

[andrewparker]

Where abouts in the country are you Andrew, my in laws own a big bike shop ?

I'm in West Yorkshire. If I go for a Cube (which looks very likely) I intend to buy it from my local indy bike shop, Velocity Cycles in Lindley.

[bigmig95]

Where abouts in the country are you Andrew, my in laws own a big bike shop ?

I'm in West Yorkshire. If I go for a Cube (which looks very likely) I intend to buy it from my local indy bike shop, Velocity Cycles in Lindley.

Ahh..... miles away, if they'll let you test ride one or two it's well worth it just to get a feel for what's most comfortable for you.  A decent bike shop should let you do this. 

[Greeners]

Have a look at the Cube range Andrew.

http://www.cultracing.com/cube.html

Ah yes, I was looking at this one:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Analog-26-Mountain-Bike-2013-Hardtail-MTB_55738.htm

I like that! 

[andrewparker]

Have a look at the Cube range Andrew.

http://www.cultracing.com/cube.html

Ah yes, I was looking at this one:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Analog-26-Mountain-Bike-2013-Hardtail-MTB_55738.htm

I like that! 

Going to see if my local shop has one and have a look. Can't decide whether I like the grey or the blue one

[Oli]

I'm on a 29er, Trek Superlfy, and love it. Go for it

Would you recommend a 29er over a 26er? Seems that opinion is pretty split on the benefits...

Soon you wont be able to get 26" MTB's.  InAmerica 26 is special order.  There is a new size coming as well, 27.5!