Re: Advice on MTB purchase



S

soup

Guest
blackbat popped their head over the parapet saw what was going on and
said
> Hi all,
> I know this price range (£220-260) is small fry to you guys and the
> group is probably plagued by similar questions but I'll ask anyway....
>
> I'm 6'3" tall, 14 stone, 45 and am looking to get back into light
> cycling after a mate lent me an old cheapo mtb. I live in Kent & I
> have some meadows with gravel paths near my house and want a bike to
> whizz around them to give me a bit of exercise.
> Probably will do 2/3 light off-road and 1/3 road.
>
> I know you'll probably advise me to try out various models but
> anything I try is gonna seem better than the piece of junk I've been
> using, and as I'm tall the demo cycles in the shop tend to be for
> average height people.
>
> Would appreciate any advice on following models, bearing in mind my
> height. Not decided if front sus is necessary for me.
>
> Specialized Hardrock Sport 2004 £249
> Specialized Hardrock Rigid 2004 £239
> Trek 4300 2004 £269
> Trek 3700 £230
> Claud Butler Ravana 2004 £229
> Ridgeback Switch Series Cyclone
> (1.5 tyres, no front sus but available in XL) £269
> Ridgeback MX35 £249 ( available in large only)
>
> My favourites on paper are the Ridgebacks, like the Cyclone but not
> sure it isn't more oriented to road use.
> Don't like neon paint jobs at my ripe old age.


At this price point I would say no suss, would however say
a road type bike with straight 'bars and non slick tyres (hybrid ?)
Type of bike I mean is the EBC Contour (£214:95)

( http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/
and enter contour in the search box )

or similar. Would not go for one of the dedicated off road types.
Certainly not for the type of riding I think you do (light off road
etc.)
A 'proper' bike shop will measure you and see what size frame
you should start with then it is 'simply' a case of trying lots of
different bikes to see which you find most comfortable, after
all you are spending what is potentialy a lot of money and you
will spend a long time on this bike so a couple of days getting
the right one is well worth it.

--
yours S

Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione