MTB advice: Which bike?

Masterplan · 02-21-2011, 06:11 AM

Morning all,

After reading the MTB thread that recently appeared, I'm quite interested in getting another mountain bike and getting back into riding again. A few years back I broke my arm in two places which pretty much ended my riding and I've not done it since!

Looking at the Bike for Work scheme from my employer, I can get a mountain bike upto £1K and pay monthly out my salary. Only trouble is, I'm limited to Halfords only.

So from all the bikes halfords stock, can anyone recommend me a decent bike upto £1K max? I used to prefer hardtail, but these days I'm not as fussed about it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers
Scott

JaySTee · 02-21-2011, 06:18 AM

If your restricted to halfords then I think the Boardman range would be your best bet. I know his road bikes get good reviews so I guess the MTB's should also be ok...

Just don't rely on the local halfords to put it together or set it up well (unless your lucky) so thoroughly check it yourself (or get a mate to do it if your not sure) before using as I have read some interesting stories regarding people who have had 'issues'...

LINK

Masterplan · 02-21-2011, 06:20 AM

I looked in the halfords website and didnt see the hardtail boardman pro, which I initially really liked.

JaySTee · 02-21-2011, 06:21 AM

I don't think all halfords have Boardman, you may have to order in?

Em135eye · 02-21-2011, 06:22 AM

+1 on Boardman. VERY well specced for the money. Be cautious if you're over about 12 stone as the frames can be a bit fragile.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbht/ht_Pro.html

You won't get anywhere near that spec for a grand. Prices have rocketed recently so silly as it sounds, a grand doesn't get you all that much!

Do you qualify for cycle to work?

Regarding Halfords - occasionally you get lucky and find one with a decent mechanic. But they usually move to a "proper" bike shop as soon as they can! They often order in bikes so Boardman might not come up. Just ask your local store.

jonsteele · 02-21-2011, 06:46 AM

My company also uses Halfords for it's Cycle to Work scheme - they have in the past ordered bikes they don't sell for our staff (I know someone who's getting an Orange this time around) - it'd be worth asking your scheme administrator or at your local Halfords.

As mentioned above, get your bike properly checked before you ride it. Some branches have decent mechanics as stated, but the vast majority haven't got a clue - I have first hand experience of a bike sold that was not safe and have heard other horror stories! It'll probably cost you £20 to get it checked over by a real bike shop, better that than an expensive repair or injury.

My advice would be to get the best frame you can afford and forget about the spec. You will end up replacing/upgrading the other bits to suit yourself anyway, so a decent frame is a good building block.

Em135eye · 02-21-2011, 06:50 AM

Jon speaks wise words. My frame is from my 2007 bike (Stumpjumper HT) and every single other part except the stem and front mech have been replaced!

Now pretty light.

Masterplan · 02-21-2011, 08:04 AM

I qualify for the scheme, and did think about the Boardman....but Im 6'4 and 215lbs

which is probably a bit heavy for the boardman then?

Its a pain I can only order from halfords too!

Em135eye · 02-21-2011, 08:16 AM

MP -I have a feeling you might break it! A fair few have cracked.

Just searched and plenty of brands come up:

This is a great bike:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165499

Burly frame build, decent travel fork and good spec.

This Kona is also a good un but you might need a bigger frame:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165499

The Boardman is currently on offer but as mentioned, I'm not sure it would take much stick. If your riding is smooth with few jumps and bumps, it would be fine. If not, beware. Currently £850 - that is an INSANE bargain!!

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165499

Masterplan · 02-21-2011, 08:21 AM

335 - I'm very tempted by the boardman, as speccing a bike like that on your own may actually cost more! But I'm scared in case I crack the frame. Plus, I heard theres a 2011 version due out in the next few months :S

The Voodoo looks nice, and it would probably hold up a lot better....but compared to the spec on the boardman....I'd feel a little short changed

Em135eye · 02-21-2011, 08:23 AM

I don't know how Boardman do it TBH. The spec isn't far off my bike which has cost me over £2500 (£1200 base bike, at least £1300 on upgrades)! If it wasn't for nervousness about the frame, it would be a complete winner.

Maybe google "Boardman HT frame problems" or something to see how bad it might be.

As mentioned a solid frame is upgradeable - a broken one isn't! If you can get some kind of decent warranty, I'd go for the Boardman. If not, I'd look at the Voodoo.

Masterplan · 02-21-2011, 09:29 AM

I'm very tempted by the boardman. That bike is probably worth more in parts! It looks great and as long as I dont give it a complete hammering, it should hold up pretty well. I just hope they dont release a better 2001 version soon after I buy it!

jonsteele · 02-21-2011, 09:39 AM

My advice would be check on the availability of other, not advertised on their website, brands. Whilst both the Boardman and VooDoo are very well spec'd, I would question their frame quality (especially if the Boardman are prone to breaking!). Having a pile of Gucci parts is no good if your frame is cracked! Kona's, in my opinion, are over priced and have suffered from quality issues (again frames) in the past few years.

For £1000 you will get a well spec'd Rockhopper (if Halfords will supply you) that will see you through to when you need to replace/upgrade components. Specialized frames are bomb proof and will see you going for years to come. I still have a Rockhopper frame from 2005 that is as good as new (must build it up and sell it). To be honest, Specialized are probably the market leaders in this category at the moment - nearly every hire shop I've seen recently use them. Scott seem to be making in roads to their dominance at the moment, but I've no real experience of them.

It's your money and I can only offer my advice (I'm a MTB instructor in my spare time), but I'm guessing you wouldn't buy a car with a shite chassis, even if it did had every thinkable option as standard!

Em135eye · 02-21-2011, 10:11 AM

I'm pretty sure Halfords can't supply Specialized.

I'm pretty keen on them too (the BMW of MTBs?).

I have - all Specialized:

1997 Steel Stumpjumper - dad's using it
2007 alu Stumpjumper upgraded to death (main bike)
2008 alu Rockhopper disk - many upgrades (wife's bike mostly)
2010 Allez Elite road bike

A Rockhopper is a good "base" bike and a grand gets you a fair spec.

jonsteele · 02-21-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

I'm pretty sure Halfords can't supply Specialized.

It's worth asking, I didn't think they could supply Orange until a guy a work said he's getting a P7 on our CTW scheme! It'll depend on whether their 'middle man' deals with Specialized or not.

I've got an Allez too, its been relegated to a turbo trainer as I never get out on it - always prefer to take the Heckler.

Em135eye · 02-21-2011, 11:17 AM

Jon - don't use my Allez all that often either but it was fun in the tri I did - first road race ever and gained 34 places. Quite a buzz, especially on such a low spec bike!

Masterplan · 02-21-2011, 12:01 PM

Good news! I've just found out leisure lakes accept these vouchers too as long as the bike is bought at full RRP. Does this change the choices or is the boardman still the winner?

Em135eye · 02-21-2011, 12:08 PM

Ooh - that's handy.

This Cube is excellent:

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/pro...aspx?&id=15236

So is this Scott - VERY good bikes:

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/pro...aspx?&id=15097

And this Cannondale is great too

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/pro...aspx?&id=15297

Shame you can't have a sale bike because the Stumpjumper is just over a grand - brilliant bike!

Masterplan · 02-22-2011, 03:27 AM

These bikes all look brilliant. Now I'm going to ask....out of the three....whats the best buy?

Em135eye · 02-22-2011, 03:54 AM

The Cube is the best value, the Cannondale and Scott have better frames.

I'd pick either the Cube or the Scott I reckon.

Scott would make a good base for upgrades, the Cube is great as it is and not heard of any frame issues on them either.

The spec of the Cube really is quite amazing TBH - great fork, drivetrain, etc and it looks cool too.

Masterplan · 02-22-2011, 04:04 AM

The Cube looks like a brillianty specc'd bike! To be honest, I think I'll probably go for that!

The rock Shock Reba forks are very popular arent they?

Em135eye · 02-22-2011, 04:10 AM

Rebas are top notch forks. Only SIDs (which I have) sit "above" them but they aren't as strong.

02-21-2011, 06:11 AM	#1
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	MTB advice: Which bike? Morning all, After reading the MTB thread that recently appeared, I'm quite interested in getting another mountain bike and getting back into riding again. A few years back I broke my arm in two places which pretty much ended my riding and I've not done it since! Looking at the Bike for Work scheme from my employer, I can get a mountain bike upto £1K and pay monthly out my salary. Only trouble is, I'm limited to Halfords only. So from all the bikes halfords stock, can anyone recommend me a decent bike upto £1K max? I used to prefer hardtail, but these days I'm not as fussed about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Cheers Scott
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02-21-2011, 06:18 AM	#2
JaySTee First Lieutenant 15 Rep 390 Posts Drives: E91 320d SE Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Devon, UK iTrader: (0)	If your restricted to halfords then I think the Boardman range would be your best bet. I know his road bikes get good reviews so I guess the MTB's should also be ok... Just don't rely on the local halfords to put it together or set it up well (unless your lucky) so thoroughly check it yourself (or get a mate to do it if your not sure) before using as I have read some interesting stories regarding people who have had 'issues'... LINK Last edited by JaySTee; 02-21-2011 at 06:20 AM.. Reason: added link
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02-21-2011, 06:20 AM	#3
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I looked in the halfords website and didnt see the hardtail boardman pro, which I initially really liked.
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02-21-2011, 06:21 AM	#4
JaySTee First Lieutenant 15 Rep 390 Posts Drives: E91 320d SE Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Devon, UK iTrader: (0)	I don't think all halfords have Boardman, you may have to order in?
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02-21-2011, 06:22 AM	#5
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	+1 on Boardman. VERY well specced for the money. Be cautious if you're over about 12 stone as the frames can be a bit fragile. http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbht/ht_Pro.html You won't get anywhere near that spec for a grand. Prices have rocketed recently so silly as it sounds, a grand doesn't get you all that much! Do you qualify for cycle to work? Regarding Halfords - occasionally you get lucky and find one with a decent mechanic. But they usually move to a "proper" bike shop as soon as they can! They often order in bikes so Boardman might not come up. Just ask your local store.
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02-21-2011, 06:46 AM	#6
jonsteele Old enough to know better! 20 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: In a pub, in the middle of nowhere! iTrader: (0) Garage List 1989 Landrover 90 [0.00] 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	My company also uses Halfords for it's Cycle to Work scheme - they have in the past ordered bikes they don't sell for our staff (I know someone who's getting an Orange this time around) - it'd be worth asking your scheme administrator or at your local Halfords. As mentioned above, get your bike properly checked before you ride it. Some branches have decent mechanics as stated, but the vast majority haven't got a clue - I have first hand experience of a bike sold that was not safe and have heard other horror stories! It'll probably cost you £20 to get it checked over by a real bike shop, better that than an expensive repair or injury. My advice would be to get the best frame you can afford and forget about the spec. You will end up replacing/upgrading the other bits to suit yourself anyway, so a decent frame is a good building block. __________________ Jon Steele 320d M Sport (E90) Le Mans Blue/18" Alloys/Bi Xenons/Climate Screen/Black, Heated Dakota Leather/6 CD Changer with Dension 500/Power Mirrors/M3 Lip Spoiler/Gloss Black Grills/Through Load, Storage pack, Lumbar Support, Smokers Deletion
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02-21-2011, 06:50 AM	#7
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Jon speaks wise words. My frame is from my 2007 bike (Stumpjumper HT) and every single other part except the stem and front mech have been replaced! Now pretty light.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2011, 08:04 AM	#8
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I qualify for the scheme, and did think about the Boardman....but Im 6'4 and 215lbs which is probably a bit heavy for the boardman then? Its a pain I can only order from halfords too!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2011, 08:16 AM	#9
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	MP -I have a feeling you might break it! A fair few have cracked. Just searched and plenty of brands come up: This is a great bike: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165499 Burly frame build, decent travel fork and good spec. This Kona is also a good un but you might need a bigger frame: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165499 The Boardman is currently on offer but as mentioned, I'm not sure it would take much stick. If your riding is smooth with few jumps and bumps, it would be fine. If not, beware. Currently £850 - that is an INSANE bargain!! http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165499
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02-21-2011, 08:21 AM	#10
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	335 - I'm very tempted by the boardman, as speccing a bike like that on your own may actually cost more! But I'm scared in case I crack the frame. Plus, I heard theres a 2011 version due out in the next few months :S The Voodoo looks nice, and it would probably hold up a lot better....but compared to the spec on the boardman....I'd feel a little short changed
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02-21-2011, 08:23 AM	#11
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	I don't know how Boardman do it TBH. The spec isn't far off my bike which has cost me over £2500 (£1200 base bike, at least £1300 on upgrades)! If it wasn't for nervousness about the frame, it would be a complete winner. Maybe google "Boardman HT frame problems" or something to see how bad it might be. As mentioned a solid frame is upgradeable - a broken one isn't! If you can get some kind of decent warranty, I'd go for the Boardman. If not, I'd look at the Voodoo.
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02-21-2011, 09:29 AM	#12
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I'm very tempted by the boardman. That bike is probably worth more in parts! It looks great and as long as I dont give it a complete hammering, it should hold up pretty well. I just hope they dont release a better 2001 version soon after I buy it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2011, 09:39 AM	#13
jonsteele Old enough to know better! 20 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: In a pub, in the middle of nowhere! iTrader: (0) Garage List 1989 Landrover 90 [0.00] 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	My advice would be check on the availability of other, not advertised on their website, brands. Whilst both the Boardman and VooDoo are very well spec'd, I would question their frame quality (especially if the Boardman are prone to breaking!). Having a pile of Gucci parts is no good if your frame is cracked! Kona's, in my opinion, are over priced and have suffered from quality issues (again frames) in the past few years. For £1000 you will get a well spec'd Rockhopper (if Halfords will supply you) that will see you through to when you need to replace/upgrade components. Specialized frames are bomb proof and will see you going for years to come. I still have a Rockhopper frame from 2005 that is as good as new (must build it up and sell it). To be honest, Specialized are probably the market leaders in this category at the moment - nearly every hire shop I've seen recently use them. Scott seem to be making in roads to their dominance at the moment, but I've no real experience of them. It's your money and I can only offer my advice (I'm a MTB instructor in my spare time), but I'm guessing you wouldn't buy a car with a shite chassis, even if it did had every thinkable option as standard! __________________ Jon Steele 320d M Sport (E90) Le Mans Blue/18" Alloys/Bi Xenons/Climate Screen/Black, Heated Dakota Leather/6 CD Changer with Dension 500/Power Mirrors/M3 Lip Spoiler/Gloss Black Grills/Through Load, Storage pack, Lumbar Support, Smokers Deletion
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02-21-2011, 10:11 AM	#14
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	I'm pretty sure Halfords can't supply Specialized. I'm pretty keen on them too (the BMW of MTBs?). I have - all Specialized: 1997 Steel Stumpjumper - dad's using it 2007 alu Stumpjumper upgraded to death (main bike) 2008 alu Rockhopper disk - many upgrades (wife's bike mostly) 2010 Allez Elite road bike A Rockhopper is a good "base" bike and a grand gets you a fair spec.
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02-21-2011, 11:17 AM	#16
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Jon - don't use my Allez all that often either but it was fun in the tri I did - first road race ever and gained 34 places. Quite a buzz, especially on such a low spec bike!
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02-21-2011, 12:01 PM	#17
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Good news! I've just found out leisure lakes accept these vouchers too as long as the bike is bought at full RRP. Does this change the choices or is the boardman still the winner?
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02-21-2011, 12:08 PM	#18
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Ooh - that's handy. This Cube is excellent: http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/pro...aspx?&id=15236 So is this Scott - VERY good bikes: http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/pro...aspx?&id=15097 And this Cannondale is great too http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/pro...aspx?&id=15297 Shame you can't have a sale bike because the Stumpjumper is just over a grand - brilliant bike!
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02-22-2011, 03:27 AM	#19
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	These bikes all look brilliant. Now I'm going to ask....out of the three....whats the best buy?
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02-22-2011, 03:54 AM	#20
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	The Cube is the best value, the Cannondale and Scott have better frames. I'd pick either the Cube or the Scott I reckon. Scott would make a good base for upgrades, the Cube is great as it is and not heard of any frame issues on them either. The spec of the Cube really is quite amazing TBH - great fork, drivetrain, etc and it looks cool too.
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02-22-2011, 04:04 AM	#21
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	The Cube looks like a brillianty specc'd bike! To be honest, I think I'll probably go for that! The rock Shock Reba forks are very popular arent they?
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02-22-2011, 04:10 AM	#22
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Rebas are top notch forks. Only SIDs (which I have) sit "above" them but they aren't as strong.
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