Time to buy a new bike....help needed!

[Tants]

The time has come for me and Mrs T to purchase new bikes. I've had a Carrera for years now and it's served me really well so popped into Halfords today for a look round. They have 3 main new ones in but I wanted to see if anyone had any opinions on them as it seems quite a few of you like your bikes on the forum.

The bikes are:

Valour: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_810641_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#dtab
Vengance: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_810619_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#dtab
Vulcan: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_810649_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

We want bikes for casual use on and off road for anything from canal tow paths to trails at Cannock Chase.

If anyone can help with some comments on the above or other bikes then we'd love the advice. Thanks.

 

[stoofer34]

If your choice is Halfords go Carrera Vulcan Mountain Bike 2011 - Medium 18"

You may do better elsewhere

S

 

[shoes]

Second the vulcan Not bad frames, but heavy.

 

[Tants]

IF you have recomendations around the same price or cheaper then be happy to hear about them if you have time?

 

[stoofer34]

big choice!

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/complete-bikes/mountain-bikes

 

[Tants]

big choice!

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/complete-bikes/mountain-bikes

Whoa.....lots of choice.....where do I start? Any brands come recomended?

 

[stoofer34]

similar spec



http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/nunu-2011-mountain-bike-ec026534


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/4500-disc-2011-mountain-bike-ec023913



http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/avalanche-30-hydro-disc-2011-mountain-bike-ec026167


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/4300-disc-2011-mountain-bike-ec023911

Also

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/index.php?cPath=141

I've just bought a bike form here

S

 

[Withnail]

If you want to buy from a shop rather than on-line take a look at the Specialised Hardrock range and the Giant Revel, available at Mammoth (the Spesh at the Concept store also, of course).

The Vulcan looks decent and i believe it gets quite good reviews. Halfords has a pretty poor reputation for bike assembly, though it depends on the store - i don't know what the Stafford store is like in this respect - people are generally advised to get it looked over by someone who knows what they are doing after purchase.

 

[John Marwood]

Raliegh Chopper + tiger tail from the Esso garage

Beat that EddiefookinMerckx

 

[Withnail]

As an afterthought - if you are in no great hurry. By September or so, Mammoth and Swinnerton start to sell off their hire bikes - Mammoth hire Hardrocks (i think), Swinnerton a Gary Fisher bike (i don't know which one) - for a decent price, and while they have obviously seen a fair bit of use, they are maintained to a high standard (well, one would hope so anyway!).

Also, by September (i don't know when exactly, but it around this time) the big bike boys will bring out their 2012 range, so 2011 models will be sold off at a reduced rate - so if you want to buy in a shop and are willing to wait for a bit, you can get a bit more bike for a bit less monies.

 

[Tants]

Great advice cheer Gents. Certainly given us something to think about. The end of line bikes sound good but I reckon we might want to make the most of the "summer" that we have left!

Will keep you posted on what we go for. Next question after this will be asking for the good local bike rides or do I have to trawl through that massive bike thread! lol....

 

[Glam]

If I was you Tants,i'd go thru that thread,there's a few good rides in there,some of which even an unfit novice like me has read. My favourite bike rides are those that start and end at a pub x

 

[Withnail]

The end of line bikes sound good but I reckon we might want to make the most of the "summer" that we have left!

Probably wise;
a) if it is a specific bike you're after, there is no guarantee there will be any unsold
b) the reductions are usually around the 10% mark ie £30-50, which you may not consider 'all that' sort of thing
c) i don't think basil will like this list, numbers being more his thing
d) it would, indeed, be a shame to miss out on a whole summer of riding

 

[Tants]

If I was you Tants,i'd go thru that thread,there's a few good rides in there,some of which even an unfit novice like me has read. My favourite bike rides are those that start and end at a pub x

A good bike ride needs to have a purpose. Either hard exercise, great views or some bloody good pub food!

I'll have a good look through the rides and see what we can do.

Regarding the price, we asked and Halfords will do 10% without arguing....I'll save my "So what else will you throw in" speech for when we go to buy them!

 

[stoofer34]

Clifford Arms? Haywood
Full of cyclists Sunday Lunch
Doh!!
Whoops I was one too!

16 miles over the Chase back via the Towpath

S

 

[My Name is URL]

Sorry if this has already been posted and I missed it... what size of bike would you need and whats your price range?

A bloke at work is selling a Gary Fisher bike which sounds like a good deal if you would be interested.

He is selling for £350 and its an 18" I think. Will give you more details if interested.

Edit: Cancel last, its a 15.5" frame to suit "small adult or teenager"

 

[basil]

The end of line bikes sound good but I reckon we might want to make the most of the "summer" that we have left!

Probably wise;
a) if it is a specific bike you're after, there is no guarantee there will be any unsold
b) the reductions are usually around the 10% mark ie £30-50, which you may not consider 'all that' sort of thing
c) i don't think basil will like this list, numbers being more his thing
d) it would, indeed, be a shame to miss out on a whole summer of riding

a list is a list in my book...... .........

 

[John Marwood]

Yeth

 

[Withnail]

Also, by September (i don't know when exactly, but it around this time) the big bike boys will bring out their 2012 range, so 2011 models will be sold off at a reduced rate

My timing is out (not for hire bikes, i think that observation is kosher), the big boys are showcasing their 2012 bikes now - in fact Whyte were up on the Chase to do so today apparently;

http://bikemagic.com/gear/whyte-2012-first-look.html

so reductions are now on offer, if anyone is looking to buy.

 

[John Marwood]

Ever had a go on an ordinary?

A head for heights helps