Wanted - Man's Mountain Bike

[taitou]

Looking for a half decent mountain bike that can survive the bumps and scrapes of Cannock chase.. Frame size 17", 19" or 21".

 

[MISS T]

There is a place on Greyfriars you can get reconditioned bikes from, think Mr. Rex put a post in somewhere about it.

 

[babycakes]

Check out Back 2 bikes, they are a recyled bike company - the one at greyfriars mentioned on above post. The guy only works Mon, Wed and Fri but you can check out their website, http://www.back2bikes.org.uk/ bikes are very reasonable and it's all in a good cause.

 

[Sofa]

Back2Bikes is excellent!

 

[Doctor]

They are now open on Saturdays (10-2) too and, I think tuesdays. They are behind MFI on the Greyfriars Retail estate. Should have something for all tastes but it might need to be picked out of a pile and then reconditioned before you buy - therefore a little wait. (I got a very nice 1960's road time trial frame from B2B which I put together as a fixed and several parts for my recumbent too and the wheels for my street bike etc)

If they havn't got anything you like or you want something more specific Aztec Cycles (just at he point where Foregate Street turns into Greyfriars) usually have a selection of MTBs at reasonable prices. (I used to get my MTB kit from here but not been in for ages)

Then there's Halfords for cheap mass produced stuff and similar can be had from Uttoxeter Auto Parts (which is just up the road across Forgate from Halfords) and the car parts shop in town near the back of Co-op department store. (these are often all good for picking up things like cheap lights, puncture repair stuff but I don't think I would buy a bike from them)

Burtons on Mill Street are much more pricey but you'll get the best stuff there so it's the place to go for full carbon/ titanium fully fitted and kitted competition ready lighter than your mother's frillies big name pose machine. (Which is where I got my race frame and cutom made Audax/touring frame from and a couple of very nice wheel sets)

I guess it's all down to what you want. If you're just playing around on the Chase for the fun then B2B should be able to do you something for about £40 - £80. If you want to spend £500 - £2000+ go to Burtons.

 

[taitou]

Cheers for the info! I'll definitely check out that back2bikes place and possibly Aztec Cycles too. Went to halfords the other day but they were a bit useless and highly overpriced, plus some saleswoman was trying to sell me a credit card In The Shop itself. :/

 

[taitou]

Is it definitely open on Saturdays 10-2? It still says on the website that it's just Mon, Wed, Fri :/

 

[Scuttlingb]

Is it definitely open on Saturdays 10-2? It still says on the website that it's just Mon, Wed, Fri :/

If anyone would be likely to know about opening times then it is Doc. He works very closely with them.

 

[taitou]

Cool, i'll check them out this weekend

 

[TENSHON]

Henry Burton is the only bike shop for me.

 

[Moley]

Henry Burton is the only bike shop for me.

It's ok but considering they sponser a stafford based cycling team it could be considered to be pretty naff, not to say that I don't like going in there .

Mammoth Cycles up in Milford is a gem in cycling that doesn't get much of mention in many places. It boasts staff such as Gary Foord (ex world championship mountain biker and ex olympion.....as well as being a coach for the olympic squad). It also has a sports clinic and a cafe plus you can rent bikes. Burtons is a bit of a limp lettuce. There is also Parker in Swynnerton (a short drive) which is an Aladdin's cave for cycling. If you really want to push the boat out go to Burslem in stoke to Brian Rourkes. He is legendary in British Cycling particulary for frame building (one of few in the uk that can still compete with the Italians), he also sells a large stock of mountain bikes. The best thing about going there is that Brian Rourke will serve you.

 

[Doctor]

I was sticking to in town shops really but must agree that Mammoth is worth a look for MTB stuff (also got loads of running and other sporty stuff too). If you're up at the Chase Swynnerton now has a shop/ hire centre at Birchers Valley from where all the Cannock Chase trails start and they have been very much involved with the setting up of CC as a top MTB destination. There is also a good little shop down past Cannock (can't remember the name of the town or shop) but it's in a little back street and is triangular on two floors and crammed with stuff. There's aslo George Longstaffs place up in Chesterton (Newcastle Under Lymn) - great for tour stuff and they make the finest trikes adn tandems.

But we are probably getting away from finding a reasonably priced MTB for messing about on!

 

[FooFighter]

I got my Scott MTB from Aztec cycles by Reynolds.
I think they are now in the old Peach Gallery building across the road