Westy

iTrader: (1)

Now that the weather should hopefuly pick up (he says, whilst its snowing ) I'm looking to get another mountain bike.

I know nothing about them but apparently me and a few pals are doing the London - Brighton 60miler in June All for a good cause though...

Im not a keen cyclist on roads and prefer woods, forests etc. so has to be off road compatible.. thinking about getting a semi decent one and just changing the tires for the 60miler..

Tempted by this... (GT avalanche 1.0)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec016364

Anyone who knows something about bikes, is this any good??? or could you recommend something better for roughly same cost...

thanks

kawi-mad

yer pretty good bike, if your just using it for roads lock out the front forks (harden them up) i always think evans can be a bit pricey but you do get good service and thats what counts to me anyways

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Evans have a store fairly local so would prefer to buy from thre... At least I can see it before parting with the cash as opposed to saving a few quick by buying it over the net if you know what I mean... They price match to

hopefully spec is fairly decent and it will last.

Fork lock out assume is for road riding which will come in handy in June...

CossieRich

iTrader: (1)

Westy,

Where have you been as i havent seen your name on here for while. Take it you were banned?

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Yes Rich.. You guessed right lol.

cossiejsy

Very good bikes GT and that one is a nice price too

3idave

ive been riding for yrs and its been konas n specialised for me, ive got an specialised epic marathon at the moment, very good bike. try and spend as much as u can afford really, try and get full sus but for x country use sum even lock out on the rear. giant kona trek are all good, try and stay away from home made brand bikes that have cheap frames with bits bolted on

wirralphil

They only have small in stock?

Here's some other good bike for sub Ł600

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=44340

cozzy jeff

iTrader: (4)

heres mine ,fsr xc comp, payed 1200 quid for this about 2yrs ago you'll be lucky if ive done 500 miles on it.

MunkeyboyRS

GTs are good bikes, lock outs will save you so much energy on the road! I should know I ride 6miles aday to work and back no matter what the weather is, but I'm a lil bit of an idiot, as I use a 13" jump bike with huge travel forks with 24" wheels with 3" wide tyres. Another good tip, get a good seat, really soft ones may make you think it will be nice on your ass but it not!

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Cheers lads...

Yesthey do only have small in stock but being 5 foot 8ish I'm hoping it will be ok..???

I actually have a full suspention bike but they aren't the greatest for roads.. Plus not even sure what it is as I got it cheap with no stickers etc.. it's a bit naff to be honest hence upgrading..

Just hope small won't be too small... Long seat post lol

RC4

i got a scott aspect
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...57?query=scott
like this one but large frame have a mooch at these westy locking forks
good components for under 500 quid pal
i,m pleased with mine

wirralphil

I bought this in November for Ł440 when they had them on offer, rides well might changes the forks to lock out when they become tired.

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

I'm 6ft and took the 20" frame, fits well with good arm length.

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Picking it up Friday...

Can test ride them first so hopefully not to small...

Thanks for input

Big G

You can get road wheels n tyres for your MTB if your doing the L2B, tyres alone should give better rolling than MTB tyres,
I am changing my tyres for the Manchester- Blackpool if I aint bought a roady by then.

Westy

iTrader: (1)

thats what we intend to do

Westy

iTrader: (1)

sorted

dont want to get it dirty but off out with a mate on them in a bit... lets hope it dont rain!

cossiejsy

very nice mate

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Im chuffed with it (well, look wise so far )

They wanted Ł540..! got it for Ł450 so happy days

daveandhelenturbo

iTrader: (1)

Nice need to get back on mine, I normally ride to work and do a 13km single track but been lazy going next week and can't wait!

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Looks like a nice bike that, I'm after one for the summer to ride to work etc, so many to choose from I havent got a clue where to start looking!

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Rich... So many to choose from you're right. Depends what you are going to be using it or... just road..?

We went out over the fields... mud lol... Done over 10miles and it was slippy

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Yeah mostly road, although a few stony tracks and muddy paths so need something all round really. I'm 6'4 too, I found a 21" frame too small, my last bike was 23" and i found that pretty good, there's a very limited selection of 23" frame bikes though!!

bigchez

I've got a specialized FSR on the cycle to work scheme and love it - highly recommended.

It's Czech Mate

Be nice that, just needs some new pedals

Westy

iTrader: (1)

What's up with the pedals mate.. Seemed ok today.

On a different note, I would like a bike computer to monitor distance and speed. Nothing fancy, pricey... Any recommendations please.

It's Czech Mate

Nothing wrong with them, but you'll feel much more confident/have more control with something like a DMR V8

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productD...roductID=21547

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for link...

I assume as they are bigger, this will give more control..

gingeRS

yeah, cant go wrong with the DMR pedals mate

i have a commencal deluxe, RRP 900, got it for just over 600 from evans with a little haggling

havent taken it out this year though, if ts clear tomorrow i'll be out on it

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Was about to get those pedals but says they have been deleted...

Anywhere else please

longdog

iTrader: (1)

I always use this site, never had a ny bother. Free p&p too.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/C...CategoryID=209

RickDraper

www.wiggle.co.uk and www.merlincycles.co.uk are good for bits. Merlin are very good for Shimano parts.

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/index...e0954b47fb8830 Do good pedals.

Westy

iTrader: (1)

Cheers lads

Good to here wiggle is good as I've ordered a Cat Eye wireless bike computer as it was the cheapest place Really hope this isnt a phase I'm going through lol... Itching to get back out on it tbh especially as the sun's been out.

What other essentials are needed... got puncture repar kit, so thats sorted. Cant think of anything else.

Looking for decent of road trials around Befordshire... spotted Woburn. Looks good,

wirralphil

try www.chainreaction.co.uk

also jejames cycles has a quality offer on this headlight if you need one...

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/topea...t-id40028.html

RickDraper

Have you got a small pump to take with you when riding?

Westy

iTrader: (1)

good think, no i havent... need smsll one but not to much. this hobby is already getting expensive lol

PFseries1

If you buy a good mountain bike with quality gear on it, it will last long term, i bought a Kona cindercone back in 98 with shimano xt and mavic rims, all good, have not broke it yet, and do cycle of road, cost me over 1000 at the time

Ryan

full carbon is where its @

It's Czech Mate

A Camelback is a good plan, then you can put your pump, a small multitool and your keys/phone in it too

My best purchase ever along with a decent pair of gloves

Westy

iTrader: (1)

I have a rucksack that I can put things in, including a couple of cans of beer lol.. Assume the bag above is the same thing. Will check it out on google, thanks