awol
stranger
Reged: 20/07/2008
Posts: 1
Loc: west.mids
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Hi, recently i discovered an interesting new activity, Trail riding, which i have never even heard of before. I found it so much fun that i have decided to go out and get a "Proper" bike and would like some advice of how much to spend and what i can get.I have been looking around the net for a while now but i can't see any deal that particularly suits me. The top end of my budget is probs around £500 but i don't want to get a full susser cos i want to improve my riding skills as much as i can .
any advice on a good 1st bike wud b v.helpful. 
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gorehound
addict
Reged: 01/03/2008
Posts: 588
Loc: consett co durham
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www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk
07 kona caldera £449 cant go wrong.
Welcome to mbr forum.
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I was a teenage werewolf!
andifalloffwithstyle!!!!!!
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glasdrum
member
Reged: 23/06/2008
Posts: 100
Loc: Fort William (mostly)
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awol,
Welcome mate.
If you can get yourself a copy of the July issue of MBR they test 12 bikes around the 500 notes mark, so there is some good advice there...
If it were me then I would be looking for a good, lightweight hardtail frame with some decent suspension forks. Hydraulic disc brakes would also be on my list as well.
I wouldn't bother too much about some of the components such as bars and stem as they can easliy be upgraded at a lower cost than good brakes/forks etc if you feel the need.
I am specialized daft so I would go for the Rockhopper disc, which is 600 quid, but the addition of decent brakes and forks is worth it.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=34005
As we are getting to the end of the 2008 bike year then there will be some good bargains out there if you look.
Also take note of other forum members such as gorehound, Sir_Q..., greeneye, propher_1000 and some others as they know there stuff...I just got back from my Sunday ride before most of them!!!
Hope this helps
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Glasdrum
my other bike's got thumbshifters
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greeneye
old hand
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 831
Loc: sunderland
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hi awol, my advice is always the same, go for something from 2006/07, as the latest models come out the older (but still mint) bikes go on sale to get shot, you can pick up a reall bargain. try http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/
you will see what i mean.
oh ane welcome to the game, it justs gets better and better. 
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I. falloffalot
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Sir_Queuesalot
old hand
Reged: 05/12/2007
Posts: 1011
Loc: South Cheshire
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Welocme AWOL,
500 notes is a great start, its been said already but it;s worth repeating...
Kona and Specialized is where you should be looking but at this price point make sure you try before you buy.
West Mids puts you within spitting distance of some great trail centres, Cannock's follow the dog to name but one. Why not try hiring a few different makes for a half day before you take the plunge.
If it is Cannock bang up a post as I'm sure a few of the guy's (tricks is an honorary guy but lives a long way away oop North) would be happy to do a loop or two with ya.
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My LBS couldn't fix my brakes so they made my bell louder 
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!!
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