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Hi I'm Tim from Romford, looking for some advice on what brand of bike to get and where to buy. I did a bit of mountain biking while in New Zealand last year and had a great time doing so. I was hoping to join some of the rides but need a bike to do so. Budget is about £500, so any local shops you recommend would be good. Many thanks Tim

Hi there and welcome to the forum,

first off what do you want the bike for (xc and generial trail riding or jumps and down hill)? Looking at away days or just local stuff?
£500 is not much off a budget for a decend brand new bike but as everyone will state on here "they all started off with something in this price area and ended up upgrading parts and buying more expensive bikes over time"
Do you remember that you rode in NZ?

Hiya
look second hand its the best way for something within that budget as you will get a higher spec thn something of the shelf new

Hello.

Bet you had fun out in NZ.

Hi, xc and trails would be the majority of the riding, would like to do downhill but would this mean a completely different set up of bike. The budget isn't to strict so a let me know a realistic price. In NZ the bikes were GT full suspension.

I would say look at AM bikes as you can go up aswell as down have a few saved that i have beenlooking at if you want a link to any let me know

Yer that would be good wonkie

Cool im on it

What size frame

Not sure frame size I'm 5ft 10

Hi Tim you'll get some good advise on here!As already said set check out the second hand market or last years models!

AM full sus bike is the way to go if you want to dabble in a bit of everything (i've got one and i do dabble in everything ). The only problem is the doller signs, look at the best part of £1500 for a brand new decent 140mmish travel machine. If your looking at staying local look at AM hardtail for rgging around, something like an on one 456 or SARACEN Zen. Thinking out side the box brand wise will get you a lot more kit

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOO4561X5/ ... ektor_bike
I'm quite temped for a winter ride

I've got a 456 and love it. With a young family and the amount of riding I was doing 6inch of Sus both ends was hard work my 456 is a pleasure to ride and with only 120mm up front will take 140mm.

For xc and trails you can't go far wrong with a decent long forked hard tail to get started. The On Ones mentioned are an excellent bet. Sizewise, at 5.10 you are looking at an 17" or 18" frame but that's really a starting point. It is best to try if you can, as things like top tube lengths and seat angles vary and make a big difference to what feels comfortable.

Hannibal has a giant reign for sale, 2nd hand, full suspension. Nice bike.