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This is rather pleasing on the eye
http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/m1b0s196p ... _SL_4_2012

Looks nice. Not wanting to steal any of Tritons thunder, but I'd also look at a Specialized Hardrock Sport, also ggod value bikes.
There are some good bargains to be had out there:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p1938

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p2458

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p2232

I guess by now you probably noticed there is not much between any of the bikes in that price bracket, its going to just be a matter of what takes you like the look of. And i think im right in saying most of them or parts of them (frames) come out of the Merida factory in Taiwan? Im sure the more knowladgable will put me right.

Come to think of it Merida do their own make and they dont look half bad bikes. The Merida Matts Trail 100D is the one in your price range.

http://www.thebikechain.co.uk/Merida-Ma ... 108250117/

I wanted the 800 D but the budget couldnt stretch that far

If going the Merida route, sign up to be a VIP member of Merlins Cycles and get a 10% discount on those bikes ang get the build it yourself version and offer beer to someone to help you out if not comfortable doing it yourself.

Yeah been looking at pauls bikes too, I'm spoilt for choice and that's the problem. I'm going into triton tomorrow for a look/chat as there local so gonna try there first before I look at mail order or taking a long road trip. May up my budget a few hundred if I think it's worth it, hope to have a bike for the weekend

Spoke to the guy with the hifi delux and it's an 07 so thinking a bit old and possibley quite worn as all original apart from the tyres..
If anyone wants to join me for a jolly to triton tomoz then give me a shout..

I think a lot of places can order a specific bike in for you

I havnt read the full thread, but the 1st page mentioned knee pads...

Spend your money on shin-pads instead. Knee pads only is a stupid trend thing....you will certainly run a pedal up your shin more than once and everyone on here can vouch that it hurts like fuck. Then you'll regret not getting some.
You'll rip your shins up more than you'll bash your knee

Or get both.

yeah will do, once chipped a bone in my shin on a peddle hurt like fook....

I may tag along, what time you thinking of going? You could also try Evans in lakeside if you havent already?

Yeah been to Evans, they do the Cannondale SL4 but its about £60 more than trition but happy to mooch about a few shops. im free all day as not working, i need to pop to my bank first but will be back about 930am so anytime from then onwards..

if you want to meet up give me a shout...

[quote="Festa"Spoke to the guy with the hifi delux and it's an 07 so thinking a bit old and possibley quite worn as all original apart from the tyres..[/quote]

I spoke to the guy too and asked about the wear on the parts and what his reserve was. he said there's nothing that would need changing as the bikes been well looked after, can only take him at face value but its all top kit on the bike and looks well looked after in the pictures. you'll only change the bits you'll be changing anyway within a year on a £500 bike any way. Quality bikes don't age as much as cheaper ones, so 07 is not that old at that price.

Out of the bunch not including the hi-fi, the Cannondale looks just the ticket. I like the look of the forks, they look the best out of the rest at that price point. much prefer the alloy stantions to Chrome steel ones on the rock shox Dart.

where are you thinking or riding? i see you talking about pads etc. if your only gonna be riding local i wouldn't bother with pads and things, i'd put the money towards your bike.
Whatever you choose i'm sure its gonna put a smile on your face. Look forward to getting it muddy with you!

Emm well i still keep the HIFI in mind then would be more keen if it wasnt so far away, pad wise i already have some decent kit from my Motocross days such as a 661 pressure suit and full face lid if i get a bit brave on the bike, i think shin pads are worth it though as dont need a fractured/chipped shin being self employed

and yeah will defo have a ride being as we are so close by

+1 for the shin pads,(i need some) i have some nice scars on my shins from pedal strikes, worse one was over oak woods on the other side of ockendon
doesnt help though that i nearly always wear shorts,lol

£432 Carrera Fury '09
Highlights :
13kg
120 mm fork (but don't know its performance)
Mech and shifters Sram x5
Avid Juicy 3 brakes
Wheelset

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... a57c5#dtab

Problem with the fury is there's none instock anywere in the uk