GRcade

Hello cycling people.

I have up to £1000 to spend on a bike for trails with some light road riding. I think that means I want a hardtail with hydraulic brakes and 27.5" wheels..

Also I basically need one with quick release wheels etc because Ill need to break it down to take in the car.

Any brands to avoid, any to prioritise? Gotchas?

I have to buy from Evans Cycles.

You're probably looking at either Trek or Specialized.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... 4#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... e-ec120432

Depending on "extreme" you go, you might be wanting for rear suspension. Of course, that depends on whether you'll be doing slaloms and so on.

The few people Ive spoken to who have already got bikes have told me to steer clear of rear suspension. I think its something to do with lost power when pedalling, especially on roads.

As for extremity, I am basically a complete trials amateur. I did a bit years ago, but I wont be competing in any way, so just need a very competent bike that can do more than I can.

No rear suspension and get a front fork that is lockable and you are golden. As you are just starting out, this is the perfect time to raid Evans cycles' 2015 range that has been reduced in price to get you started.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec071445

I have a Trek Excalibre 9, which I like very much and should be about £900-£1,000.

Get yourself sized up as frames come in different sizes.

Sounds like someone has signed up for the cycle 2 work scheme. Eh falsey?

Dual wrote:Sounds like someone has signed up for the cycle 2 work scheme. Eh falsey?

He's had enough of cars all together, and has decided to get a bike.

Now taking bets on how long before some squeak in his new bikes seat drives him to sell it.

Dual wrote:Sounds like someone has signed up for the cycle 2 work scheme. Eh falsey?

Yuuup.

£1k to spend on a bike that I can play with at weekends? Sure.

Read the small prints about the ownership of it after so many months/years. Different companies have different interpretations of it.

Yeah Ive done all that. Its a 3 year term but you are all paid up in a few months.