MTB purchase advise please

[ElizabethA04]

I am a happy road biker user (albeit, a new rider) but am now looking at getting a mountain bike to also do rail trails, mountains etc. etc. My budget is limited to around $700 mark and I am getting conflicting advice from different sellers (obviously depending on what bikes they have to market).

I THINK I have narrowed it down to the following four bikes, please can you experienced MTB'ers give me some advice, bearing in mind I am new to this.

Many thanks, Liz.

http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Bike ... entum-Bike

http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Bike ... ntain-Bike

http://www.amartsports.com.au/Product/F ... e/34960302

http://www.bikeradar.com/au/beginners/g ... 2-0-48066/

[Calvin27]

Don't touch the anaconda bikes. Try a gt karakoram, specialised hard rock sport disc, cell m29, or a giant talon if you don't mind a 27.5 wheel size.

[ElizabethA04]

Thanks Calvin, they all appear above my price range apart from the Specialised, which unfortunately I can't find in Victoria.

[trailgumby]

The Anaconda ones aren't too bad. While the spec on the bike in the link is a little dated (Deore 3x9) it will be solid and reliable, which is pretty important out in the bush. All good name brand components. Even the Tektro hydraulic brakes are serviceable and reliable.

Obviously, spending a little more will get you a much better bike that is more enjoyable to ride, but we all have to start somewhere, right?

I would make one small change. While the Kenda Small Block 8 is a great rear tyre, I'd recommend replacing it with something a bit more aggressive on the front, such as a Slant 6 or even a Nevegal at 2.1 or ( better) 2.25" wide.

The reason is this: The front tyre is your control tyre and does a very different job to the rear. Having more grip on the front will cover a multitude of bike handling sins, which is kind of important for beginners whilst they find their feet in the typical loose conditions on most trails.

I hope this helps.

[trailgumby]

The Anaconda ones aren't too bad. While the spec on the bike in the link is a little dated (Deore 3x9) it will be solid and reliable, which is pretty important out in the bush. All good name brand components. Even the Tektro hydraulic brakes are serviceable and reliable.

The Cell is even better and would be my first choice, but you need to be sure about your sizing.

Obviously, spending a little more will get you a much better bike that is more enjoyable to ride, but we all have to start somewhere, right?

I'd recommend replacing i the front tyre on each of these with something a bit more aggressive on the front, such as a Slant 6 or even a Nevegal at 2.1 or ( better) 2.25" wide.

The reason is this: The front tyre is your control tyre and does a very different job to the rear. Having more grip on the front will cover a multitude of bike handling sins, which is kind of important for beginners whilst they find their feet in the typical loose conditions on most trails.

I hope this helps.

[trailgumby]

The Anaconda ones aren't too bad. While the spec on the bike in the link is a little dated (Deore 3x9) it will be solid and reliable, which is pretty important out in the bush. All good name brand components. Even the Tektro hydraulic brakes are serviceable and reliable.

The Cell is even better and would be my first choice, but you need to be sure about your sizing.

Obviously, spending a little more will get you a much better bike that is more enjoyable to ride, but we all have to start somewhere, right?

I'd recommend replacing i the front tyre on each of these with something a bit more aggressive on the front, such as a Slant 6 or even a Nevegal at 2.1 or ( better) 2.25" wide.

The reason is this: The front tyre is your control tyre and does a very different job to the rear. Having more grip on the front will cover a multitude of bike handling sins, which is kind of important for beginners whilst they find their feet in the typical loose conditions on most trails.

I hope this helps.

[mitzikatzi]

Nothing wrong with some Anaconda bikes. They are often on sale for 20% to 50% off. The frames have a good store warranty. The parts are found on many other types of bikes.

[ElizabethA04]

Thank you very much Trailgumby and Mitzikatzi - think I will go back to Anaconda and see what they have to offer etc. I really appreciate everyone's time and advice in helping me decide which bike to get.