Looking for a Bike

[Tegal_85]

HI everyone I am looking at getting a bike to get into Mountain biking (Haven't done much since i was in my teens) though being cash strapped I am looking for something relatively cheap that will still be up to the task.

So far I have been looking at a few brands that from what I have read are not to bad (seeming as a few weeks ago I was looking at a Big W Diamondback) and would like to get some more up to date opinions on these.

They are HASA, from http://www.cyclingdeal.com.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Reid, http://www.reidcycles.com.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Polygon http://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My budget is about $500 please leave your thoughts

I have had a look and from what I see so far none are as bad as the BigW Diamondback

[countryteen]

I agree with you about the diamondback. I am no bike guru but I went through the whole budget bike thing for me and my sister recently- i think the Avanti montari is pretty good value (for a more known brand).
I personally don't like the look (and a bit more) of Hasa's.
It depends on what wheel size you want, but from what you've said the polygon premier looks all right to me for a 27.5.
Have you checked out 99bikes?
This one is pretty good value but they only have mediums and smalls http://www.bikebug.com/silverback-strid ... 35242.html
Have you considered used?
Anyway that's just what I think.

[AUbicycles]

Definately buy from a bike shop and not a supermarket.

You probably remember Diamondback as a good brand, the were but no longer are, they have become a crappy supermarket brand.

[rodneycc]

Its usually good to try and pick the brains of someone that's just been through the same process that you are about the embark on. In this case I'd pay particular attention to countryteen's advice. 99bikes and Bikebug have some pretty good budget stock...

[Tegal_85]

Thanks for the replies guys, Just thought I would give an update that I am looking second hand and am going to have a look at a 2014 Trek X Caliber 7 tomorrow, will tell yous how I go.

http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/mo ... caliber_7/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In other news I randomly picked up a 2009 Giant Alias for the better half to hopefully get her to join me out and about, Its so much lighter then her old Repco thing that's in the shed.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 201/31901/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rodneycc]

yep both of those look pretty good! As long as they fit and ride well that's the main thing...

[Gunlock]

Definately buy from a bike shop and not a supermarket.

You probably remember Diamondback as a good brand, the were but no longer are, they have become a crappy supermarket brand.

Diamondback have just released their Podium road bike and sponsored a team, so obviously they're trying to remove the crappy supermarket image.