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Zagato
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Member Since: 08 Jan 2011
Location: Billingshurst West Sussex
Posts: 5013

United Kingdom 
Bike advice needed!
I need a new cheap mountain bike but have lost touch with the good makes.

My semi serious biking days are over after a cycling tour around Europe which did my knee cartilage in Big Cry So I can't go very far now (or mountaineering which was my other hobby Crying or Very sad ) BUT can go out for little rides with the kids so looking for something that will last for up to £300. Maybe a better spec second hand one would be a better idea......... Confused With an electric motor Wink

HEY! What about a Land Rover one....what are they like for £250, wonder who makes them!
Post #71648 19th May 2011 12:25pm
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nakatanenga



Member Since: 12 Nov 2010
Location: Neumarkt
Posts: 546

Germany 
Jepp Land Rover bikes! What are they in quality?

I need a new one as well..... WANTED:

SII or SIII in max 1.5k
Post #71650 19th May 2011 12:50pm
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Ads90



Member Since: 16 Jun 2008
Location: Cots-on-the-Wolds
Posts: 812

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Keswick Green
At the budget end, you won't go far wrong with a Giant or Specialized - they tend to be well specced for the money.
Kona, Trek, GT, Cube, Scott, also worth a look.
Avoid anything with 'full suspension' at this price, as it will be heavy & crap!

Personally, I'd avoid re-branded bikes such as LR - they are probably not good value, and you want the bike to be as light & easy to ride as your budget allows, or it will stay in the shed...
Look out for bike magazines doing 'Best bike for under £xx' type round-ups, or check out some reviews on sites such as Bikeradar.com
Then go into your local freindly bike store and have a chat with the guys there - they will point you towards a few, and make sure you ride them before buying! (Buying blind online is never going to be a good idea).

Oh & finally, buying 2nd hand is ok if you already have an idea of what you are looking for, and don't just get something because it appears a bargain - a bargain bike that doesn't suit/fit you will still be a waste of money. Also a 2nd hand bike with worn parts could either drive you nuts (& you won't ride it), or replacement parts could end up costing you nearly as much as buying new in the first place, so check carefully.


Last edited by Ads90 on 19th May 2011 1:26pm. Edited 1 time in total
Post #71653 19th May 2011 1:04pm
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mrandmrsh



Member Since: 31 May 2010
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 692

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Santorini Black
I bought a Claud Butler Cape Wrath D24. £500 seems to be list price but I paid around the £350 mark discounted and I love it. Front suspension only but has fully hydraulic brakes (from the levers on the bars down to the calipers - rather than cables somewhere in the mix) which are fantastic. The front forks are a bit soft but that could be down to me being a bit of a fat get

Craig
Post #71655 19th May 2011 1:19pm
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Paul_1978



Member Since: 08 Nov 2009
Location: South Yorkshire
Posts: 384

England 2004 Defender 90 Td5 CSW Zermatt Silver
The range of bikes in Decathalon are quite good for the not to serious stuff.

Got one for the Mrs, havent had a problem.

They have a good range in store and they set it all up for you, long warrenty on them too if i remember right.
Post #71657 19th May 2011 1:24pm
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Glynparry25



Member Since: 16 Feb 2009
Location: Miserable Midlands
Posts: 3015

Wales 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS DCPU Tonga Green
I have seen the LR bikes and they are good quality at good prices.

They are made by:
http://www.2x2worldwide.com/

I was in the LR shop in Newcastle 'Royal?' retail park (by the port) and they had a half price sale on them.... They had one that was full carbon fiber frame (could lift it with my little finger), twin walled wheels, hydraulic brakes all round and full shimano gears..... RRP £1500.... sale price £750... I was soooooo tempted and now wish I got it.

Glyn Dog Sheep
Post #71676 19th May 2011 3:14pm
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RFT



Member Since: 13 Nov 2010
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 684

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 130 Puma 2.4 HCPU Zermatt Silver
If you are riding with kids, best to avoid full mountain bikes, you will not need suspension unless you want to shoot down hill, which I suspect you will not with a Knacked Knee.
I have always been a road bike man but to ride with my 8yr old on roads, forest paths etc I have just gone for Trek 7.2 Hybrids for my and the wife.
Did not want to spend too much but wanted them light as they will be hung on the back of our camper.
So far I have found them to be excellent, responsive but not too harsh on the body, good range of gears and good tyres.

Look at the various schemes for your employer to help you get the bike, good tax advantages.

Richard 130 Puma HCPU with an Artica 240LR Demountable Camper
Post #71683 19th May 2011 4:50pm
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Zagato
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Member Since: 08 Jan 2011
Location: Billingshurst West Sussex
Posts: 5013

United Kingdom 
Thanks for the tips - just need something to toddle about the local parks with the kids

How about this Landy bike for £190

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Land-Rover-Experie...amp;sr=1-4

Well it's got two wheels and a brake and it's in Zermatt Silver Very Happy


Last edited by Zagato on 19th May 2011 5:05pm. Edited 1 time in total
Post #71685 19th May 2011 4:58pm
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Glynparry25



Member Since: 16 Feb 2009
Location: Miserable Midlands
Posts: 3015

Wales 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS DCPU Tonga Green
Zagato wrote:
Thanks for the tips - just need something tovtooddle about the local parks with the kids

How about this Landy bike for £190

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Land-Rover-Experie...amp;sr=1-4


Are there any Land Rover shops there? You might find they do the same 50% of deals ad the Newcastle one, which will mean you could get the same spec for a lot less, or a far better one for the same price Smile.

Glyn Dog Sheep
Post #71687 19th May 2011 5:03pm
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Zagato
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Member Since: 08 Jan 2011
Location: Billingshurst West Sussex
Posts: 5013

United Kingdom 
I looked at your link Glyn, I'll have another dig around, thanks Thumbs Up
Post #71688 19th May 2011 5:06pm
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Zagato
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Member Since: 08 Jan 2011
Location: Billingshurst West Sussex
Posts: 5013

United Kingdom 
Can't find ANY Land Rover shops Confused
Post #71689 19th May 2011 5:11pm
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Glynparry25



Member Since: 16 Feb 2009
Location: Miserable Midlands
Posts: 3015

Wales 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS DCPU Tonga Green
Zagato wrote:
Can't find ANY Land Rover shops Confused


I have been to two:

Royal Quays (Newcastle)
XCape (Castleford)

But they are both a bit of a trek for you.

Glyn Dog Sheep
Post #71690 19th May 2011 5:13pm
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Zagato
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Member Since: 08 Jan 2011
Location: Billingshurst West Sussex
Posts: 5013

United Kingdom 
Especially at probably 12 MPG Shocked They like a drink don't they Rolling Eyes

I can't find anything with google but am going in to a dealers tomorrow for warranty park brake work so will ask them. They also have a few on display so can suss them out a bit more - wonder if they have a demo model Whistle
Post #71691 19th May 2011 5:17pm
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Paul_1978



Member Since: 08 Nov 2009
Location: South Yorkshire
Posts: 384

England 2004 Defender 90 Td5 CSW Zermatt Silver
If you can wait, september is a good time to buy, as the new models come out. Usually very good discounts on last years bikes.

My bike should have been £2300, i paid £1750.
Post #71732 20th May 2011 6:50am
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markalpha



Member Since: 23 Apr 2008
Location: Downham Market
Posts: 690

England 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Hybrid all the way, bit like RR sport grt on road ok off it. Got a Scott which I am very pleased with, kona, gt and specialised also good brands.
Post #71749 20th May 2011 8:34am
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