Complete Beginner Options

[piercedrainbow]

Hi all,
Was recommended to come here for advice on everything and for it being very friendly. Name’s Lauren and I’m pretty much a beginner for mountain biking. All I remember of my first bike (years ago) was that it was second-hand and really not all that suited to off-road areas. I think it was a boy’s one too, though I’m not sure if that makes a difference.

I’m 5’3” or 5’4” not exactly sure, around 55kg and a 26.5in/27in inside leg. I’m looking for a bike that is capable of handling well on and off-road. Specification-wise, I really don’t have a clue hahah (probably need to research), so I end up really confused when looking online for bikes. The only place I have near me that sells bikes is Halfords, but they’re not exactly the best at customer service or people skills so I’ve been put off from buying anything from them.

I’ve read in several places that specialized are a good make and are good if you don’t want to spend too much. I was thinking probably around the £500 -£600 mark, but not sure if I can afford anything higher.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Lauren

[Suggsey]

Hi Lauren and welcome to the forum. You have a healthy budget for your first proper off road bike what you need to do now is find yourself a good friendly local(ish) bike shop that specialises in MTB's as in my opinion shops that specialise in road bikes dont advise their customers to well on suitable sized MTB's. (sorry but I have found it to be true). A test ride is vital to make the correct choice. How about going to a demo day somewhere?
Halfords do sell some decent level bikes but you really do again need to go test ride the bike before you take the plunge.
Good luck with your search.......

[Suggsey]

Hi Lauren and welcome to the forum. You have a healthy budget for your first proper off road bike what you need to do now is find yourself a good friendly local(ish) bike shop that specialises in MTB's as in my opinion shops that specialise in road bikes dont advise their customers to well on suitable sized MTB's. (sorry but I have found it to be true). A test ride is vital to make the correct choice. How about going to a demo day somewhere?
Halfords do sell some decent level bikes but you really do again need to go test ride the bike before you take the plunge.
Good luck with your search.......

[Tuffty]

Hi Lauren,
I bought a Specialized Myka for my daughter, for the money I would say its worth a look at. The higher spec option you got for will get you better brakes forks gears etc. But the frame is the same (I think)

[martyn748]

Hi, Lots of Spesh Myka's on ebay all the time, all close to new and less than half price.

But as Suggsy said to start off you really could do with getting to a good shop. Get them to size you up and see what you feel comfortable with.
Then its bargin hunting time. And your budget is good to get a very good bike.

[Chris M]

Just to throw it out there, Decathlon do some fantastic MTB's for the money but, depends on how passionate the staff are (obviously varies a lot) as to how good their advice will be