Recommend me a mountain bike

[Paul the 6th]

not had a mountain bike for around 8 years but I moved to York a year ago (v. Flat area with lots of nice country) and cycling 17km in the gym prolly isn't as effective as real world riding (it's bloody boring if you've not got any drum'n'bass etc to listen to)

So mighty org, show me a decent mountain bike suitable for 6ft 3, about 16 stone, which is decent quality and will perform well on long distance road rides, muddy off road paths, and pottering into town... £200-£250

one with an engine

Having worked in Halfrauds Bikehut I can suggest the Apollo FS26se, I think that's the one with the disk brake and bigger forks.

[punyXpress]

Try York Cycleworks In Lawrence Street where I'm sure you'll get unbiased advice.
Shameless plug & no connection.
They really use their bikes unlike the larger sheds.

From recommendations on here and on the internet the few that I was looking at were:

Specialized Hardrock Sport
Carrera Vulcan Disc Spec or V-Spec
Decathlon rockrider 5.2
Mongoose Tyax Elite

But, then again, what exactly are you looking for from a bike? I got the Carrera Vulcan on the 8th May and have rode it almost every day bar a few rest days. It does the job for me and I seem to be gel-ing really well with it. There is a slight trail that is pretty rewarding by my missus's house that requires a 6 mile ride to get to first on hilly roads, always worth the journey and have done it 3 times now on the vulcan, happy times.

Check out the MTB thread, the guys in there are very helpful.

[johnnyrod]

I've got one for sale, its' ancient but cro-mo frame, no suspension, could do with new shifters but I can fit them if you really want, it's just blocking up the garage, tenner to you. Seriously! It's proper bo off road if you don't need springs.

I work in Halfords and wouldn't touch an Apollo if you're using it a fair bit. Much better with Carrera, should be able to get a vulcan for that price.

Halfords do Vulcans for £249.99 with V-Brakes, £299.99 with Disc Brakes.

Originally Posted by gavinsky23

I work in Halfords and wouldn't touch an Apollo if you're using it a fair bit. Much better with Carrera, should be able to get a vulcan for that price.

Ahh yes forgot about that.. *facepalm*

Originally Posted by Jamiebridges123

Having worked in Halfrauds Bikehut I can suggest the Apollo FS26se, I think that's the one with the disk brake and bigger forks.

I wouldnt touch an apollo with a bardge...pole....

I managed to snap one in half once, came off, hurt myself, and looked like a ****....

Look for a decent second hand sale, can usually find a reasonably well off person selling one for peanuts, try gumtree etc.