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Hi , I have just joined this site as I am thinking of giving mtb a go and becoming a hobby of mine, I have always been into fitness and want a change , I have always had normal mountain bikes for leisure since a young age and now it's time to get a bit serious , so any advice on what sort of bike to get would be appreciated ,

I am 5'9 height , weight approx 10 1/2 stone, male

Was thinking of something like medium giant talon 3 ?

So if anyone can spare a few minutes on what 1st time bike to get would be great then maybe I could get out on some rides/ trails many thanks

Whats your budget?

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Hi ,about £700

Buying your first bike can be a bit of a night,mare, many of us on here have prob ridden for a while and therefore have a good idea of want we like and want we want next and what type of ridding we do, will it be XC, full on DH or something inbetween.

Having a read through some bikes mags (and websites) of reviews, etc can be a good way of working out what would suit you and will it fit your budget, one mag MBR I think had a recent feature on £500 v £5000 bikes which was quite interesting.

Thanks for the info, I will probably want something Inbetween as not really sure at first , something to just get out and about at weekends and Inbetween shifts, I hope to get down to Epping forest once I sort a bike ,!!!!!!

I have just bought a 2014 Scott Spark from Online Bikes in Buckhurst Hill and am very please with it. If I had £700 to spend I would go for a Scott Aspect 920. Hardtail with 29 inch wheels, disc brakes, perfect for Epping Forest:

http://www.onlinebikes.com/catalogue.as ... Name=Bikes

Not overly expensive, good reliable starter kit, easily upgradable and really good after care.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-65 ... 08678.html

Re the Scott with 29", what is the opinion of a bike with 29" wheels as opposed to one with 27.5 or 26 especially as it will be my first one , also any advice on frame size, I know I need to try a few but as I said I am about 5'9 ish,many thanks darren

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtb/index.html

Have a look at the chris boardman bikes. With such a small budget (in the grand schema of things) it is defiantly worth having a look outside of the big brand bikes. Every £50 you had you will get better featured frame/parts which in the long run may not need upgrading so save money in the long run. The fork will be one of the biggest items that can limit the bike and what you can ride if its too cheap

The Scott Spark I have just bought has 29 inch wheels and replaces my 6 year old Marin with 26 inch wheels. The difference between the 2 bikes is night and day. The bigger wheels are faster, have more grip and roll over obstacles that would stop me in my tracks on my old bike. I bought my new bike to keep up with friends who upgraded and overnight went from slower than me to faster than me!!! Supposedly they are less manoeuverable than 26 inch wheels but I can honestly say I have not noticed any difference on the tight and twisty single track in Epping Forest.

As far as size goes it depends on the manufacturer, they have size guides on their websites. If you are inbetween sizes but have a long reach (known as your "ape index") go for the bigger size.

Let the 26" v 29" wars begin

You left out poor 27.5/650B

Looks like I have started a war !!!! And all I wanted was some guidance he he he!!

They will be faster let's face it it dies have the same effect of running a smaller cassette but you also have a larger gyroscopic effect which is great in straight upright lines but harder to deal with when flicking your bike about in the air. Horses for courses though. No right or wrong.

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Get yourself a fatty like mine, 26" wheels that have the same diameter as my 29er

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