Hey all,

It seems that i have to accept that my sturdy tank like mountain bike which i have had since i was 12 - im now 23 , is no longer rideable and i need to consider buying a new one.

We went out yesterday and i took my mountain bike as my road bike is currently off the road while a new tyre for it arrives , and three times over ten miles the back wheel kept jamming itself against the frame at the back -got some great bruises from hitting the handlebars with various body parts when the bike stopped dead , it seems to be when i change gear , and to make it rideable my bloke had to adjust the wheel so that it was barely attached to the frame ,which was very wobbly and unnerving. 

 While my road bike is my main bike , i want to have a mountain bike also as i like to do some off roading , and also its easier to go for rides to the pub on a mountain bike as i dont need to wear all my roadie regalia!!

Have been looking at Evans , both in their sale and their normal bikes , and am just wondering how much would i need to spend for something which is decent , i would like front suspension , and something which is reliable and not too heavy. I know that when talking about road bikes you have to spend at least £500 to get something decent, but have no idea re mountain bikes.

Also are disc brakes the only way to go? 

I saw a couple of bikes i liked including a Bianchi mountain bike ,I have a Bianchi road bike which is a pleasure to ride , but are their mountain bikes rated too?  

I'd have a look at Specialized and Trek to begin with and see how you get on and take it from there.

keep an eye out on singletrack as 2nd hand bikes can be a really good deal. Also, check out your local bike rental, they might sell them after renting them for a specific number of times. all my mtbs are 2nd hand - best deal was at Glentress where they maintain their rentals really well then fully service them before selling at a bargain price. you can call to put your name down for one in your size.

discs are a must in my book, but thats cuz i am a chicken and i like my brakes to work rain or shine. depends on the riding you'll be doing, but disc brakes have hugely improved my confidence.

good luck!

MBR reviewed sub £500 hardtails in their July edition, it's worth looking at this if you know anyone who buys it. The Kona Blast got top marks, followed by the Specialized Rockhopper & the Commercial Normal Disc. Or course other people's opinions are personal and the geometry may not siut you.

I agree with char, second hand is a good option - you could pick up something really special if you are patient. Bikemagic can also be good for 2nd hand. 1st work out what you want by demoing your short-list.

As said 2nd as bike loose the value very fast. And 500 £ will give you a very nice 2nd hand bike, provided you're lucky enough to find you size.

Kona have usually good bikes. Disk or not is a matter on how much you ride in the mud. If you do, well V-brakes work kinda ok, but you might grew bored of changing pads every 3 weeks.

Front suspension yes but it has to work.  Problem with suspension and girls (and me) is that average weight for frame size 17-18 is more 70kg than 60, so you might just end up with a very hard pogo stick (and that's not nice). They are ways to over come that (removing one of the spring and putting way too much oil to increase the air compression rate) but I suggest you'll be careful with that. Once again, classified on STW works a treat.

But my main advice would be "try before you buy".