[AWBimmer]

Chaps,

Looking to utilise my Sundays with some activity and thought I'd get back to my biking days. It's been 15 years since I rode bicycles so religiously so I'm interested to hear what is the best bike around for say sub £500 please?

Also, I'm not planning to go down purpose built tracks but do want a decent bike for the occasional spirited ride.

Would full suspension or hardtail be best?

Sam

[Jimmy-F46 M-sport]

For that budget best get a hard tail. Saracen have some bikes at that price that get good reviews

[CraigUK]

Best to go for a good used buy off eBay as £500 won't buy you anything too good. As said by Jimmy, hardtails will be better value and also lighter.

[Needbmwpartzz]

Hardtail.

[Dan-danGT]

I bought a carrera fury for about 500 from halfords, not very special and depends what your doing. I suppose because you have not been on one for some time that bike would be fine. mine lasted about 3 years and did get some very hard use. used atleast once to twice a week

['V']

Def hardtail for that budget.
Get onto pinkbike.com and how a look around the classifieds. Does tend to be a lot of little kids on there but there are some bargins if you know what to look for.
Let us know if you see anything, should be able to say if it's decent or not

[mob17]

Get some deep dish wheels and slam it!

[E92Dan]

Also try chain reaction cycles

[AlwynMike]

If you're buying new, see if your employer does the Cycle to Work scheme - a tax efficient way of buying a new bike.

I'd recommend a used one though - there are plenty of 2 year old £1500 bikes on sale for your budget.

Hardtails are easier to ride, but not as comfy - get a suspension seatpost - and padded trousers!!

Mike

[Nickos]

Used cube acid would be a good choice.

[Russbmw]

Originally Posted by Dan-danGT

I bought a carrera fury for about 500 from halfords, not very special and depends what your doing. I suppose because you have not been on one for some time that bike would be fine. mine lasted about 3 years and did get some very hard use. used atleast once to twice a week

THis would be my suggestion.

Buying a second had bike is fine if you're into tinkering with them - but will be a bit of a minefield if you're not.

Most bikes around this price mark are all very similar/identical spec, so it's the small details to look out for. In your case, something like this (which is £40 above budget) gets you a decent frame, average componentry, but you do get forks with a remote lockout - which is definitely handy.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec072765

[mkultr4]

Where would you be riding?

Singletrack world is very good for used bikes etc. I got my girlfriend a frame last year that looked like it had never been ridden.

Most shops will do a deal on a previous years model.