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My lad is looking to buy his first bike and has £500 (maybe slightly more) to spend.
So far we have narrowed it down to a Vitus Nucleus
Before he orders is there anything we should look at as a comparison ?
Thanks
I would suggest looking at the Halfords Voodoos or the Go Outdoors Calibres. You can also sit on these to ensure the sizing is correct.
I'm assuming you have read this:
https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/hardtail/best-hardtail-mountain-bike
The Vitus Nucleus is a great bike. (disclaimer: I work for WiggleCRC so I can't claim to be entirely unbiased, but read the reviews!).
Alternatives to check out:
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/boardman-mht-8-6-mountain-bike-blue
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15904153/calibre-line-20-mountain-bike-15904153
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/voodoo-hoodoo-mens-mountain-bike-16-18-20-22-frames
Thanks for the suggestions. Some decent alternatives there to look at.
Would you go second hand? £500 there will buy you something pretty decent...
I've a medium 2016 Norco Fluid coming up after Christmas (subject to finding a larger bike). Full Deore, air Sector, CrossMax wheels etc. Probably going to be £550... Worn paint but will have new frame and wheel bearings.
Most of these seem to come with coil forks which isn't necessarily a problem but they seem to be sprung hard. I'm looking for my 50kg daughter so either a spring change would be required or something with an air fork. Many springs on eBay, guessing that's the most likely option? I've never fiddled with a spring fork before.
Oh, answered my own question - The Calibre is air sprung. Nice. Only available in M though 🙁
He's after a bike now really but we would consider secondhand.
I would prefer one with air forks so we can tailor them to him.
Vitus is what you want
Cheers.
We will pop to halfords too and have a look at the voodoo's
Look at the Boardman MHT 8.6 while you are in Halfords.Currently on clearance at £520.
I have one and it is brilliant value.Air forks,1x10 Deore gearing and I can confirm the wheels are tubeless ready.I found the original hydraulic brakes a bit weak but probably not an issue for a smaller lighter person.In any case £50 on eBay will sort the problem.
I've got a Voodoo Hoodoo as a cheap hardtail, brilliant bike for the money. Has an air fork too. Was on offer at £420 this time last year and it's been faultless since I bought it. The weak part of it is the headset as it's a 1-piece thing that isn't really serviceable but I've got a Brand X one to replace it for £11, it's also a 44mm headtube so upgrading the fork if needed will be easy.
reluctantjumper, does that mean it's got a tapered fork steerer. I thought it has a straight steerer.
I think a lot of those suggested bikes are good.
Here's another to consider:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/st-900-mountain-bike-grey-orange-275-id_8500763.html
Original fork is straight 1 1/8th with the headset to match but as it's a 44mm head tube you can fit anything you want to.
If you did go down the second hand route, I’m just about to list a Scott Scale 950.
Fox 32 forks, and upgraded Hope Enduro wheels.
Size medium and just had a full service.
If you’re interested send me a message and I could send you some pics. No worries if not.