BUDGET BIKETEST

We’ve always said you need to spend at least £500 to get a ‘proper mountain bike’, but can you still get a great ride at this price amid the current currency chaos?

These four bikes under £500 could be the perfect rides to get someone started in mountain biking this Christmas –

While some lucky sods may consider a £500 fork or set of wheels to be ‘cheap’, for a whole lot of people that’s a huge amount of money to spend. We say “people”, rather than “riders”, because many £500 bikes will be sold to folk who are only just starting out on the trails. Even if you’re a hardcore biker who’s ridden for years, it’s worth reading this test in case someone at work, or down the pub, wants some advice. We’ve simplified the language slightly to suit novice riders, but don’t worry, we’ve gone as deep into the details that matter as we always do.

That’s because we take our budget bike testing seriously. We know that if you have a crap time on your first bike then you’re probably not going to stick with mountain biking. Which is a real shame, when there are entrylevel bikes available that’ll get you hooked from the first ride. We also understand that, at this price, every pound you can save – or have to spend to cure a fault – is a big deal.

Despite pricing being so tight, differences between bikes can be surprisingly big. That’s clear here, even though we’ve stuck to brands that generally offer great value. Look at machines from the big global manufacturers – which struggle to meet expectations in the sub-£1,000 UK market – and you’ll notice even bigger differences in spec levels.

While it can be harder to get demo rides on entry-level bikes – especially ones from superstores such as Halfords and GO Outdoors – buying them in person rather than over the internet makes a massive difference. That way you can see what difference correct fit, handling feel and basic suspension function make, rather than being distracted by details that may not matter much on the trail. Follow the recommendations of our ultra-experienced test team and you won’t go far wrong.