Advice of bike

[NJP87]

Hi all.

I am planning on buying myself a mountain bike, the main use of the bike will be getting me to and around photography locations, nothing to rough mostly coastal paths, woodland trails etc.

I don't have much money to spend and would like to get the bike asap so i can use it if we get any nice weather, i have be looking on the halfords website and found a few that i like.

Would these bikes be suitable for what i need?
Apollo XC.26 14" Mens Mountain Bike from Halfords Was £179.99 Save £62.52 Price £117.47 Save up to 50% On All Apollo Adult Bikes

Apollo Mogul Mens Mountain Bike - 20" from Halfords Was £279.99 Save £140.00 Price £139.99 50% Off this Limited Edition Apollo Bike

Thanks

Nick

PS if the links are braking the rules then i'll remove them, Also how do i change the title?

[Meta menardi]

I think the choice of bike is one you should make yourself, perhaps after trying a few.

I used to get asked so often about choosing a computer, I always said that if you did not know what you wanted, go back and learn some more.

For the use you say you are looking to get, buy any cheap mountain bike, I rode a steel framed 15 speeder for more years than I care to think about. It was (still is, when I get it out) great fun and did more miles than cars I have had.

Enjoy yourself, ride and photo has to be a new sport (Biathalon?)

[NJP87]

Thanks Meta.

I will definatley be trying before i buy.

[Jez]

Looking at the two bikes in question both seem to be adequate for your needs and budget, though I'd take meta's suggestion and try a few and see which one feels best for you! I can only recommend at some point a good handle bar bag with a padded camera insert for your trips out!

Happy Cycling - Jez

[NJP87]

Originally Posted by Jez

I can only recommend at some point a good handle bar bag with a padded camera insert for your trips out!

Happy Cycling - Jez

Cheers Jez, i was planning on carrying the camera in a camera bag, do you think that will be a problem.

[Jez]

As the camera bag would be prone to swaying with your pedal stroke esp up hill, then you maybe better off putting your camera and bag inside a rucksack. Best handle bar bags like those from Ortlieb which are fully waterproof and come with theft proof clamps can set you back almost as much as you have budgeted for your bike, but will take the weight off your shoulders and also come with map holder and GPS holding fixtures!

[Kayleigh]

Get some panniers they hold more..

[NJP87]

Originally Posted by Jez

As the camera bag would be prone to swaying with your pedal stroke esp up hill, then you maybe better off putting your camera and bag inside a rucksack. Best handle bar bags like those from Ortlieb which are fully waterproof and come with theft proof clamps can set you back almost as much as you have budgeted for your bike, but will take the weight off your shoulders and also come with map holder and GPS holding fixtures!

Thanks Jez, my camera bag is a rucksack (Kata DR467) and has straps that go around your body to keep it stable, it also has a waterproof cover

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Get some panniers they hold more..

I have looked at panniers but i don't think they'll suit the kind of riding i'll be doing (also i don't like the look of them)

[SheffieldLass]

I'd suggest you went to a proper cycle shop, they have loads more experience and would be more likely to guide you to something that suits you, your potential use, and your budget best, and to get the best fitting bicycle for you. Fit of bike is very important. And also if you are on a lowish budget, direct you towards the best compromises (as you will have to make compromises) in specification details. The cheaper ones often have money spent on unneccesary things, to look as if they are like the higher spec ones, but fall way short on the essentials, like quality of build, road handling, reliability of components etc.