Looking for a new mountain bike

[machineman9]

Finally, a chance to unleash on the new forum

[ozzy72]

Remember that most Apollo's have a steel frame so they weigh a tonne! I know as I've got one and use it for my daily commute (which is why I can crush bowling balls between my thighs).
Have you considered just buying parts and doing a custom build?

[machineman9]

Yeah... 17kg has been my current benchmark as that is usually what Apollo ones are around.

I did think about doing a custom build, but it is something I have no experience in doing. The only other possible bikes I've found have front suspension only.

I guess I could put together a price list and see how much building my own would cost (then double it for having to buy every broken or damaged section again

[ozzy72]

If you can maintain a bike, you can build one

[machineman9]

I can pump up the tyres, but besides that, this would all be new ground for me.

I know how a bike should look and I know what it feels like to have a chain that has fallen off the gears and I've felt the wrath of faulty brakes, so I am guessing if it doesn't have that, then it's a success.


I'm tempted to go to Halfords and see if I can get a play on some of the bikes. I'd sort of like a Dirt Jump Bike, but I'd rather have the suspension of an MTB. It depends. Seat higher is better for on level ground and low seat is better for downhill, so I'd have to try and find something to suit both. Because my exact requirements usually come up with really expensive bikes, I may see if Halfords will fit a disc brake system on a bike for me. It is free fitting and would still save me hundreds to buy a bike nearly what I want and then upgrade it. Currently the one I am looking at (sadly, a weighty Aluminium Apollo) has the disc brake at the front, but full suspension and I think it has thumb shift. So it would just be a matter of buying a new rear brake which isn't too expensive.

[machineman9]

I think I've found it...

A 2010 Barracuda Phoenix mountain bike.

Front and back disc
Full suspension
Shimano 21 speed 'STI' gears, the trigger ones.

I can only hope it is the right size. At 18" it might just be alright as I am trying to get a 19-20" frame.