Mountain Bikes > 200 GBP to 299 GBP Mountain Bikes

Advantages: Nimble, durable, versatile
Disadvantages: Gearing too low for speed on downhills

I purchased a Gary Fisher Nirvana as a deeply discounted "clearance" item in the late 1990s, and have used it for short commuting and longer weekend rides ever since. The cro-moly frame and fork have worked smoothly and held up well, the wheels have taken a pounding without distorting, and the gears are still functioning without flaw. The small frame accepted fenders, luggage rack, and other unstylish but useful add-ons. This hybrid bike has been ...
...and off road use. Gary Fisher sold his company to Trek in the early 1990s, and I suspect that some of the models have been "decontented" by Trek as Fisher's personal involvement in the product faded. A bike enthusiast that I know told me that this was a carry over of one of the last genuine Gary Fisher products. I have not ridden later versions of this model. That may be the source of the intense dissatisfaction of the reviewer who found the Nirvana ... Read review

Advantages: good brakes fork and frame better than its competitors
Disadvantages: long stem

I bought a GT avalanche over a year and a half ago and I can easily say it is a great bike I do a lot of cross country mountian biking and the bike is great for the up hills and downhills. The frame is light and strong and is great value for money. The brakes are hydrolic so there is a lot of stopping power and for a bike at this price it is a bargin. The gears work great there are 27 in total and the shimano deore is a great rear mech. The rock ... Read review

Advantages: Nice to ride, Comfortale, affordable, easy to maintain and built like a tank.
Disadvantages: Rusts quickley and is Very Heavy.

I have a 1989 Apollo Mayhem MKI which is the original, they made them up until 2002. If you want a hardcore off road bike the this is not for you, as it would shake it's self to pieces. However as a 21 speed road bike it is good. It has a smooth ride, a nice driving position, a nice set of gears (shimano 21 speed grip shifts) which seem to change with out a problem. The Promax V style brakes can stop a bus, They are very good brakes and they do stop ...
...basic bike to maintain. You can pick up a second hand Apollo Mayhem form £3 to £25. Depending on the condition and age. For a basic bike it is good value for money and won't break easily. It is built like a tank. And rides like a Ford Granada. ... Read review

Advantages: It does the job!
Disadvantages: Its not any better then any other cartridge on the market today

...and out popped these, the Gamebore Whitegold XLR competition load cartridges. I went for the 28g load, number 8 shot cartridge, as it is what i would usually shoot. I have to say i did not get on any better with these than any other cartridge that i have ever shot. The only difference really is that they are faster (high velocity) than my usual "Eley Hawk First" cartridges. From now on after shooting these i have decided to go back with the idea ...
...a lesson, and my idea has been reassured. Whatever cartridge you decide to buy, stick with it and you will learn to use the cartridge that you are using. I believe this will be the case with any cartridge, ever. until the day comes where you can buy a wonder cartridge, that you point in the general direction and blows away everything in its path! but i doubt it somehow! Although i could recommend these cartridges, because there is nothing wrong ... Read review

Advantages: Great sturdy all round XC mountain bike. Sheer exhilarating fun.
Disadvantages: Tyres.

I bought the 2007 model at the end of 2007 - paid £730. I love this bike. It is so flexible. The frame is excellent, very strong and has great geometry. I'm 5'10" and I bought the medium frame. It is great for down hills and XC as the name suggests. It's well built, well balanced and comfortable to ride. The gears are well chosen, I have not found that I needed a wider range. Changing gear could be better, replace the LX with the Shimano XT and ...
...would also change the tires. Traction is lacking on the ones provided and they clog with mud quite quickly. Watch the wheel bearings, they are individual bearings with cones, but are fine when kept clean and well greased. Brakes, steering and suspension are all good with no niggles at all. The 100mm travel is more than adequate. I have come off 6 foot drop offs with no trouble. I would recommend that you buy some clipless pedals and some suitable ... Read review