Best MTB Budget Buys – Under 5K
While we all dream of riding and racing range-topping, feather-light mountain bikes, dripping in the latest bling, our budgets and household commitments often force us to scale down our dreams to a more affordable reality. But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre bike – Gear Ed Oli Munnik runs through a comprehensive range of performance hardtails that will still suit your budget. Keep an eye on the magazine for reviews on the 2016 models starting to arrive on our shores.
While we all dream of riding and racing range-topping, feather-light mountain bikes, dripping in the latest bling, our budgets and household commitments often force us to scale down our dreams to a more affordable reality. But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre bike – Gear Ed Oli Munnik runs through a comprehensive range of performance hardtails that will still suit your budget.
5/6
Avalanche Prima Donna 27.5
The women-specific Prima Donna features 27.5” wheels (commonly known as 650b), which fit between the more common 26” and 29” wheel sizes. Neither one nor the other, they offer the benefits of both: 29er wheels, though cheaper, require more effort to get up to speed, so the (relatively) smaller 27.5” wheel is easier to accelerate. On the other hand, 26” wheels don’t roll over obstacles like roots and rocks as easily as bigger wheels do; 27.5” wheels do it better. From either point of view, the rider benefits.
PRICE: R3 140*
*Prices correct at time of publishing (April ’15). Prices may fluctuate depending on the current exchange rates. Prices in stores may vary.
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