Muddy Fox Midas ... any good?

Nigel Eastmond said:

Dear all,

Bad chain of events for me. I'm a climber who got chondromalacia patellae and stopped climbing in
2003 beacue I couldn't walk downhill without needing a surgeon. The result was a weakend back
followed by a herniated L3 lumbar disc that is threatening my skiing holiday. Oh my Lord, I'm
only 33!

My father is a good bloke and a very experienced consultant rheumatologist. He told me to get on a
bike and fix my knee with it. If I buy a bike, I would want one that I can take on Land Rover
tracks and bridleways and reduce the walk-in to remote climing venues. I'm not after a bike for
competition downhill or totally unprepared ground. We are talking UK Forestry Commission/Scottish
estate-style tracks and some roughish Peak Distric paths.

The spec I think want is a bike that is relatively light (I had my fill of heavy bikes as a kid),
can take the rough and tumble, has front shocks only (no need for full suspension) and is kind of
upgradeable if I get into this mountain bike thing.

I'm in the UK and my budget is £400. I have looked in a few places and have initially been advised
to go for a Muddy Fox Midas at £349.00.

Is this a good bike for me? It has a 7005 Alu frame with Shimano gears, V-brakes and hubs that can
take discs if needs be.

No reviews online, so any input is gratefully received.

All the best,

Nige.

How does it ride for you compard to other bikes you've test ridden? Seems like that would be the
most important factor (bike choice is a very personal thing).

Matt

Nigel Eastmond said:

If I buy a bike, I would want one that I can take on Land Rover tracks and bridleways and reduce
the walk-in to remote climing venues. I'm not after a bike for competition downhill or totally
unprepared ground. We are talking UK Forestry Commission/Scottish estate-style tracks and some
roughish Peak Distric paths.

You're only allowed to ride on those sort of tracks in the UK anyway.

Quoted message said:

The spec I think want is a bike that is relatively light (I had my fill of heavy bikes as a kid),
can take the rough and tumble, has front shocks only (no need for full suspension) and is kind of
upgradeable if I get into this mountain bike thing.

You're after the holy grail of mountain biking: strong, light and cheap. Not possible I'm afraid,
so pick two.

Quoted message said:

I'm in the UK and my budget is £400. I have looked in a few places and have initially been advised
to go for a Muddy Fox Midas at £349.00.

Advised by whom? Muddy Fox were great in their heyday, about 20 years ago, but they're not a brand
that I'd really recommend at any price point today.

Quoted message said:

Is this a good bike for me? It has a 7005 Alu frame with Shimano gears, V-brakes and hubs that can
take discs if needs be.

You should be able to pick up a nice starter bike for 400 quid. Have a look at the Trek 4500 (399),
or even better the Merlin Malt 1 on special: merlincycles.co.ukSale Bikes.htmlOpen ↗
- 375 (before 31/1).

If you're serious about having a nice basis to upgrade from, then have a look at the Kona Fire
Mountain. 450 quid, but a great frame to build on.

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bomba said:

You should be able to pick up a nice starter bike for 400 quid. Have a look at the Trek 4500
(399), or even better the Merlin Malt 1 on special:
merlincycles.co.ukSale Bikes.htmlOpen ↗ - 375 (before 31/1).

Eventually plumbed for a Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc. Thanks to all for the info.

Nige.

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