From the number of threads about sizing, 'what hardtail for £500' etc. I think it would be useful to have a general guide on the site on choosing, buying and sizing a bike. I think there's an obvious need.

Perhaps even a getting started article?

(Unless of course I'm missing something)

Bought my first issue of What mountain bike, cos i was hoping for review of the Stumpy 07, but what i did find which would be useful to most is a guide to basically everything. Worth a read for the new buyers and even gave me a little more insight. Eg: rear shocks - Air = XC / trail riding, Coil =DH / Freeride etc

Price range
500-700: Good frames, average low spec kit, worth upgrading, decent cranks and suspension

700-1000 : HT are often good enough to race, Forks Dsics start getting good around 800 mark, and a few decent heavy Full sussers. HT between 26-28lb, FS from 30lb

1000-1500 - Dont get much better HT at this price, excellent full susers etc etc

I just thought it would be a good idea if this site did something along a similar vane, the number of questions asking the age old what bike, what size etc means that there is a need for such a resource out there.

here's one mike prepared earlier

If you have a look around the site, you'll find articles about almost everything.

mmm, tried serching and didn't find. Well at leasts its there. There are a good pile of articles though to browse through.

Problem with the search is that it throws up just about any article that has comment mentioning the word string. It would be good if you could sort by date, because as we all know, what was true last year isnt true this year etc...

i don't like the search. Like you say it throws up anything with your search in it.
It might be a good idea for the daft if the articles had clearer titles or were ordered in a more structured manner rather than date order.
Anyway


Would everyone please stop mentioning Cyclocross bikes. i'm getting really tempted!