Originally posted by: Sukhoi
Jeez if you want to pay $250 go to your local bike shop and get the low-end Trek in that range!
Agreed.
If you have to ask whether it's safe to assume anything will fit, then for you, it's NOT.
For example, take this ad: "Nishiki Hill Razer MTB. 24-inch," etc. That's a child's bike! No 24-inch
frame MTB is going to be outgrown unless you're a giant destined for the NBA, so in this case, 24-inch refers to the wheel size. Adult MTBs have 26 inch wheels.
BTW, always buy a bike from a bike store, NOT Target or Wal-Mart. All you need to do is ride one of each ($250 Trek at bike store vs. "Mongoose" or something at Wal-Mart) for a few minutes and you, yes even you, will notice the difference.
Even though you won't get a totally wonderful bike for $250, what you'll get at a bike store is a bike that can be fixed or upgraded when something breaks. (Good bikes, like good computers, use a lot of standardized parts. Target and Wal-Mart bikes use cheap proprietary crap. It's kind of like the difference between an eMachines and your beautiful self-built PC.)
Until you know what you're looking for, it's best to seek the help from the knowledgeable, friendy people at your local bike shops (LBSs). Bike salespeople, unlike most other salespeople, tend to know their products, tend to give good honest advice, and tend in general not to bite. They'll also get you a bike that fits properly. (If it's not comfortable, you won't ride it, and they'll never see you again for parts, tune-ups, or the all-important repeat-sales.)
So stop in a few LBSs and test ride a few bikes. Don't be afraid to tell them what you're willing to spend or even ask them why you should be buying from them instead of eBay or Target. I'm sure they'll have some convincing responses, and possibly one or two horror stories.
Good luck, have fun, and ride WITH traffic!
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