I need bicycle upgrade opinions

[SAWYER]

I have been using a Wal-Mart cheapie mountain bike, but the more I get into riding, they more i want a better bike. I don't want to spend much and don't mind buying used, what do I need to look for? My use will be purely recreational, maybe occasional trails but a majority of pavement.

 

[Dirigible]

If "maybe occasional trails but a majority of pavement" why do you want a mountain bike? They are good for offroad, but relatively sucky at pavement. Unless you're sure you'll be riding offroad, better to not get a mountain bike.

If you do want a mountain bike, used will be best bang for the buck, but you'll definitely need to know what you're looking at to know if the mountain bike is a used up POS that'll need hundreds of dollars of work to function right or a super-awesome ride in perfect shape and a great bargain.

One thing is certain. If you get a mountain bike you'll want either rigid (no suspension) or hardtail (bike with front suspension but no rear suspension). Hardtails and rigids are better for pavement and less expensive than full suspension.

 

[SAWYER]

Mountain bikes look better than the typical road bike I have seen, we called them 10 speeds when I was young.

 

[Dirigible]

Originally posted by: Sawyer
Mountain bikes look better than the typical road bike I have seen, we called them 10 speeds when I was young.

As I'm primarily a mountain biker, I agree with you.

 

[MegaVovaN]

So you're buying a bike for looks?

I recommend a 10 speed road bike off Craigslist. It will have 27" wheels probably. Cost $100-150.

I got one and it is freaking amazing for pavement, waaay faster than walmart MTB. Tire pressure is 90 psi in mine, so get a good floor pump from a bike shop. My pump was $40 and worth every penny.

 

[xeno2060]

This is what I own, cool bike and you can always buy street rims and tires for it.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Originally posted by: xeno2060
This is what I own, cool bike and you can always buy street rims and tires for it.

cool bike, but $800 MSRP + wheels sounds like a downer.

(Yes I realize some bike shops can knock large amount off MSRP)

 

[thedarkwolf]

You just need to hit craigslist and see what pops up. To check and see if its any good just slap the name into google and usually one of the first things that will pop up are reviews on mtbr.com. Which is also a good place to read around on and figure out what to look for.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

I pondered the same decision: Mtn bike or road bike, I went with the road bike since most of my riding will be on pavement. However, if you're doing a mix, I would suggest a hardtail with a lockout front suspension or a rigid fork as Dirigible had suggested. Maybe put some slicker tires to get you where you want to go fast. I would definitely not go with a full suspension bike. They're horrible for pavement as you lose a lot of momentum due to the suspension.

Do your research on proper frame size before you go out and buy anything. Proper sizing is a must.

If you really want to go cheaper, buy an older Specialized Rockhopper. Older, but still killer bikes to have and build up.