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Into Mountain Biking... Could use some tips on buying a new bike....

thatsright

Diamond Member
Hi Guys.... 4th Revision of OP

Time to get a new Mountain Bike.... But its a bit hard to find what I need, since I'm a 'big guy.' I am 6'0"and weigh 270. Fat by no means, I work out a lot, and its muscle. But I know its difficult to find a good quality bike that will last with my weight. I'm looking for a gently used bike ( or even new. But I know I'll get better value if I can find a gently used MB from New to 3-5 years old.)

I NEED....

-Front mounted sups. that can handle the weight of a 270lb guy going down a few steps, or off the sidewalk...

-Good Drive train that will last for two years or so. Doesn't' have to be the Top of the line Shimano... (not yet anyway...hehe....)

-V/ or Disc Brakes.. Whichever is the most effective for my budget..

- A bike that can also take some moderate terrain riding..hills, steps, etc...


I'd LIKE:
-Shimano++ (or similar 'good' drive train) I'm NOT looking for anything like Carbon/Titanium made stuff. Thats OVERKILL for right now.

--Clip-less pedals (but I can add them on later and save some $$)

-A Bike kit to go along with the new MB. I know I'll need some screwdrivers, new helmet, and a patch kit...maybe even a compass if I want to totally nerd it up



Keep within my budget of under $400-$550 for a USED/ or NEW bike on eBay, or locally. To keep within this price range...I'd be willing to get a older bike, as long as its in good condition. I have everything else here: Lock, gloves, etc.....


So Far: I've gotten really good recommendations to check out Kona Hoss MB, and the Giant Yukon...

Thanks if anyone can think of a model to check out....
 
Head to a specialty bike shop and they can help you pick out a bike with correct features and size. Then just remember the size and model number and buy it of ebay.
 
you wont find it used... a bike for a person of your height is very rare.... disc are good for stopping 270lb of weight.. but you dont need suspensions
 
Originally posted by: LS20
you wont find it used... a bike for a person of your height is very rare.... disc are good for stopping 270lb of weight.. but you dont need suspensions

Okay....well Honestly...I wasn't being too honest. I am 6' foot. Thats it...
 
i don't think you'll find a good bike w/ clipless pedals, reasonably proficient disc brakes, and one that fits your weight for $300, even used

i don't have any bike suggestions, but i think you'll need an extra couple hundred of bucks to get what you're looking for
 
Originally posted by: opticalmace
i don't think you'll find a good bike w/ clipless pedals, reasonably proficient disc brakes, and one that fits your weight for $300, even used

i don't have any bike suggestions, but i think you'll need an extra couple hundred of bucks to get what you're looking for


Well, I've really revised my 'needs' list.

I really just need Smooth drive train, and durable frame AND front suspension.

LATER I can add clip less pedals and disc brakes; though the disc brakes aren't mandatory when I buy the bike
 
Originally posted by: thatsright
Originally posted by: opticalmace
i don't think you'll find a good bike w/ clipless pedals, reasonably proficient disc brakes, and one that fits your weight for $300, even used

i don't have any bike suggestions, but i think you'll need an extra couple hundred of bucks to get what you're looking for


Well, I've really revised my 'needs' list.

I really just need Smooth drive train, and durable frame AND front suspension.

LATER I can add clip less pedals and disc brakes; though the disc brakes aren't mandatory when I buy the bike

To add disc brakes later, you will need a compatible fork and frame; so, make sure to keep that in mind.

http://www.craigslist.org is a good place to look for local sellers of used bikes.

Personally, I ride a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp which I'm happy with.

Good luck.
 
Originally posted by: kentechie
Originally posted by: thatsright
Originally posted by: opticalmace
i don't think you'll find a good bike w/ clipless pedals, reasonably proficient disc brakes, and one that fits your weight for $300, even used

i don't have any bike suggestions, but i think you'll need an extra couple hundred of bucks to get what you're looking for


Well, I've really revised my 'needs' list.

I really just need Smooth drive train, and durable frame AND front suspension.

LATER I can add clip less pedals and disc brakes; though the disc brakes aren't mandatory when I buy the bike

To add disc brakes later, you will need a compatible fork and frame; so, make sure to keep that in mind.

http://www.craigslist.org is a good place to look for local sellers of used bikes.

Personally, I ride a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp which I'm happy with.

Good luck.

I agree.. keep those in mind. Although you can also get pretty good caliper brakes like the Avid SD-7 which is highly regarded by MTBreview.

craigslist (at least for Los Angeles) have tons of bike ads appearing everyday.. I got my daily use Trek 820 for $120 and the bike was basically still brand new when I bought it.
 
Originally posted by: LS20
you wont find it used... a bike for a person of your height is very rare.... disc are good for stopping 270lb of weight.. but you dont need suspensions
Dude. Just stop. You have no idea what you're talking about. :roll:

 
Buying a bike with disk brakes already mounted will save you of (possibly) quite a bit of headaches later.
 
This would be much more fun for me to help if your budget was $1000. Oh well. Since you are a big boy, you really need a quality suspension fork. You will destroy a really cheap rock shox if your are an agressive rider. I would look for a coil/air suspension that is highly adjustable. Marzocchi's are tough, but expensive.

At 6 feet, it sounds like you need an 18 or 19 inch frame.

Wheels are another componet you will be hard on. The good news, lower end bikes ususally come with heavy aluminum rims with 36 spokes, which is what you want.

If it were me, I would find a used decent hardtail with mid level shimano componets. Then add a Marzocchi coil fork. It would really help if you could budget $600. $300 for the bike, and $300 for the fork.
 
1) Learn the Shimano "heirarchy" of components so you know what you're looking at with each bike (ie- Deore, Alivio, XT, etc)

2) Any of the "big" brands will be perfectly fine at this price level. Do NOT buy department store garbage. It's cheap for a reason.

3) You will probably need something around a 19-20" frame depending on the manufacturer (I'm also 6' and this is what I ride)

4) Front suspension is almost mandatory, don't bother with rear suspension at this price point (will add a lot of weight)

5) Disc brakes are great if you find them, but don't get hung up on having them. V-Brakes offer just as much stopping power 99.9% of the time.
 
Im 6'2", and I ride a 19.5" Trek. I was about 275 when I started riding, now Im a much more svelt 225 (yes, mostly due to the bike riding). So you can definately get a bike to fit you no problem.

For 300 bucks at the bike shop, you can get a decent, solid bike with v pull brakes, front suspension, platform pedals. Most of the major makers make bikes at this level, and they will do well. Stay way far away from anything from any Wal-mart/Target/whatever chain store. Plus a bike shop will throw in a free tune up, etc. and a fitting, which is definately a must. A bad fit can make even the best bike seem horrible to ride.

If you really want disk brakes (mechanicals will be cheaper than hydraulic, but I personally don't like them near as much) and clipless pedals, you will have to drift up around 800-1000 bucks. Of course, you can always just add on clipless pedals later for the cost of the pedals (about 100 bucks) plus a pair of biking specific shoes to mount the pedal locking clips to. And BTW, when you go to clipless, expect a few unflattering wrecks while you get used to them 🙂


 
Originally posted by: laurenlex
This would be much more fun for me to help if your budget was $1000. Oh well. Since you are a big boy, you really need a quality suspension fork. You will destroy a really cheap rock shox if your are an agressive rider. I would look for a coil/air suspension that is highly adjustable. Marzocchi's are tough, but expensive.

At 6 feet, it sounds like you need an 18 or 19 inch frame.

Wheels are another componet you will be hard on. The good news, lower end bikes ususally come with heavy aluminum rims with 36 spokes, which is what you want.

If it were me, I would find a used decent hardtail with mid level shimano componets. Then add a Marzocchi coil fork. It would really help if you could budget $600. $300 for the bike, and $300 for the fork.


Thanks for NOT HELPING ME OUTLaurenlex

How is a $400-700 MB with just forward suspension 'Low End?' No, my $600 bike I buy will not let me jump of 3 foot hight rocks, or get good gas mileage, or help me out on the Tour de France.

Just because I'm not getting full suspension (which I don't really need), or its missing some DuPont X22 Carbon Composite spokes...doesn't mean its a crap bike.

I'm looking at the Kona Hoss bike and the Grand Yukon. It will fit the budget and do everything I need it to, WITH clipless and disc breaks and good front susp. Thats all I need right now.

Laurenlex, next time you want to 'help someone out,' just know what your talking about before you hit the 'Reply to Topic' button...:roll:
 
Originally posted by: Fausto
1) Learn the Shimano "heirarchy" of components so you know what you're looking at with each bike (ie- Deore, Alivio, XT, etc)

2) Any of the "big" brands will be perfectly fine at this price level. Do NOT buy department store garbage. It's cheap for a reason.

3) You will probably need something around a 19-20" frame depending on the manufacturer (I'm also 6' and this is what I ride)

4) Front suspension is almost mandatory, don't bother with rear suspension at this price point (will add a lot of weight)

5) Disc brakes are great if you find them, but don't get hung up on having them. V-Brakes offer just as much stopping power 99.9% of the time.


Thanks Fausto...and thanks again for actually reading my OP...

I must admit, I'm GLAD I bought that POS Mongoose 'Mountain Bike' from Walmart for $140 3 years ago. If anything it was the best learning experience about when you can't skimp on things.

It opened my eyes to how horribly wrong bike I was riding ( thought I did have lots of fun with it still....). The break lines needed to be replaced weekly, and it seemed like a new tube needed to be patched after each ride. Now that I know the 'Hell bikes' that are out there if your going to be cheap about it, I know what to really look for and what I need.

I am very flexible actually on getting this new bike. At first I 'NEEDED' disc brakes and clipless AND dual suspension. Not realizing that the breaking I want can probably be handled with some good V brakes. Not realizing that full suspension would slow me down here on the streets of Boston. Not realizing if I still find the perfect bike in or under my budget and it doesn't have Clipless, I can just add them on after my next paycheck....

Man, I'm getting that MB hunger back again... Damn I need to go out and ride... And this is probably the best time to get a bike, in February in New England when NO ONE wants to ride. Probably even more so as in the last 2 weeks we've gotten 52" of snow...

Thanks Everyone...
 
Haro V3 should suit you fine as a beginner. Also has provisions for disc brakes on the frame. I think most frames these days are setup for either type of brake.
 
Actually, laurenrex made the most sense here and has given you the best advise among the good ones posted here. As you will find biking is a very expensive sport. Invest in a good frame and upgrade to other parts as you break them or can afford to, whichever come first 🙂. As for the frame size, it will depends on you leg inseam, and your reach (for the toptube) and overall preference and riding style. For your size and weight, a "cheap" bike will surely fail. You want a rig that will get you back from where you are going and usually a higher quality will mean higher dependability. One may say that prices is directly equivalent to strength to weight ratio.

basiaclly dont look for a complete bike, but rather a decent bike with a good frame. I would seek advice from your local bike shop to educate yourself. Then you will know what you are actually looking for.

Biking is cool, attitude sucks.


Originally posted by: thatsright
Originally posted by: laurenlex
This would be much more fun for me to help if your budget was $1000. Oh well. Since you are a big boy, you really need a quality suspension fork. You will destroy a really cheap rock shox if your are an agressive rider. I would look for a coil/air suspension that is highly adjustable. Marzocchi's are tough, but expensive.

At 6 feet, it sounds like you need an 18 or 19 inch frame.

Wheels are another componet you will be hard on. The good news, lower end bikes ususally come with heavy aluminum rims with 36 spokes, which is what you want.

If it were me, I would find a used decent hardtail with mid level shimano componets. Then add a Marzocchi coil fork. It would really help if you could budget $600. $300 for the bike, and $300 for the fork.


Thanks for NOT HELPING ME OUTLaurenlex

How is a $400-700 MB with just forward suspension 'Low End?' No, my $600 bike I buy will not let me jump of 3 foot hight rocks, or get good gas mileage, or help me out on the Tour de France.

Just because I'm not getting full suspension (which I don't really need), or its missing some DuPont X22 Carbon Composite spokes...doesn't mean its a crap bike.

I'm looking at the Kona Hoss bike and the Grand Yukon. It will fit the budget and do everything I need it to, WITH clipless and disc breaks and good front susp. Thats all I need right now.

Laurenlex, next time you want to 'help someone out,' just know what your talking about before you hit the 'Reply to Topic' button...:roll:

 
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