Mountain Bike people: What's a good, inexpensive bike?

[notfred]

Something that I can buy fora couple hundred bucks that's not going to break real easily on me. I don't need full suspension or anything, but something with decent components would be nice. Used is fine, too.

 

[newbiepcuser]

What kind of riding will you be doing? some trail riding or maybe some downhill stuff?


Does this include the price of helmet, gloves, etc?

 

[RossMAN]

Budget?

 

[notfred]

I'll be riding on city streets and dirt trails mostly, not a lot of downhill. Let's say the budget is under $500, not including any other gear except the bike.

 

[Fausto]

Used is your best bet at that price point. You will get way more bike for your money.

Any of the bigger brands with a basic aluminum frame and front suspension should be fine for what you want. I wouldn't mess around with full-suspension unless you have more $ to spend. Cheap FS bikes tend to be boat anchors.

 

[RossMAN]

I would go to a local bike dealer and test ride a Specialized.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Fausto
Used is your best bet at that price point. You will get way more bike for your money.

Any of the bigger brands with a basic aluminum frame and front suspension should be fine for what you want. I wouldn't mess around with full-suspension unless you have more $ to spend. Cheap FS bikes tend to be boat anchors.

Any good brands to look at?

 

[Wheatmaster]

just get something at sportmart

 

[dartworth]

Specialized HardRock

liny

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: Fausto
Used is your best bet at that price point. You will get way more bike for your money.

Any of the bigger brands with a basic aluminum frame and front suspension should be fine for what you want. I wouldn't mess around with full-suspension unless you have more $ to spend. Cheap FS bikes tend to be boat anchors.

Any good brands to look at?

To be perfectly honest, there's not a tremendous amount of variation from brand to brand at that price. Trek, Giant, Specialized, Fisher, Kona, Cannondale, etc are all going to be very similar. It basically comes down to what just happens to appeal to you, there aren't really "bikes to avoid" unless you're talking about an inenexpensive FS bike, which you're not.

 

[notfred]

ooh... I like this one. Unfortunately, I always want things that are way out of my price range.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: notfred
ooh... I like this one. Unfortunately, I always want things that are way out of my price range.

LMAO...there's a local guy selling a SantaCruz Superlight for about $1100 that I'm almost considering.

 

[Papagayo]

Huffy makes the best bike..

Other expensive bikes are made from Weak aluminum, while Huffy is made with Strong steel...

It might weigh little more and harder to pedal, but it's tuff and cheap..

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Papagayo
Huffy makes the best bike..

Other expensive bikes are made from Weak aluminum, while Huffy is made with Strong steel...

It might weigh little more and harder to pedal, but it's tuff and cheap..

I seriously hope you're kidding.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: Papagayo
Huffy makes the best bike..

Other expensive bikes are made from Weak aluminum, while Huffy is made with Strong steel...

It might weigh little more and harder to pedal, but it's tuff and cheap..

I suppose you prefer bikes with pink streamers coming out of the handlebars too, right?

 

[Rallispec]

I am also looking at a new bike... 600 is about the absolute limit to what i'm willing to spend, but like notfred, i'd like to keep it cheaper. i'll be doing 90% riding on roads, but will be doing a few dirt trails and offroad things.


i'm looking at a used (barely) '03 trek 6700, perfect condition, for about 600 dollars.... Not sure if i should jump on this or not-- any thoughts?
by perfecet condition, i mean perfect.... maybe has 1 or 2 total miles on it.

possibly also considering a new trek 4100.

 

[Ryuson99]

Here's a couple of really good bikes:


Text1

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Tell me which one you like from the above links:roll:

 

[Fiveohhh]

I just bought a Raleigh M60 for $370 Works great for me, plan on getting a new wheelset to lighten it up as I come across some cash, but i'm happy with it. I wish I would have shopped around a little more, but I went to one LBS and just test drove 3 around the 400 range and liked this one the best. If I could go back I'd go to more shops and test ride more bikes. Also keep in mind extra things you may need: helmet, tools, car rack.... I wanted to get a used, but figured might as well support a local shop. The shop here also gives 1 free tuneup and free adjustments for 2 years also give liftime warranty on parts(I'm guessing its not the greatest warranty though). My next bike will most likely be used, or maybe a frameset, and build it up slowly...who knows

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Ryuson99
Here's a couple of really good bikes:


Text1

Text2

Text3

Text4

Text5

Text6

Tell me which one you like from the above links:roll:

*cough*

 

[Ryuson99]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: Ryuson99
Here's a couple of really good bikes:


Text1

Text2

Text3

Text4

Text5

Text6

Tell me which one you like from the above links:roll:

*cough*

you my friend are a funny looking guy

 

[ScoobMaster]

Hey notfred!

I am in the same boat! (so to speak ) I am also looking to get a new bike to replace my POS Walmart special (a Murray I got for $90 8 years ago!)

The entry level "not crap" seems to be about $300.

The two at my local bike shops that seem worthy are

- Trek 3700 (MSRP $299)
- Specialized Hardrock Sport (MSRP $330)

I am leaning toward the Specialized because it has thicker sidewall (read tougher and less likely to bend) rims. Other than that all things appear almost equal.

Others in the range I looked at:

- K2 Zed 1.0
- Schwinn Mesa
- GT Avalanche 3.0

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Ryuson99

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: Ryuson99
Here's a couple of really good bikes:


Text1

Text2

Text3

Text4

Text5

Text6

Tell me which one you like from the above links:roll:

*cough*

you my friend are a funny looking guy

And you still need to shut it. The adults are talking.

 

[Ryuson99]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: Ryuson99

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: Ryuson99
Here's a couple of really good bikes:


Text1

Text2

Text3

Text4

Text5

Text6

Tell me which one you like from the above links:roll:

*cough*

you my friend are a funny looking guy

And you still need to shut it. The adults are talking.

actually after seeing how many people wants new bikes I actually see the reasoning in having a new topic made.

oh and one more thing I will never STFU

 

[notfred]

So, what's up with single speed bikes?

I was actually thinking about it last night, how bikes are all 21+ speed... and it doesn't seem like that many speeds is really nessecary. It seems like a 9-speed bike or even a 3-speed bike would be plenty, and the simplicity of the single speed bike is kinda nice, but I don't know if 1 speed is enough. Anyone who actually knows abotu these things hav any opinion on them?

 

[jonnyGURU]

Being that I used to work in a bike shop....

Used is a great idea for that price range, but make sure you get one from a BIKE SHOP new or used. Having a non-professional assemble a new bike or tune up a used bike is like letting a 5 year old install a SCSI RAID card in your dual Opteron rig.... Only bad things can happen.