Need some advice on buying a new Mountain Bike

[Cook1]

Well my Trek 820 finally bit the dust last week. Had it for about ten years so I'm waaaay out of the loop when it comes to bikes. Basically, what brands are considered better then others? I know Trek and Specialized are ones to take a look at, any others? Also what else should I watch out for?

 

[saltedeggman]

go with roadie

 

[notfred]

There are plenty of good bikes out there. How much do you want to spend and what kind of riding do you want to do?

 

[Cook1]

Looking to spend no more then $400 on it. In the Spring/Summer/Fall I use it as my main mode of transportation, but also will take it up to my grandparent's cabin and ride it all around the trails in the woods and such.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Cook1
Looking to spend no more then $400 on it. In the Spring/Summer/Fall I use it as my main mode of transportation, but also will take it up to my grandparent's cabin and ride it all around the trails in the woods and such.

I'd try and get one of these. I kno the MSRP is a little above $400, but most shops sell them below MSRP.

 

[LeadMagnet]

want another Trek 820?

 

[Cook1]

Looking for something with Front suspension actually, but if it came down to it, I wouldn't mind getting another 820. Was a great bike.

 

[mercanucaribe]

I love the way the low end Specialized MTBs look. They can be had as low as $250 I think.

Edit: Don't get anything with a Suntour fork. Get a Rox Shox.

 

[Cook1]

Out of these, which is the best value...having some troubles finding a store that has a variaty of brands. Seems that they only have 2-3 brands per store.

'05 Specialized Hardrock Sport

'05 Raleigh M40 DX

Trek 3700

Trek 4300

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Cook1
Out of these, which is the best value...having some troubles finding a store that has a variaty of brands. Seems that they only have 2-3 brands per store.

'05 Specialized Hardrock Sport

'05 Raleigh M40 DX

Trek 3700

Trek 4300

Out of those, I'd get the trek 4300. Trek's MSRP on it is $470.

 

[Cook1]

Ok, a stupid question because I don't want to look stupid going into the store. Frame size, I'm not too sure what to be looking there, I'm 5'5" or 5'6" on a good day.

 

[saltedeggman]

You should go to a LBS (local bike shop) where they offer testride, and choose the size that you feel the best with. There isn't really a "perfect" formula on calculating the right size for you

 

[Kitomaru]

I agree, very nice bike.

 

[Cook1]

Originally posted by: saltedeggman
You should go to a LBS (local bike shop) where they offer testride, and choose the size that you feel the best with. There isn't really a "perfect" formula on calculating the right size for you

Awesome, thanks for all the advice guys!

 

[saltedeggman]

you can also consider cannondale, klein, gary fisher (but they usually cost more)

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Cook1
Ok, a stupid question because I don't want to look stupid going into the store. Frame size, I'm not too sure what to be looking there, I'm 5'5" or 5'6" on a good day.

Probably about a 15" frame, but test ride one and make sure it fits you.