Who Knows Mountain Bikes???

[paulk68]

i am looking to get a little more exercise by purchasing a mountain bike. the trouble is i know nothing about them. i am looking for something that is good on the road and maybe a little off road nothing to serious. my budget is 300 dollars , is that realistic?? what is a good bike for that price.
thanks for the help

[2Bad4Ya]

You could go with a Gary Fisher brand bike and be happy for your 1st mtb. However are you wanting a trail bike or really an urban bike? Mountain Bike covers a large range of bikes and without knowing what you really want out of the bike its hard to give a real suggestion.

I will say that Gary Fisher bikes a re solid name and they have their share of hi end bikes but they also have some entry models around your price range. I suggest visiting their website and or call them for input. They have solid customer service and solid bikes!

[twosaturns]

I worked in bicycle shops for 15 years as a tech, I've got some good ideas about this.
1. STAY AWAY FROM WAL MART. those aren't bicycles, they are chrap.
2. go to a bike shop and get something w/ few features. most bike companies have an entry level bike around $269-$329 that will get you started. at this price, they are all about the same, but avoid flashy chrap; if it has a suspension fork at this price, it's garbage, and they had to compromise somewhere else to get it on the bike at that price. if you can, get something w/ a traditional rigid fork at that price, it'll be lighter and feel better. cheap suspension forks cannot be repaired, they bottom out easily and ride horribly.
2. TEST RIDE IT. that is the only way to see if you'll like it. no matter what kind of 'deal' you get, if you don't like it, you won't ride it. try a bike the next level up as well, so you can 'feel' the difference. a $500 IS at least $200 better than a $300 bike, really.
3. try out a hybrid or city bike as well. they are faster and lighter, and may be all you need.

[SaturnVUEguy]

I have a Royce Union Isolator DS that I bought from a sporting goods store back around '99 - '00. Full suspension. Got a heck of a deal on it because of a sale and raincheck. Some things I'd like to upgrade on it though. I love that bike

[2Bad4Ya]

No offense to anyone, but stay away from Royce Union, Huffy, Fuji, etc... these are your typical sears/walmart bikes. There are some solid names that have entry lvl bikes available Trek, Giant, Gary Fisher, Specialized, and various others. I picke on Royce Union, because they have a history of recalls with their bikes, and I pick on huffy simply because they are huffy!

[sik68]

+1 Twosaturns

At $300, I don't think you're going to get very far in a bicycle shop. Perhaps you can find someone who is selling one on craigslist. It also needs to fit, so you could spend some time in a bike shop having them fit to you. Also determine if you want no/front/full suspension based on the type of riding you plan to do...adjust pricing accordingly.

[SaturnVUEguy]

No offense to anyone, but stay away from Royce Union, Huffy, Fuji, etc... these are your typical sears/walmart bikes. There are some solid names that have entry lvl bikes available Trek, Giant, Gary Fisher, Specialized, and various others. I picke on Royce Union, because they have a history of recalls with their bikes, and I pick on huffy simply because they are huffy!I haven't had any problems with mine! Other than the usual wear and tear from years of abuse.

I do agree with you though. I do have a Trek (don't remember which model) with no suspension, and it has been very reliable. I just prefer my Royce Union over my Trek, because of the suspension

[greencactus3]

i bought a $60 one at target to get me through the school year, and not cry about it if it gets stolen (happens often on campus)

i upgraded the unusable brake levers (plastic) before ever riding it
aand within a couple months i had bent both axles, got a BIG play in my front forks, both shifters broke.
and i dont even ride it all that hard.
i just spent $90 earlier this week to replace the shifters and while i was at it i upgraded to v brakes.
hopefully this will last me another year lol

oh, and i do regular maintenance and after i bought it i took it all apart and rebuilt it correctly (target doesnt know how to assemble bikes no wonder its free lol)

and yea... its just a damn cheap bike lol

[Damn True]

At that pricepoint you can find very basic hardtail Mtb from a place like a Performance or similar shop.

[70 Chevelle]

I 'm not an expert but I have a Specialized and LOVE it. Several of freinds also have them and have never had any problems. They are smooth as silk and can be had reasonably for the lower models.

[twosaturns]

http://genesisbicycles.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=4751

trek 3700 on sale, slightly over budget.

[LMDGUY]

do you have to get a heavy duty bike if your a bigger guy? 5,11 and 270lbs??

[dropit69]

why not check craigslist for a decent used one ..i have a giant brand ..yukon model ..i had for sale locally ..450 bike new ill take 100 bucks for it..

[mongoose]

yeah.. try and find a good used bike.. on pinkbike... or the like.. theres some good deals on there most of the time.. should be able to pick up a decent hard tail for 400...

[2Bad4Ya]

do you have to get a heavy duty bike if your a bigger guy? 5,11 and 270lbs??

Yeah over 200lbs you may want to look at something more solid. Kono makes the best +200lb bike, the kona hoss. My brother bought a used hoss 2 yrs ago and has recently been retired, it seen some hard use but held strong during his drop from 297lbs to 199lbs.

They call bikers over 200lbs clydesdales & Athenas

[paulk68]

thanks guys this gives me a very good idea of where to start i have a couple bike shops in my area that i will check out i just did not want to sound like a idiot when i went there. i want something that is good on country roads and some well groomed dirt paths. thanks guys

[mongoose]

i ride my sasquatch like no tomorrow.. and i'm a fat ass... hasen't broken yet...

but yeah.... getting a stronger bike is better.... getting a stronger wheelset is a must....

[mongoose]

thanks guys this gives me a very good idea of where to start i have a couple bike shops in my area that i will check out i just did not want to sound like a idiot when i went there. i want something that is good on country roads and some well groomed dirt paths. thanks guys

don't worry about sounding like an idiot.. if it is even a decent bike shop they'll pick out the right bike for you based on what kinda riding you do.. size.. price, etc.

[wills55]

I have a Specialized "Hardrock" its a hardtail and I love it. Bought it on craigslist for $150 and it had onl been ridden a few times. Buddies have Specialized "Epic Pro" and A Trek "69er", They are all awesome. Try to look for a brand like Specialized, Trek, Giant, Santa Cruz, Jamis. They are the big brand bikes, and they all have great quality. You are going to pay for what you get with a bike. Cheaper=less quality. Really try Craigslist, thats where you are going to find the best deals. As said above, test ride the bike! If you dont like the way it feels, and you arent comfortable you will not ride it and it makes riding less enjoyable. Good luck in you search.

[jerome]

Specialized hardrock is your best bet. The thing is a tank. Works well on-road, and won't break if you don't ride it hard offroad. The front fork on mine sucks, but I think they may have gotten slightly better, the new ones.

gripes: heavy (what do you expect out of a entry-level mtn bike, bad fork (good forks are expensive)

[Patrick]

Go to the best local bike shop you can find and see if they sponsor any teams.... Team members will get bikes very cheap or free and they sell them the same way.

I ride a Specialized Stump Jumper FSR ... with Holy Rollers and love it!!

[MonzaRacer]

Heck I have a Roadmaster 18 speed with new tires/tubes I never ride. It would really need a new chain bit it is rideable as it but I live inIndiana and not sure how to ship but I would let it go reasonable(heck I paid over $200 for it new back in ,what 99 or so.)
It would be a cheap one and it has a decent gel tech seat too.

[bl1tzw1ng]

Another vote(s) for Specialized or Trek. I started with a Trek and I loved it. Got a great deal on a Specialized Rockhopper last year so I bought it. 2 wheels disc brakes, 24 speed, and the worst seat ever:banghead: but I love the bike overall.

[Nessumsar]

I would say Giant or Specialized. I work at a shop where we sell Giant, and that's because the Giants tend to be little cheaper compared to equally spec'd competition. Also, Giant builds 90% of Trek's frames so the price on the Treks are a little higher, and they also have the "nike syndrome".
Giant has the Rincon:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/1260/29302/
At 430ish, its a little out of your price range, but it's money well spent.

And Specialized has the Hardrock Sport at 420ish:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32576

But your best bet is to check your local Craigslist or recycler.

[s4dustin]

I ride alot. Road and Mountain.

Here is the real deal:

Find a used bike. Many people go out and think if they spend $3000 on a bike they will be Lance Armstrong and that they will ride because they spent the cash.....in todays economy, you can pick up a great used bike. Check the recycler, craigslist.

I would start by going to a bike shop and having them fit you and test ride a few bikes. That will show you what size you need. Knowing that, shop used. I have bought 6 month old mtn bikes that retailed for $4k for $1700.00. Most bikes are never ridden to their potential. They can take a ton of abuse, most bikes sit.

You MUST buy a helmet. Buy the most expensive helmet you can afford. It will save your life and keep you cool The cooler you stay, the better you ride. Specialized is great, tremendous bang for the buck. I have had 4 Specialized Mtn bikes. You cannot go wrong. If you are overweight, dont worry about how heavy the bike is, the lighter YOU get, the faster you will go. If you find that you are passionate about cycling, you will end up getting a better bike. Also, those funny shorts we wear, make it a lot more comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the more you ride, the fitter and healthier you get. Look into local cycling clubs and sites like Mtbreview.com and roadbikereview.com. Lots of good info. If you like driving, all the lines going down the hills are the same....you can go FAST!

Dont buy new, buy used...better bang for the buck. Buy a helmet, shorts and go ride.

[s4dustin]

repost

[NOT A TA]

Paulk68 : I've owned a large bike shop in Shelton CT for almost 25 years. Since you're in CT. Stop in or call and I'll help ya out with whatever I can.

You can test ride mountain bikes, comfort bikes and hybrids to see what kind of bike you'd like and learn about sizing, gear and brake systems etc. Then you can make a more informed decision about what type of bike, sizing, equipment, and accessories you want and whether to look for used or new.

RAD ROB'S
90 Bridgeport Ave
Shelton Ct
203 924 2317

John

[paulk68]

Thank you all so much you have given me some great info to get started i will report back after i pick something up.

John: thank you very much and i will defanitley stop down after the 4th. i really appreciate it and look forward to meeting you

[paulk68]

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS??? IS IT A GOOD DEAL OR NOT SO GOOD.

Mongoose D60R - Excel. Cond. - Ride to work. Save on Gas. Awesome deal - $275 (Groton)

Reply to: [email protected] ([email protected]?subject=Mongoose%20D60R%2 0-%20Excel.%20Cond.%20-%20Ride%20to%20work.%20Save%20on%20Gas.%20Awesome% 20deal%20-%20$275%20(Groton))
Date: 2008-07-30, 3:43PM EDT



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif Very nice bike. Absolute best bang for the buck!

Don't pay $695 for lower end Chines model in store. Awesome deal for $275 - this the highest quality bike, made by Mongoose in Taiwan ISO certified factory. Mongoose D60R Racing - compare to similar models from Treck, Giant, Specialized, this bike features all high-end components, excelent quality, fit and finish.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif Maintained in top condition by the original owner, will last forever!

Gets compliments all the time. Ride to work, ride on the streets, ride on the trail - dual suspension and slick/knobby Kenda tires go anywhere, smooth on pavement, loose sand/gravel or need to jump curbs - no problem and no flats. Excellent commuter bike for 10-15miles and ride trailes on weekend.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif Over $1K in highest quality components. With this bike you get:


Rock Shox Jett Front Fork with adj. dampening/rebound
ToughShock rear shock absorber with adj. spring
Aheadset Alchemy Headset (DiaCompe)
Shimano V-Brakes
Shimano Index Shifters
Shimano Front (SI-R511A) and Rear (SI-F511A) Drives Shimano Rear Derailleur with MegaRange Gear
Mongoose Aluminum Dual Suspension Frame
Quick release front/rear wheels and seat post
Riserbars
Kenda Krisp 26" dual purpose knobby/slick on/off road tires
Sumo Wheels 26"https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif Original owner - have all the paperwork, instructions and manuals. You get:


Rock Shox Owner's Manual
Suspension Frame Manual
Mongoose Bicycle Owner's Manual
AheadSet DiaCompe Instructions
Shimano SI-F511A Front Drive System Instructions
Shimano SI-R511A Read Drive System Instructionshttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif Looks and rides great, very fast - don't wait, start riding today.


Check out more pictures of the bike here:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v24/djenyc/Mongoose/ (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v24/djenyc/Mongoose/) Click on reply link to email me with any questions, or to set up an appointment and check out the bike. Or call my cell 860-334-7396. Thanks. Ross
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[twosaturns]

it's not 'high end' at all, like he claims. straight up dept store POS tank.

[bigvegan]

It's a terrible deal. You're paying about full MSRP price for a used bike that originally sold at Wal-Mart.

(As much as I hate to be a brand snob, you do want to go to a bike shop to begin your shopping, as there's a HUGE difference in quality when you jump from the $200-400 range to the $500-$750 range.)

Here's some info about that bike - http://www.mtbr.com/cat/older-categories-bikes/bike/mongoose/d60r/PRD_349041_91crx.aspx .

One question I'd ask is if you really want a dual suspension bike?

If you're going to be doing a lot of downhill off-road riding, then you probably do.

If you're going to be doing mostly road and bikepath riding, you'll probably want a hardtail, as you lose a TON of efficiency with a rear suspension, which you'll really notice going uphill or on the road.

You can buy a solid new hardtail mtb for $500-750, especially if you're fairly new to the hobby, and you can find some great stuff used for less than that.

With the current popularity of biking, buying new may be a better bet, as it seems like people are asking ridiculous amounts for used bikes (at least here in L.A. on craigslist), and most people don't realize that bikes need regular maintenance, which means that your sweet deal can require a fair bit of tuning before it's really roadworthy.

Good Luck!

[scogin918]

I've ridden Cannondales for Time Trial/Tri-bikes as well as mountain and they handle like nobody's business.

[paulk68]

thanks fellas i will continue to look

[WS6]

I have to laugh at the don't buy Chinese junk get this Taiwanese built one.

Anyway, I found a Trek 4500 locally a couple weeks ago for $100. It's 6 years old I think the owner said. I now have another $70 into it. I felt like I got a good deal considering the area(college town with a huge bike following). I am bummed though that the front shock seems to be leaking.(Anyone got a slightly used take off that'll work for cheap?) I figure as long as it holds together and offers some movement/dampening it will be fine for me.

Good luck on your search.

[twosaturns]

I have to laugh at the don't buy Chinese junk get this Taiwanese built one.


although Taiwan IS technically Chinese, there is a HUGE difference between products, at least in bicycles. Taiwanese bikes may be hard to find anymore though, as China has taken over everything.
the Taiwan/China comparison is what Japan/Taiwan used to be in the '90's. Taiwan took over the market from the Japanese and now the same has happened to them.
as for Trek, too many of their bikes are now Chinese-sourced. most Cannondales are still made in Pennsylvania, but they have some Chinese models now as well.
unfortunately, there isn't any way to make a budget priced bike in the US.

[novanutcase]

I have a Cannondale F5 which is probably one of the most popular mountain bikes sold! I bought it because it was a good quality bike that has great resale value if I ever decided to sell it!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/09/CannondaleF56-1.jpg

My buddies downhill bike!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/09/prodimg4-1.jpg

John

P.S. My F5 was made in the U.S.A.

[paulk68]

well i found a used gary fisher wahoo the guy said he only rode it a few times for 200 dollars.

Or i can get a Trek 3700 for 300 brand new

what do you guys think ??

[mongoose]

i'd go for the fisher...

[NOT A TA]

I'm closing my store at the end of Nov. We're having a going out of biz sale till then. We're in Shelton CT. There's a bunch of mountain bikes still. Here's a newspaper story about it. http://www.connpost.com/ci_10986569?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com

[paulk68]

I'm closing my store at the end of Nov. We're having a going out of biz sale till then. We're in Shelton CT. There's a bunch of mountain bikes still. Here's a newspaper story about it. http://www.connpost.com/ci_10986569?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com


John i sent you a pm. let me know if you have something in the 300 dollar range, also very sorry to hear that you are going out of buisness.

[JohnUlaszek]

I worked in a bike shop for a few years.

The cheapest bike you get in a real bike shop will be better than the most expensive you get in a Wal Mart.

Trek/Gary Fisher are fantastic bang for the buck.