Getting Mountain Bike soon...Any advice?

[MisterT]

Dumb question I know, but I don't want to be taken to the cleaners. I want something around $200-300 and am getting advice from coworkers and such. This weekend I am going to get fitted for one (I am 6'4). I just know of a few brands and was told that Shimano parts are really good. Also, been thinking of getting one on Ebay used or new, but want to know what to look out for. This will mainly be for trail riding and riding around downtown areas and parks and such, so no serious off roading. Any advice from any one greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced.(bike)

 

[KYMP5]

go with a Giant bike. Im 6'6" and i love mine. They use shimano parts and are very durable bikes for a great price. Easily upgraded too. When i used to race all i ever rode was Giant, very sweet bikes

 

[azeli73]

Great place to read about all types of bikes. I'm riding a Azonic DS1 frame so what I have is not what you are looking for...

http://www.mtbreview.com/

 

[Dre]

Yes, Shimano components are good. I can go into great detail about every component and option on a bike, but for what you're looking for, all you need a decent package. Look for names like Giant, Specialized, Trek, KHS, Mongoose, Iron Horse, heck I could go on and on.

When I built my bike from the ground up, years ago, it would've retailed for about $6,000. Lucky for me I worked in a shop and new people. Then the place shutdown and I never ended up paying for the bike. Anyways, that's another story.

Have a look at this for starters: http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2004_hardtail/index_byprice.shtml

 

[Prodigy]

I'd say "Go onroad (boom03) "

haha. Giant and Specialized are the two biggies. Shimano or nothing (mostly).

I don't know too much about the off-road bikes but I'm here for assistance.

-Chris



here's my bike - Specialized Allez (Shimano 105)

 

[Prodigy]

I can post a better pic later.. but it's not needed..(showoff)

 

[zmepro]

Coming from someone who spent nearly $5000 on a bike, i would say don't be cheap. what i mean is, don't go to kmart and buy some bad huffy. buy something in the $300-$500 range and you will be MUCH happier with it. You get what you pay for. My $5000 bike rides super smooth (its a rocky mountain freeride bike) but for like $400 you can get a GOOD bike (trek, gt, schwinn, giant (good buy, lots for your money))
I would suggest a giant personally. If all you plan on doing is riding it around, get a big frame if you are tall. front shocks are nice, (manitou, marzzochi, rock shox) nearly all the components are going to be shimano, but SRAM makes good parts too, with either of those you are set.

Make sure you don't buy things you don't need too. If you arn't going to be riding in rough weather or pushing the bike to hard, you don't need hydrolic discs (almost $400 on their own)

but don't cheap out either. get something that will last you, and you GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. just remember that.

 

[Stormtrooper77]

MMMM, hydraulic brakes...I miss my Sex Too.

 

[ards]

There would always be a big difference when choosing a bike between a full suspension and hard tails.

 

[Swerny]

Coming from someone who spent nearly $5000 on a bike, i would say don't be cheap. what i mean is, don't go to kmart and buy some bad huffy. buy something in the $300-$500 range and you will be MUCH happier with it. but don't cheap out either. get something that will last you, and you GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. just remember that.

I agree, an entry level bike from the big companies (Trek, Specialized, Giant, Gary Fisher, Kona etc) is the way to go vs. a department store bike.
Find a local bike shop (LBS) and buy from there. You will probably need an XL or 21 inch frame. I would advise to stick to a hardtail (no rear suspension) if you're staying on road for the most part. Saves you weight, maintenance, and $$.
You may have to spend more than $200-300 though.
Good luck !

 

[MisterT]

Huffy eh? LOL That was my first bike as a kid. Actually my 2nd, as the first was a "Western Flyer" by True Value. The chain would pop off and I would go flying in to the woods in to a bunch of sticker vines growing on the trees! I'll check out the websites. Thanks all!

 

[MisterT]

I like the TREK 3500. That is pretty sweet and a good price!

 

[ards]

Just in case you get bikes from a department store like Wal-Mart, those bikes aren't for off-roading. There's a warning sticker on the frame itself. I think they're only good for paved roads. Trek is a good choice as well as the rest of the bikes MisterT mentioned. I usually ride Alaskan mountain trails and department store bikes is a big no-no because your life depends on your bike.

 

[MisterT]

What about bike racks for the car? Will the fit if you have a factory spoiler? I have a sunroof with the wind deflector, so a roof mounted one may not work either.(uhm)

 

[redwagon02]

I have a sunroof with the wind deflector, so a roof mounted one may not work either.(uhm)

I have a sunroof also. I just used a fairing.

 

[BMC]

I've had Trek bikes my whole life. I would highly recommend them. http://www.trekbikes.com/home.jsp