Mountain Bike

[Shizelbs]

Thinking about getting a mountain bike. I need more to do outside. Any suggestions. I really have no idea who makes a good bike. I am guessing you can't really go wrong if you buy a reputable name, but, maybe there is a Bose of bikes. Anyways, I am looking to spend less than $800 or so. Any suggestions would be great.

[Mike682]

I know Trek makes really good bikes...You could pick up a nice Trek w/a nice & light aluminum frame for around $400-600. Not sure of the current model lineup...check their website..trek.com

Good luck..

Mike

[audiobliss]

I have a Trek (http://www.trekbikes.com/) bike and I love it. I've also looked at Specialized (http://www.specialized.com/) and Cannondale (http://www.cannondale.com/) . Cannondale makes some REALLY nice stuff, but they usually ask a REALLY nice price for it, too. Gary Fisher (http://www.fisherbikes.com/) also makes some good bikes. That's about all I know about bikes. :D Hope it helps.

[Shizelbs]

Thanks so far. I have been looking at Cannondale, Trek, and Specialized. I have some distant experience with Specialized and I remember really liking them. Keep the suggestions coming!

[phoneisbusy]

Shizelbs,

What sort of riding are you planning to do? Light recreational? trail? suicide downhills? road riding?

I've always like trek and specialized. Kinda wary of Cannondale and their really oversized Al tubing though.

Good luck with the search.

Dave

[spyderman]

Shizelbs,

I highly recommend Specialized. I ride the Rockhopper.

Considering that you'll be on it for at least a few hours, get the one that feels the best.

BTW, get used to falling down a lot..

Enjoy!

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by phoneisbusy
What sort of riding are you planning to do? Light recreational? trail? suicide downhills? road riding?

I would imagine 50:50 road:trails. I guess I want to be able to ride roads when need be, but without sacrificing any trail/downhill functionality. Its hard to say since I am really going to be totally new to this. All my past history is just riding my bike around from ages 5-15.

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by spyderman

I highly recommend Specialized. I ride the Rockhopper.


I have been looking at the rockhopper. Just what do you like about it?

[superbrett]

Uhmm...I hold Trek on the same level as Bose...overpriced...very cheap build quality...mass-produced.
Depending on your needs...I'd check out a higher end Giant, Cannondale, Specialized, or even K2.

My personal preference....Rocky Mountain or Ellsworth!
I ride a RM Carve.

[Shizelbs]

How high end are you talking there Brett?

[audiobliss]

I can't stand Giant...

[superbrett]

For around the $800 range...check out the NRS line from Giant, if you can, try and find last years model...it will save you some $$$ and the only thing changed was the color scheme.

Also check out MTBR.com, Bikemag.com. They have reviews and TONS of info on bikes, frame, components...blah,blah.

Another good choice...Gary Fisher...It's the sister company of Trek. But they make some decent stuff.

Ebay has some steals....but REALLY check out what you're getting into..(bent frames, crappy components... ect.)

[Shizelbs]

I am going to avoid ebay for bikes. Too much to go wrong during shipping and I have so little idea of what I am buying in the first place.

[superbrett]

smart boy...

[Shizelbs]

Are there any good review sites for bikes out there?

[superbrett]

www.mtbr.com

[Shizelbs]

Well why didn't you mention that earlier? :)

[spyderman]

Sorry, that was a brain fart. I ride the Stumpjumper. My friend rides the Rockhopper. I didn't like the feel of the Rockhopper. I found the Rockhopper to be too light, and loose, but it may be a good entry-level bike in your price range.

Pick three models, get fitted and do a test ride on each.

Pick the one that feels the best.

The Stumpjumper feels like an extention of my legs.

Superbrett is right about mtbr, it's another great site/forum.

[Shizelbs]

Unlike speaker retailers, I am going to guess there is no trade-up policy with bikes is there? I have no problem spending more if I know I will really get into biking, but, as a student, its hard to take too much of a gamble. Also, do bike shops ever offer deals on helmets/gloves/accessories if you buy them with the bike? I guess I could use a helmet recommendation. They all look the same to me.

[PolkThug]

I have a 13-year old Giant (Iguana). I've put it through hell, and the crank has suffered, forcing me to have it tightened once a year. Seems to be a pretty good bike, I just don't ride it enough anymore to justify actually fixing it.

Regards,
PolkThug

[Shizelbs]

Been checking out mtbr.com for a while now. Thanks for the link. Its got a pretty good forum going on. Keep the advice rolling in.

[superbrett]

I agree w/spidie on the fitting....make your local bike shop fit you for a bike, regardless of make, but be carefull....one manufactures 19.5 is the others 18.5...or large vs med....vice versa.

My local bike shop did a trade up for me....but I had got a fairly decent bike to start with, and It wasn't very old when I traded....so that may vary form loc. to loc.

All in all....it's a great hobbie...adn be warned...the "upgrade bug" is just as alive in bikes as it is in audio equipment....tends to get expensive fast.

just for the Drool factor alone....check out a Litespeed bike....www.litespeed.com...all I can say is wow!
(cant see dropping $6000 on a hardtail MTB...but they're hell of alot of fun to look at!)

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by superbrett
All in all....it's a great hobbie...adn be warned...the "upgrade bug" is just as alive in bikes as it is in audio equipment....tends to get expensive fast.

F*CK! Thats not what I need! :D

[tonyv1]

Bikes are my other vice! I've got 5 bikes, 3 road bikes, a touring bike and full suspension MTB. Just like in audio go to the specialist, your local bike shop. They'll fit you to a bike and make sure you properly setup (get bike shoes, running shoes DON'T count). They should work so kind of package deal for you.
If you go for the MTB just get slick tires for road riding and change back to knobbies for the trail. Also check for used bikes in your area. Lots of people try bikes and then quit.
My newest ride is a Leader LD 785R w/ Campy Chorus 2003 weighing in at 17 lbs. Yes, this hobby can get very expensive, but it's a healthy lifestyle.

[nadams]

I have a Giant Yukon SE and I love it. Had it for several years and put about 1500 miles on it by now. Not too many, but I haven't been riding much lately. It has the RockShox front fork on it, which is nice. I don't like the feel of full suspension bikes. They seem too soft when you're trying to climb and stuff.

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by tonyv1
Yes, this hobby can get very expensive, but it's a healthy lifestyle.

Thats my only justification for spending what could otherwise buy an SVS.

[Shizelbs]

Anyone familiar with Kona bikes?

[wlrandall]

Cannondale is my preferred choice.

Have you considered buying used? The better shops that do take trades usually have some really nice used ones for sale as well. Might be the way to go and if you stick with it, upgrade in about a year

[superbrett]

Kona makes nice stuff....kinda have the BC Freeride market cornered....Made in canada I belive.
Very respectiable bike!

[dorokusai]

I have run my Trek 7000, 15 years old, and simply upgraded parts over the years. I have tried to kill this bike, but it will not die. I'll build a new one, when the frame breaks, until then it's Trek for me.

Trek is the Bose of bicycles? That's one of the more ridiculous statements I have read lately, but whatever.

All the brands mentioned are fine bikes, just find one at a good price for your wallet. I think the $600 bracket will get you fitted very nicely.

[brettw22]

I have a Trek Fuel 80 and would TOTALLY disagree that trek bikes are cheaply made.

The biggest cost difference between the bikes that I was looking at was when I decided to choose the Full Suspension over the Front Suspension only.

When I got a bike, I spent another $300-400 on accessories. That's where ya don't even think about things.

DEFINITELY get a Camelpak and padded gloves!!! Those things are a godsend!!! I have an odometer, clip in pedals/shoes, gel cushioned seat, and then the handlebar extentions, helmet, and padded riding shorts. I also got that nerdy spotlight that you attach to your helmet. Last thing I wanna do is be in some remote area with no light......

[Demiurge]

Treks are real nice. I would have bought one, but my dad sold me his old Cannondale.

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by superbrett
Kona makes nice stuff....kinda have the BC Freeride market cornered....Made in canada I belive.
Very respectiable bike!

Ferndale, Washington. Just a few miles south of the Canadian border and home to my future in-laws. Yee-haw!

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by brettw22
I have a Trek Fuel 80 and would TOTALLY disagree that trek bikes are cheaply made.

The biggest cost difference between the bikes that I was looking at was when I decided to choose the Full Suspension over the Front Suspension only.

When I got a bike, I spent another $300-400 on accessories. That's where ya don't even think about things.

DEFINITELY get a Camelpak and padded gloves!!! Those things are a godsend!!! I have an odometer, clip in pedals/shoes, gel cushioned seat, and then the handlebar extentions, helmet, and padded riding shorts. I also got that nerdy spotlight that you attach to your helmet. Last thing I wanna do is be in some remote area with no light......

I am just going to stick with looking at the front suspension only. I have been on full suspension before and the feel is really weird. I'm not going to be doing any death drops, so, a hardtail should be just fine.

I have already thought about the added cost of the extras. No real big deal there. I figure gloves, bike rack, helmet, and maybe some shorts to start with. Anything else I can add over time.

[superbrett]

Sorry guys....still not convinced.
Plenty of MTBR posts will confirm...

Just for the sake of argument here....(no-one get all bent out of shape or pissed comprende~)
Have you ever REALLY compared the frame welds or seatstays or rear drop-outs of a "Terd" to something like say...Ellsworth, Santa Cruz or a Marin?
It's unreal, all I'm saying is....you get what you pay for.

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by wlrandall
Cannondale is my preferred choice.

Have you considered buying used? The better shops that do take trades usually have some really nice used ones for sale as well. Might be the way to go and if you stick with it, upgrade in about a year

I have considered used. I wish I had considered used audio gear, so, I will try to learn from my mistakes and apply them here. I need to go to the local shops and see what they have to offer. I am going to try and find some one last years models as well, but, those probably sold out many months ago.

[Willow]

bought my wife a giant can't remember the model its a tadd heavy but I will upgrade some of the components. I bought myself one too the rincon not bad not great but it does the trick comfotable easy to use...and rides nice...we are not hardcore rock hoppers but the occasional trail here and there and the road around the cottage. Good bikes for the price we got...as mentioned look at last years models !!

[jeremie]

In my opinion for 800 bucks you get what you pay for. You are not going to get a crappy bike for 800 bucks. Main thing to do is test ride the bike. Bikes are always upgradable so find a light weight frame with a good front fork on it since you will be doing 50/50 riding. No need for full suspension.

My MTB race bike is a 2002 Giant NRS Air which if i ever buy another bike it will be another NRS Air and my Road Race bike is a Cannondale R2000 with Dura Ace.


http://www.sunset-racing.com/meitz.html

[dorokusai]

Originally posted by superbrett
Sorry guys....still not convinced.
Plenty of MTBR posts will confirm...

Just for the sake of argument here....(no-one get all bent out of shape or pissed comprende~)
Have you ever REALLY compared the frame welds or seatstays or rear drop-outs of a "Terd" to something like say...Ellsworth, Santa Cruz or a Marin?
It's unreal, all I'm saying is....you get what you pay for.

If an ugly weld doesn't break, then it's as functional as the pretty one. We are not talking about a rocket ship here, it's a bike. I have seen some gorgeous welding work on bikes, it's a nice thing to behold.

I agree, you do certainly get what you pay for...isn't that a no brainer?

[flason]

Do you want front or full suspension? (oops..I guess you decided on front. That'll last till you find a really rooty trail!)Specialized has a 4 bar linkage in the rear that I believe has been purchased by other manufactures. It was on the short list when I looked for a full suspension bike, however, my full suspension rig is a Cannondale Super V 1000 FreeRide. I have a few thousand miles on it but never have used it for it's intended purpose. Not a lot of mountains here in FL but some of the trails I've ridden leads me to believe I would puss out on a mountain anyway. GT use to make a nice bike a few years ago but I believe they were bought out a couple of years back. The Kona's are very well built but have a long top tube causing you to stretch out a little. I have ridden a Marin East Peak and it was a very comfortable ride. Good luck on your quest but never turn the stereo off.

[Shizelbs]

Thanks everyone for their comments thus far. Keep them coming. I am learning my ass off over here. I will not have a chance to get to my local bike shop for another week or so, but in the meanwhile I am going to keep reading as much as I can. Again, the more comments and advice the better. Any advice on helmets, or pretty much just spend as much as I can/want without getting ridiculous?

[danger boy]

Shelby, if you need or want a biking partner. lemme know.. i am always looking for someone to ride with.. and i know a few hardcore riders if you're up for that too. as for me.. i'm pretty much non suicidal... i stay on the pavement.. as best i can. ha ha ha.

[Loud & Clear]

I own and operate a Trek 7500. Great bike, go anywhere anytime. Highly recommended, but then again I recommend any bike. Just do it, you know?

[exalted512]

a few years ago i did a lot of research on a bike...i only had about half of what youre spending, but i went with Raleigh, I havent upgraded it yet except for the back tire...those 'V' brakes theyve been putting on bikes for the last 10 or so years will send you over the handle bars if youre not careful...ive done it before...
the brakes are also the reason why i had to get a new back tire...i wore all the rubber off making too quick of stops...
-Cody

[audiobliss]

haha; yeah, I have a few smooth spots on my back tire from stopping; I'm afraid they weren't accidental, though. :D However, I did actually predict that the front brakes would send me flyin', so I haven't used those.

I have a Trek 820, and the only problem I've had has been when I accidently turned the front wheel way too far while going down a hill; the wheel jerked all the way around and messed up the fron brakes a little.

Anyhoo, I hope you find something you like.

[Shizelbs]

Originally posted by danger boy
Shelby, if you need or want a biking partner. lemme know.. i am always looking for someone to ride with.. and i know a few hardcore riders if you're up for that too. as for me.. i'm pretty much non suicidal... i stay on the pavement.. as best i can. ha ha ha.

Deal.

[bikezappa]

I didn't see this thread until now. I would have respoded sooner. I have toured (cross country) bike raced and coached a professional bike team for 15 years. I have had over 10 road bikes and one mountain bike. I don't do much mountain biking, just road, however my advice would be the same.

Don't buy your first bike from mailorder or department store regardless of the price.

Find a good bike store close to you that has been in business for over ten years. Tell them what you want to do with the bike, how much riding you want to do and how much money you have. Try out a few bikes in the parking lot and see how they feel. You will know what you like. The bike shop will fit you to the proper bike size and will tune it up for free after a month.

If you join a local bike club they usually will give you 10% off bikes and other stuff. Clubs and bike shops work together. I encourage you to joint a bike club, much fun and tips for riding and they show you good places to ride together.

With the bike you buy get a water battle and holder and small bike bag with tire irons, spare tube, patch kit and put a $20 bill and some $1 bills. Also put a package of M&N's in the bag for hunger when there are no stores. That should keep you out of trouble for a while. Later you can decide what else to buy.

Have a blast!

[cfrizz]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dorokusai
[B]I have run my Trek 7000, 15 years old, and simply upgraded parts over the years. I have tried to kill this bike, but it will not die. I'll build a new one, when the frame breaks, until then it's Trek for me.

ROFLMAO!!!! Now that's a well built bike!!! Good luck in your future attempts to break it! LOL:D

[cfrizz]

Get a helmet that is a good fit to your head, has plenty of breathing holes and is comfortable. Also don't forget to get a Kryptonite bike lock, a water bottle holder, and to register your bike with the Police Dept.

Also give the bike a test ride to make sure it's comfortable & you can handle it well and that the gears change easily. And padded bike shorts or not be prepared to have a very sore butt until it gets used to sitting on the seat!

Originally posted by Shizelbs
Thanks everyone for their comments thus far. Keep them coming. I am learning my ass off over here. I will not have a chance to get to my local bike shop for another week or so, but in the meanwhile I am going to keep reading as much as I can. Again, the more comments and advice the better. Any advice on helmets, or pretty much just spend as much as I can/want without getting ridiculous?