Looking to purchase a Mountain Bike soon...

Conradicles

Just looking for some help in deciding what brand and model of mountain bike to get. Nothing hardcore needed, just something to ride and help me keep in shape.

Trying to stay below $300.

Links or pictures would be great as well as past experience.:cool:

Thanks folks!
Eric.

blockatvalpo

I was in your shoes a couple of years ago and now I’m addicted to biking. Maybe I can help you avoid some of my mistakes.

1. Where will you be biking (dirt trail or pavement)?
2. Do you plan on going from <5 mile bike rides to 25+ rides?

If you said dirt trail, get a mountain bike.

If you said pavement, skip the mountain bike and get a hybrid or road bike (lots of options here).

I went from a mountain bike (pavement) to a road bike in less than a year, because the mountain bike did not fit my needs. My advice to anyone getting a bike is to go to your local bike shop and get fitted. Most will “fit” you to a couple different brands and they’re pretty good about staying within peoples budgets. I bought both of my bikes from Performance Bike (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/TopCategories_10052_10551_-1) and if you have one near you, check them out. You’re looking at the right time of year, because like cars, last years models go on sale

cheif pontiac

That is some sound advice from Blockatvalpo. I have spent many years working in a shop and for manufactures. $300 does not go too far nowadays on a bike, you don't have to move too far up though. For around the neighborhood $400 can do it.

As stated before, how do you envision yourself riding? On trails? what type? Those maintained by parks that may be paved or grated? neighborhood riding or riding on single track trails over rocks and roots?

Bikes for neighborhoods smooth trail riding can come in a 26 inch wheel style like a mountain bike or comfort bike, also a 700c (27inch) like a hybrid. I usually ask people if they plan to ride more than 10 mile or 1 hour each trip or under that. A 26 inch wheel bike will be fine for under that and provide a little more comfort and stability. Longer rides 10 miles or more than an hour you should consider a Hybrid. If you plan to be more serious and ride 20 miles plus or do charity rides like the tour de cure, a high end hybrid or road bike will be needed and of course that is much higher than a $300 budget.

Bikes come in different frame sizes from a bike shop and will fit better adding more comfort to your ride. Bikes from Walmart or sporting good stores are 1 size fits all and not as comfortable or efficient.

A shop can size you and let you take some bikes on a test ride to see what style you like best. I would recommend looking at a trek 3900 or 4300 for mountain bike a Trek 7200 for hybrid and a Trek Navigator 200 for a comfort bike. www.trekbikes.com. These are all under $550

thuffman03

Here is a very nice bike forum I go to every once in a while when I think I want to start biking again. They have a good membership and can give you a lot of info on different bikes and were to buy.

http://www.bikeforums.net/

Conradicles

Great info and many thanks!

I see myself riding around the local neighborhoods with my kids on pavement and gravel, and then if I find I really like it, would probably get a better bike for trails and mountains.

My thinking is start with a budget bike in case it just sits around and collects dust, which is likely.

Polkitup2

Conradicles wrote: »

Great info and many thanks!

My thinking is start with a budget bike in case it just sits around and collects dust, which is likely.

That's what my and the wife's bikes do. They have more miles on them from me moving them around the garage because they are in the way than actual road/trail miles. :eek:

blockatvalpo

Conradicles wrote: »

Great info and many thanks!

I see myself riding around the local neighborhoods with my kids on pavement and gravel, and then if I find I really like it, would probably get a better bike for trails and mountains.

My thinking is start with a budget bike in case it just sits around and collects dust, which is likely.

I still recommend going to a bike shop and telling the salesperson what you're looking to do and what you're looking to spend. They're not on commission, so you should be able to walk out of the shop with a bike that's within your budget or really close to it. Shops have lots of different options and the best part is, you'll end up with a bike that's comfortable. Most people quit because their bike doesn't fit, which causes all sort of pain and knumbness.

Another plus to buying it at a bike shop is, some give you free tune-ups for the life of the bike and some give them to you for a couple of years. Depending on your bike shop, that's a savings of $50-75 a year.

Check out these pavement bikes at performance bike http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/SubCategory_10052_10551_400307_-1_400001_400001. If you have a store near you, go in a ride a few bikes. The GT Vantara is $219.99 and it comes with free tune-ups. Target or walmart might have a bike that's close to that price, but you won't get the tune-ups and when you buy it from a shop, you know it's put together correctly.

I also second visiting www.bikeforums.net. There is a lot of good information over there if you're willing to take the time and find it.

mantis

For that kind of money check out GT , they make fantastic bikes nicely equipped and awesome for beginner riders. Then with in their line up , you can move up the ladder and get a more suited bike once you figure out what kind of rider you are.

This is the bike I suggest you check out.
http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/Bikes/Mountain/Details/5880-G10AGR26-Aggressor

It's very close to your budget not to mention I'm sure you'll find it for 299.99 somewhere. Now if your willing to spend a little more and get much more check out this model.

http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/Bikes/Mountain/Details/5890-G10AVA3D-Avalanche-3.0-Disc

This is a well equipped bike that could last you for years and years. Disc brakes are very nice and work better when it's wet muddy or what have you.

Good luck finding a bike , I have been riding for years and Love it. I also ride GT I have a Avalanche 2.0

Dan

TNRabbit

Ditto to the above, but educate yourself on what you need & find a GREAT used bike on eBay or Craiglist locally. You can get fantastic bargains in expensive bikes when folks upgrade. The guy I bought my Cannondale full suspension from had put $3600 into it; I paid $900....

billbillw

If you want a bike that can be used on a real mountain bike trail, you won't find anything useful for $300 unless you go used.

Fortunately, Craigslist is filled with good used mountain bikes, many of which have sat most of their life. Try to find something about 10 years old, a hardtail would probably be better for your use. Look for something at least Deore LX, XT or XTR components. Anything lower is probably designed to be more of a recreational bike. There are so many brands, its hard to tell you what to look for specifically.

fatchowmein

Conradicles wrote: »

My thinking is start with a budget bike in case it just sits around and collects dust, which is likely.

You need friends and I don't mean that in a derogatory way. I recommend you go find a local bike store or bike club. They usually have a group ride. Rent a bike and go with them a couple of times. See if you like the group or a couple of folks who are near you that you can ride with on days when the shop group isn't riding together. The experienced folks will show you around plus there's safety in numbers. Once you enjoy the social ride and have a desire to do it on a regular basis, then go get a bike based on the group you're riding with and what they recommend. Sometimes, the novices in your riding group want to advance to a better bike and they're looking for someone to sell theirs to at a steep discount. Otherwise, get the cheapest bike you can find to ride around the neighborhood with your kids because it will collect dust.

+1 on Performance Bicycle

gdb

Going with the kids?? Get a fat tire,single speed cruiser w/coaster brake ! (The kind you can just hop on and GO !);)

treitz3

Eric, call me. I have over a quarter of a million miles on these legs cycling and to try to post my advice would just take too long. I have a new number, so you won't be able to reach me on the old one. Try me at 806-386-2949. If you can't reach me there, PM me your # and I'll give you a jingle.

Before anybody else offers warnings about posting a phone# on the net, I know, I know. I can change it within minutes if a caller gets annoying. I ain't scairt.

Conradicles

New # saved bro.

rayslifecycle

Conradicles

I too have had many many years on the bike (my blog with tons of info on this is in the sig).

I recommend starting with your local bike shop.....at least to try out some bikes. If they sell used bikes you will certainly find something within your budget that is ready to ride and can be fit to you. If not and they have nothing for less then $379, spending a little more now can save you a lot of money over the next year.

Some pros of buying in shop:

Shop assembled bikes come with a warranty, a maintenance plan varying from 1 year to lifetime and are assembled properly from the start. After 10-20 hours of riding. Your new cables will stretch and this will require a tuneup for brakes and gears to work properly - cost if you buy online or mailorder- 80-100 bucks....

If you buy a mountain bike in a shop, you can usually get them to switch out the knobbys for road tires (for free) making the bike easier to pedal and allowing you the option in the future to try off road. Bike shops will also usually switch out a seat or stem (handlebar clamp) of eq. value for one that may be more comfortable to you for free.

Bike shops will usually give a discount if you join a group or club in your area (5-10%), and joining that group is a fun way to get started and learn about riding while also having an event to look forward to and meet new people. This is a great way to keep your bike from being more then a way to hold up your shovels and rakes in the garage.

Instead of asking for a discount, (there is very little markup on bikes) ask for a water-bottle and cage instead - these items cost the shop little, you will probably want one soon and they usually have the shop logo. A salesmen in a good mood may just throw it in. The installation of all accessories should be free at the time you purchase the bike.

Do not go to a department store. Their bikes are of poor build quality, have no maintenance plan, no qualified sales staff, no mechanics, are usually difficult to get a warranty honored and are unsafe.
I did an article on this:
http://rayslifecycle.blogspot.com/2010/04/walmart-bicycle-vs-bike-shop-bicycle.html

You will also need a pump: see these articles on tire pressure: (article 1)(Article 2)and lube: see this article: Lube, It makes life better.

Craigslist and garage sale bikes can be a great way to go, but I recommend having a knowledgeable friend go with you so you don't buy a bike that needs tires and a tuneup......easily $200. No matter what, it will probably need something - expect at least a $50 shop cost for something to be adjusted.

Good luck
Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Conradicles

rayslifecycle wrote: »

Do not go to a department store. Their bikes are of poor build quality, have no maintenance plan, no qualified sales staff, no mechanics, are usually difficult to get a warranty honored and are unsafe.

Thanks for confirming my thoughts!!!

This thread is full of great information and I really appreciate the time and knowledge you all have provided.:)