Tell me about bicycles

swerve

So I took up running the past week. My g/f wants to take up biking. So after shelling out nearly 350 on new running gear I have to buy a bike now without breaking the bank. I have no more than 150 to 200 dollars for this.
We will ride streets and some trails pretty heavily once summer begins.

I am a larger guy 6'4" - 250... and I would like to know what type of bike to look for.

Thanks,
Adam

dorokusai

I'm a Trek fan but Specialized is another decent choice. The Rockhopper/Stumpjumper(MTN) pop into my head but I'm not sure of pricing. Keep your eyes on the local Craigslist for a deal on something used.

exalted512

are you looking for a mountain bike or a road bike or just a casual bike?
-Cody

swerve

i'd say mountain bike or casual.

Bill Ayotte

I used to sell Trek, and the 7200 is a good choice for casual riding. It was about $199 if I remember right. The navigator 200 is basically the same thing, only with fat tires. I will find a link to the new one in a second.....

goingganzo

in that price range you can get a striped down quality bike treck,gary fisher or you can get a bike from a non bike store with tons of features but very cheap. i say get a 300 buck gary fisher /trek bike and it will last you for years.my old treck lasted me 10 years now i have a ho ko eako by gary fisher speklled wrong

Bill Ayotte

Sorry, it has been a while.......It has changed to the 7.2FX......here is the link. There is a women's specific design as well. You're probably a 21" frame size, they will most likely fit you there.....If they don't, don't bother with that place.
http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1323010&f=26

dane_peterson

I've owned three Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo's in the past.... a 1990, a 1996, and a 2006. All were fantastic, though out of your pricerange. The entry level Gary Fisher would be a great choice.

Willow

Well you could always look for a deal on last years models. That is waht we did when we bought our Giant MTBs I think I saved about 250$ on my wife's and about 300$ on mine. So for 1300$ worth of bikes we ended up paing about 700$ i know it's more than you mentioned but the point is look as clearance of last years models.

bobman1235

If you actually mean "pretty serious" trail riding, there's no way you're going to get anything worth your time in the 200 dollar range. A decent mountain bike will run you at least 5.

Check the used market, craigslist and whatnot. Should be lots of failed New YEars resolutions popping up any time now.

dorokusai

Yep, Gary Fisher....forgot about that one and that's what I bought for my wife, ugh.

I've tried to kill my Trek for many many years and it refuses to die.

wodom1

Specialized Hard Rocks are a good deal, but they start around $350. I've heard they are very good bikes for the money. Check out a local bike shop and avoid buying anything at a big box store (Target, Wal-Mart, SportMart, etc.).

bikezappa

bobman1235 wrote:

If you actually mean "pretty serious" trail riding, there's no way you're going to get anything worth your time in the 200 dollar range. A decent mountain bike will run you at least 5.

Check the used market, craigslist and whatnot. Should be lots of failed New YEars resolutions popping up any time now.

He is correct. Used is your only hope. You need to know how to fit the size of the bike to your body and at 6'4" there are few bikes used that will fit you.

Bottom line you need more $ or get lucky.

Sorry

daboyz

No Schwinns? I had a real nice one with a banana seat, four aces for the spokes(vroom,vroom), all the upgrades for probably 50 bucks. Best bike you could ever have!

swerve

i guess i don't mean anything too hardcore when I say trail. i just know absolutely nothing about bikes thanks for all the info thus far.

dudeinaroom

Treks are awesome, but I am happy with my Schwinn I Don't ride extreme, so it will last me forever. You can get a decent Schwinn pretty cheap.

Rivrrat

If you want a decent bike in that price range, I'd start looking on Craigs List.

I used to ride a lot, and IMHO, you aren't going to find a good quality serious rider for a couple of hundred new. Maybe back in the 80's or early 90's, but not now.

ESavinon

No Gt fans here?

apc

Trek's are great, but don't forget to compare Giant. Many consider them to be equals, yet slightly less expensive.

Demiurge

You won't get a bike comfortable enough for your frame at that price new.

Used market is your best bet. Good luck.

For what it's worth, I love my Specialized.

liordra

As a larger man, I'd advise you to pick up a bike which is one level of aggression more then what matches your intended use. if you are going to primarily do cross-country riding, I'd get a light trail bike. if you're gonna do light trail I'd get an aggressive trail bike. and so on. (all mountain - free ride - down hill). when you do streets (urban) , you end up getting carried away and might even attempt 1 -2 ft drops, so you need wheels , suspension and frame that can handle the load.
if you do not want to over extend your budget I'd consider a used one (buy only after an experienced mechanic checks the frame).

good luck

krabby5

I'm 6'3" and I can go anywhere from 225 up to 265 (depending on the year:eek: ) and I've had a Specialized Hard Rock Comp for 5 years. The wife has a slightly lower version as well..

I think I paid $500 or so...there are probably a ton on craigslist, but as someone else pointed out, you'll need the 21" frame..

great bike and I don't have to worry about breaking the damn thing during my "fat" months..:D

liordra

Specialized Hard Rock is a fantastic model.
its specialized's "do it all" model. sturdy and solid.
I have ridden a Hard rock for two years. I still miss them.

Demiurge

Yep, mines the Hard Rock Pro.

I'm 6' 6" and around 265. I ride that bike damn near every day during the Spring, Summer, and Fall.

They can definitely take it.

zombie boy 2000

Demiurge wrote:

Yep, mines the Hard Rock Pro.

I'm 6' 6" and around 265. I ride that bike damn near every day during the Spring, Summer, and Fall.

They can definitely take it.

Damn... I thought all indie scenesters were 5'11' and 135 dripping wet:D
Way to smash the stereotype:p

bikerboy

A mtn bike with 26 wheels and big tires will help with durablity. CL would be the first place to find a better quality used model a few years old for half price. Make sure it is a 21" or 22" frame. Good luck and have fun.

Willow

apc wrote:

Trek's are great, but don't forget to compare Giant. Many consider them to be equals, yet slightly less expensive.

That is what we did and ended up with Giant x2

Schwingding

You've gotten some pretty good advice, but I'm here chuckling because I just bought a single bicycle wheel for $1400.

liordra

Schwingding wrote:

You've gotten some pretty good advice, but I'm here chuckling because I just bought a single bicycle wheel for $1400.

Who said that the law of diminishing returns applies to hi-fi only

bobman1235

A single wheel for 1400 dollars.

That's just dumb.

You can buy the Lance Armstrong bike for like, 3500.

liordra

bobman1235 wrote:

A single wheel for 1400 dollars.

That's just dumb.

You can buy the Lance Armstrong bike for like, 3500.

I guess for some people spending more then 500$ for a hi-fi audio system is also dumb.