I want to buy a bike, but not sure about whether to get a mountain bike or a hybrid.
I am planning on mostly doing short suburban riding (to friends places, shops etc), some leisure riding along bike paths/rail trails etc, and some low impact off road stuff, i'm not really an extreme sort of guy. I'm hoping to increase my fitness so hoping to make riding a regular activity, but don't want to spend a heap maybe AU$400-500 at the most.
Also, which brands do you recommend?? Giant & Apollo have been recommended to me in my price range, do you have any others or what do you think of these?
And do i need suspension for the sort of riding i'm doing?
Thanks for your wisdom once again Y!A people, muchly appreciated.
2006-09-03 18:59:09 · 7 answers · asked by ants79 3 in Sports ➔ Cycling
For my American friends, AU$400-500 is approx US$308-385, and for my European friends it is approx 239-299 Euro's. Thanks.
2006-09-04 10:59:48 · update #1
A few months ago I researched the same thing and found Giant bikes to be rather good quality for the price.
Most people suggested rigid frame bikes as opposed to those cheap suspension frames and forks which are just plain crap unless you're looking at a $1,300 free riding bike.
I honestly ended up holding off on a bike. I still haven't made my purchase but when I do chances are it will be a Giant and a rigid frame. There will be less things to go wrong with it and a smother less squishy ride for where you plan on going.
One other bike I saw that I fell in love with was a Vicious Cycles "Motivator". It was nice and lite, strong frame, perfect fit. Link here:
http://www.viciouscycles.com/frames-motivator.php3
This thing was amazing, but out of my price range. Maybe you can check it out, I'm not sure if they are available by you.
Hope you find what you're looking for.
2006-09-03 19:15:02 · answer #1 · answered by dreft 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hybrid is the ultimate all around bike for riding around town and on the bike trails. I have ridden my racing bike in the mountain trails of Washington so I know skinny tires work fine. Just keep them pumped up to max recomended pressure.
Giant is an excellent brand as are most found in dedicated bike shops. The 400 - 500 dollar range is very competitive so you'll be ok with the bike you like the best. This is always the best yard sick when choosing amongst similar bikes.
HAve fun
2006-09-04 10:15:12 · answer #2 · answered by hlsj_99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go for a mountain bike. Search for a hardtail (they have only front suspension).
Giant is a good bike brand, I odn't know about Apollo. How much is AU$400-500?
2006-09-04 06:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just get a mountain bike.. you'll never know when there's a cliff you want to ride off of... you'll need the suspension then!
2006-09-03 19:02:14 · answer #4 · answered by Wai 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mountain bike, NOT hybrid. Hybrid bikes are like DVD/VCR/TV combo units, they don't do any one function as well as a stand-alone. Hybrids tend to be heavier/clunkier and have cheaper gears/derailleurs.
Can't help you on brands, I hear Klein's and Kona's are good.
Good luck!
2006-09-03 19:09:32 · answer #5 · answered by wupierto 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hybrid mountain bikes are usualy heavier
2006-09-03 19:01:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
mountain bike
2006-09-05 10:19:50 · answer #7 · answered by freeride 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋