What type of mountain bike should I get?

Question

I'm looking for something cheap to start with (upto £150 or $300 US) I'll be using it on paths and gravel, slight hills etc for 2-3 hour cycles a couple of times a week to keep myself in shape. (I'm 25 and already reasonably fit by the way) No real offroading or downhill or anything like that, just simple A-B along tracks. Should I get Full suspension or just the front? Any particular bikes you could reccommend? What about buying second hand? Any ideas or suggestions much appreciated! Thanks in advance

Answer 1

I would say buy a hardtail (bike with only front suspension). Your budget will let you find some low-end nice hardtails. Look at Trek, Specialized, Giant, Marin, GT. Go to a bike shop, the difference between retail and dedicated shops are not only the bikes themselves, but usually also that the bike shop guys know more about what bike fits you best.

While you can get a 'nicer' used bike for the same price, if you don't know much about bikes you can get ripped off, either by selling you junk as a wonderfull, unique bike, or a bike that has had some falls and would need maintenance, or just to run away from.

If you're willing to buy from the internet, check Ibex bikes, they offer a very good bang for the buck.

Also, you will need to save some $$ for a helmet (but any 30 bucks helmet will work).

Answer 2

Whatever you do don't go to a department store for your bike. You get what you pay for.

Go to a bike shop. Now the money you want to spend isn't going to be enough for a quality bike. You'll have to spend another $200-$300 to get a good entry level bike.

I am partial to Cannondales. The F400 is a good hardtail bike and is ready for upgrades. To get a full suspension bike you'll have to add another $1000 or so to get one. Given that you'll be using in on gravel paths rather than on single track, the F400 should do you fine.

Again check with the bike shop. Some of them have bikes on consignment. You may find a deal. Also check with local bike clubs for bikes for sale. My club has a website that advertises bikes for sale. I am sure your local club does the same.

Answer 3

hey bloke, i would really suggest you getting a second hand bike from ebay or your nearest LBS, since you have a budget which is so strict .

150quid isnt going to get you a very good bike to be honest. but since you are just doing a simple A-B tracks you might as well forgo those FULL SUP, go get a regular hard Tail, cause with a budget like that the only full sup you are going to buy are those cheap china or taiwan made bikes and riding those will make you feel like a tank.

anyway, scout around those ebays and LBS, u might just find something you like. Having a bike is better than not ! enjoy the ride lad. Cheers

Answer 4

1) Get a used bike if you can.
2) You don't need suspension. The tires and your legs will provide enough suspension for what you will be riding.
3) Look in the local newspaper or find a bike shop that has used bikes.

Answer 5

Definitely go for a hard tail from a good bike company-Specialized, Gary Fischer, Trek, Cannondale, or Raleigh(there's others of course).
Of course all of these companies make high quality and crap bikes. I think that a bike such as the Specialized Hard Rock or Rockhopper would be good. Your best bet is to go to your local bike retailor.(not Walmart or Target etc)

Answer 6

You want to AVOID department store bikes ! They are junk that won't last. You can find an entry level mountain bike for around $300. If it does'nt have a quick release, it's probably a low quality bike. Find a Trek, Gary Fisher...

Answer 7

Buy second hand or go to Kmart or walmart they have cheap bikes. You are not serious enogh to spend big bucks so don't get full suspension, front will be fine. Enjoy:)

Answer 8

i would reccomend getting a Schwinn S60. no, its not top-of-the-line but it will work for the type of riding you want to do. its a begginner bike, good for getting the basics of off-road biking down. you can get it at Target for $250. it is dual suspension and has fairly large shocks for its price range. if you want sumthing lightweight though, get just front suspension- it will save a ton of weight, but wont give you as soft a ride.

Answer 9

dont go to a department store to get a bike that is just stupid. go to a real bike shop get what you can for your money and get properly fitted. it will make a huge difference as far as comfort and effeciency goes.

Answer 10

An affordable Schwinn or Trek would be good.Front suspension should be good enough.