I am looking for a good mountain bicycle.?

Question

All two Wal-mart bikes which I bought recently started malfunctioning and don't run. Any ideas where I can get good 26' bikes that last, and are well made; not these Chinese cheaply made ones ?.

Answer 1

go to your local bike shop. they should range from about 300+ bucks. start with someting that suits your needs. I own a Klein, Specialized is good, everyone owns a Trek, Cannondale rocks, Gary Fisher is ok.

Answer 2

Well, I am a pretty hard core mountain biker and dirt jumper. In that price range (if wal mart is your price range)you aren't going to find a bike out of the entry level range. Entry level Kona, Trek, Specialized, Jamis bikes are pretty good. The only problem with an entry level is that your rear axle may break if you decide you want to ride a little more hard and down and dirty. Also the fork that entry level bikes come with are crap. They have, like, two inches of travel.
So after that, I suggest that when you go to buy the bike, get something like a specialized hardrock or specialized rockhopper or something. They are both mountain bikes, with decent forks, and a strong axle. It can be used on the road as much as you want, and it's not a REALLY heavy bike. Depending on what year model you buy, it's going to be a little over $300, but it's well worth it.
If you want to spend more, it wouldn't be a bad thing... Mountain bikes can range anywhere for 300 to $2000+.
But like I said, Jamis, Kona, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale... They are all great bikes, and I think you'll enjoy them.

Hope I helped!
Later.

Cher.

Answer 3

It sounds like you went on economy -- nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately cheap mountain bikes are usually unsuited for anything more than general cruising, or a flat fire road.

If they sell it with a kickstand, that's your first clue that you're dealing with a poor product.

To get a legitimate mountain bike, $500 is just about the minimum you would spend at a bike shop new on a closeout. People spend over $5,000 easily for a custom build. Most of the major manufacturers have an entry level bike that is decent. Fisher, Giant, Trek, Specialized, others...

I would look into the used market. You might get more for your money. Try Craig's list, or look for a store that sells trade-ins if you are not willing to spend $500 or more. Ebay is okay, but I prefer to see and RIDE what I'm buying.

Good luck!

Answer 4

it depends on your budget. if you are bent on finding a good bike, then go to a bike shop. Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Jamis, and Ironhorse are good brand names. these brands are made in the USA. be prepared to front at least $800 for a descent rig. better quality = more money, common sense, right? the more you pay, the stronger, and lighter the components are. a lighter bike makes the pedaling effort easier.

if you are on a lower budget. Try Dick's or Sports Authority. They have the same inventory, but see whats in stock. there are nice bikes for around $500. some higher, some lower, but all are much better than Walmart bikes. they also have a 1 year free service so you can get your bike tuned up for free within that time. their techs are fairly experienced. wouldnt trust them with my $2000 mtb, but they can do anything on the bike they sell.

Ironhorse bikes are the best deal, i think. They have good parts and cost much less than a bike of comparable quality.

Answer 5

You will not find a well made bike at Wallmart, Target, Sportmart, Sport Chalet, or any other Dept. store. If you really want a good 26" bike that will last, you need to go to a local bike shop that specializes in mountain bikes. I don't know where you live, so give the yellow pages a look. As far as brands go, you might want to look at either Specialized, Kona, Intense, Santa Cruz, or Turner. They all make good quality frames. You may also want to buy your bike online. Here's two of my favorite online sites:
http://wheelworld.com/
http://www.jensonusa.com/
Good luck with your search.

Answer 6

Go to a reputable local bike shop. They can put together a bike with the proper tools and know-how and sell a bike that fits your body and your needs. They always do minor adjustments to your bike as a courtesy for buying from them. Try that at Walmart and they'd call security on you. BTW, at prices below $500, you'll still get Chinese bikes but they'll be well-built Chinese bikes.

Answer 7

I recomend the Haro V-1 mountain bike. Its sales for about 300 new, but I got mine for about 175, becuase it was used. It's a 2004 model. This bike comes with a aluminum, 6061 T-6 frame, which is EXTREAMLY light. A front shock fork made by MoZo USA, which is adjustible. You can make it stiffer, or softer. And Shimono componets. It's effortless to pedal, and nearly effortless to carry as well. Front and rear wheels are Quick-release, same goes for the seap-post clamp. And it also comes with disk tabs, so you put some disk brakes on there as well, but only if you upgrade the rims. According to my uncle, the bike rides like a Cadillac compaired to his 600 dollor GT. Just remember to test ride befor you buy, so you can get a idea if the bike is "yours" or not. I'll tell you, i'm highly impressed with mine, thats why i'm recomending it to you. Its a light, inexpensive, and rock solid bike. I jump with mine, wheelie with it from time to time, even race the neighorhood kids on the trails, and its still rolling.

Answer 8

Try bikes made by Specialized and Giant. Those bikes are solid starts.

Answer 9

don't buy a bike at there. those aren't quatlity bikes.

a good mountian bike will cost between $600 and $2000+

jamis & specialized are all good starts.

you will be paying a bit more than the walmart bikes but they will last

you get what you pay for...

Answer 10

try bike nashbar or performance bike online. A bike I would recomend is the mongoose Amasa. Well built for the price but a little heave at 30lbs

http://www.mongoose.com/bikes/detail.php?id=480&brandLine=Pro_International&brandID=84