Can someone suggest a good mountain bike for me?

Question

I have only a $500 budget so most of the high end bikes are out of my range, but I am thinking I can get something decent for that price.

Answer 1

Go to any bike shop, they will be able to find a good entry level bike and make sure it properly fits you. Another alternative is to ask around for a used bike (but make sure you are able to try it out first). Any of the well known companies (Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Specialized, Gary Fisher, Raleigh, Scott, KLM, etc.) will have bikes in your price range. You will want to try several of them out to make sure they are the right size. Do not buy a bike from an on-line source unless you know without a doubt that you are getting the right size.

Answer 2

First, decide what you want. If you want disc brakes, for $500 they're probably going to be wire-driven - not hydraulic. That's probably good enough.

Do you want a hardtail or a soft tail? I like hard tails because they run cheaper. You can get better components for the same money. For $500, the only bike you'll find will be some cheap, heavy thing that bounces too much.

Do you want a front shock or rigid fork? 25 inch wheels or 29? (29 inch wheels are getting popular, so you might somehow be able to bargain a better bike with 25 inch wheels, but then again maybe not)

Aluminum frame or steel? Some people say that aluminum hardtails vibrate a lot. My Commencal doesn't have that problem, but my old Cannondale sure did. Personally, I don't like rust on my bike.

What kind of riding are you going to do? Go to the local bike shop - one with an in-house mechanic and knowledgeable staff and ask questions. They'll be able to clue you in as to what kind of riding is popular in your area, local riding clubs, etc.

I've heard that you can find good bikes on e-bay and pay a lot less. Shop around. If your $500 can get you an $800 bike online (after shipping), I think you've got a deal. Otherwise, keep looking.

Answer 3

I'd suggest as Trek 4500. It is pretty steady and smooth considering it is at the lower end of the price range. Also, a Giant Boulder or Yukon are pretty nice bikes too. You should be able to find all for somewhere between 300-450. Don't forget the helmet so that would take up your last 50. As time goes by, you can upgrade some of the components and tires if you'd like. But, that is a good way to start getting into the sport.

Answer 4

I would start with an entry level aluminum frame Schwinn, Iron Horse, Trek or Giant, which should only cost about $250-$300, and use the leftover money on clipless pedals and mountian bike shoes and cleats.

This is exactly what I did a few weeks ago, and I love the bike. I got the Schwinn Frontier FS AL. My first ride on that bike was the first trail bike riding I had done since my childhood, and it was such a blast!

Answer 5

Add an extra $100 to your 500 bucks and get the '06 KONA KIKAPU at Wheel World ( www.wheelworld.com) Call them for details 1-800-529-2530.

Answer 6

Diamondback has a good bike called the Coil-Ex. I was in exactly in the same situation as you and only paid $400 for it new. It has yet to let me down

Answer 7

Check Raleigh if you like new , they have excellent frames and on range $ 500 you can get good bicycle or look for second hand MTB in good working order . You get what you pay for . Consider your riding , there is not shortcuts .

Answer 8

in your price range, check out Trek, KHS, Specialized, and Giant.

Answer 9

bikesdirect.com has free shipping and no taxes. Compare the components to the ones you like, it's incredibly low priced.