I want to start mountain biking and don't know too much about it. Should I buy and expensive bike from a bike shop or go to a retail store and buy what looks okay to ride?
2007-03-20 10:56:40 · 10 answers · asked by curiousgeorge 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
I think you can look forward for a 300 to 400 hardtail (bike with only front suspension), and maybe 100 bucks in gear (helmet, gloves and maybe a camelback or backpack hidration gear).
Go to a bike shop, they know more their stuff than a retail shop. It will really make a difference. Most retail stores salesman (not all of them, but most of them, I think) will try to sell you what they have on the floor, rather than showing you a well fitting bike.
Trek, Specialized, Giant, GT makes very good entry bikes. Don't worry too much about componentry for now. Shimano has different 'quality' stuff, the food chain is as follows, from lowest to most expensive: Altus, Acera, Alivio, Deore, LX, XT and XTR. It also has some stuff with numbers. Anything from Alivio and up is very workable, Altus and Acera, will do but probably you will need to upgrade in the future.
Unless you do freeriding (jumps and realy crazy stuff), V brakes are probably your best bet. Some cheap bikes have disc brakes, but probably not worth it and only will make your bike heavier.
Also, ask in the shops if they have begginer clinics and group rides. Some shops do offer them, and they're a great way to start and learn the basic stuff. It's better to start riding with the right bases, than trying to learn everything by yourself, and then try to correct bad habits.
Good luck!
2007-03-20 15:35:03 · answer #1 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd strongly recommend going to your local bike store and talking to someone knowledgeable that you feel comfortable getting advice from. I'd look at something in the $400 - $600 if you're just using it for occasional trail rides and commuting. If you plan to do a lot of trail riding or racing expect to pay $1000 and up for the better and lighter components.
The benefit of going to a bike shop over a retail outlet is service. Most will offer a free tune up once your bike breaks in after the first few months of riding (will adjust brakes and shifters and will also check chain and moving parts). Some places will do this as many times as you need for a year. Also, the bike store will help fit you properly. This is the most important thing you can do to fully enjoy your bike and prevent injuries.
good luck!
2007-03-21 07:09:00 · answer #2 · answered by getdusty 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to mountain bike and get a bike from large retailer for under 200 you'll soon realize that it's not what you want. More expensive bikes, the ones sold in bike shops, have lighter frames and quality and also lighter components which will work much better and be more reliable that cheap imitation bike parts on Murrays and Huffys. Mountain biking can be rough on a bike, that's why I suggest spending at least 600. You'll enjoy it much more and won't have to worry about nonsense problems common with cheap bikes, which fall apart or go out of tune after few good rides. Go with aluminum frame and at least Shimano LX level components.
2007-03-20 13:07:37 · answer #3 · answered by geograph 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Money spent on a mountain bike is not an "investment", LOL!
Spend what you can afford to get the best bike you think you need! Unless you plan to ride professionally, it's only a hobby, so you should spend no more than you would on any other hobby!
2007-03-20 11:05:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, you have to ask yourself.......is this something to invest in as a possible weekend hobbie, or consider this a possible lifestyle change.
I have gone to the lifestyle side and ride all the time.Not only helps physically but you'd be surprised hoe good you feel mentally.
It can get very overwhelming so be patient and step in the shallow end first before diving in....... and do the research to fit you choice of investment.....Money, and how much are you going to ride..........You never know you may like it so much, it can be a lifestyle change................Cheers and good luck
BUT PLEASE stay away from department store bikes (Target,Costco, etc)........you will be very disapointed in the long run.......if you need help you can contact me if you wish.
Cheers again and happy riding
2007-03-20 22:21:39 · answer #5 · answered by dkgorace 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you havent been riding any bike for a while, get a Huffy or similar from WM/Target for about $150 in case you dont stay with it.
If you KNOW you are gonna stay with it, go to a bike shop and prepare to spend around $300-400 for a decent bike.
2007-03-20 22:30:27 · answer #6 · answered by M V 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if you want a bike that is sturdy, reliable, and will last you a while, then plan on spending a minimum of $ 400.00
don't go to Walmart, Kmart, Sears, etc.
go to a real bike shop in your area
check out KHS, Specialized, Trek, and Giant
they all have many different models to choose from in a lot of price ranges
2007-03-20 12:43:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A road bike
2016-03-29 09:28:23 · answer #8 · answered by Holly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't buy a real mountain bike from a retail store.
2007-03-20 17:27:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
what ever you feel is a comfort as in how much you spend.my wife works at trek and you can get gear at a desent price.also depends how much time you will be putting into it
2007-03-21 01:44:17 · answer #10 · answered by moose 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋