What is a good mountain bike?

Question

I want a mountain bike that will withstand some abuse!

Answer 1

its impossible to tell you what kind of bike will take abuse without knowing what kind of riding you do.
theres no point in reccomending a cross country bike, if you want to take on northshore riding stunts.
theres no point in telling you to get a carbon frame if you weigh 300lbs and want to do free riding.
What does abuse mean to you? i mean if you plan on riding it off 10 story houses onto flat concrete, no bike is going to last... (no downhill/freeride bike could withstand that abuse)... you would have to have a custom made bike.
if youre an average weight rider (160) and just want a bike that can take on trails with a 3' drop offs, and moderate tricks, we can point you to a solid bike. Ive seen quite a few companies that use the same frame on different styles of bikes. A few years ago (they still may do it today), used a prophet frame for both trail and all mountain riding... so the frame itself could withstand all mountain riding, so if you are looking for a trail bike, that can withstand other types of riding, the prophet would fit your needs perfectly.
Here are your mountain bike types:
Cross Country-these bikes are designed to be very light, take on no jumps or stunts, pretty much stay on flat ground. being so light, they really cant be used for any other purpose then cross country riding. suspension travel-3 inches
the step up would be a trail bike.
trail bikes-These bikes are designed to be light,the geometry in these bikes is designed so you can ride up trails as well as you can ride down trails. they can take the 4' drop offs... suspension travel-4-5 inches

All mountain-these bikes are no cross country bikes. They can still be peddled easily, but they wont handle as well going up hills then going down them. they are going to be heavier, the geometry changes the angle of the top tube, they usually have shorter chainstays which changes the ride quality more suitable for going down trails. These bikes can take big drop offs, it can smash through stunts easily.suspension-5-6 inches

Downhill bikes are heavy, they are meant to burn down sides of mountains. Dont even think of trying to ride one to your local 7-11. 15 ft drops, they are meant to be peddled. suspension 6-9inches

Free Ride bikes are heavy, they cannot be riden up the mountain because the geometery will kill you, they can take massive drop offs, massive jumps, they could be wrecked time and time again, and not have anything major happen. 20ft drops, no problem 50' jumps with smooth transmissions no problem. suspension-10+ inches

So like i said, theres no way to give you an answer without knowing what kind of riding you want to do. I have no idea why anyone even gave you a bike brand... did they just want the 2pts?

Answer 2

1. I am a former road and track racer who has in recent years taken up cross country mountain biking. These days I prefer mountain biking to riding on the road for a few reasons: a. Even though you may more often have minor falls when mountain biking (due to the more technical terrain etc), at least you are not likely to be hit by a car, bus or truck - which can of course result in much more severe injuries. b. Generally speaking, mountain biking can take you to more scenic places. However, I have noticed two slight disadvantages of mountain biking: a. You seem to be very much affected by a lack of fitness - I really feel it if I am climbing up a steep uphill on my mountain bike. b. In the past couple of years my mountain bike has needed more frequent maintenance than my road bikes ever did. The chain and rear cluster seem to wear out a lot quicker than it does on a road bike. 2. Basically, the more you pay, the better your bike will be. So how much you spend should be determined by your own financial situation. At the very least, I would suggest getting a bike with all alloy components. Rear suspension can be good, but remember that it will add weight to your bike and that you will generally have to spend a lot more money to get a "dual suspension" bike that is as light as a "hard-tail".

Answer 3

I bought a Trek 6500 with disc brakes three weeks ago. It comes with nice components and clipless pedals are included. This is my first mountain bike with clipless pedals, and as a result, I keep crashing. Hard. The bike, despite my many crashes, is holding up quite well. I love it! It's super light and it is also delightfully attractive. It retails for $950, but most bike shops will give it to you for $850. I actually got mine on sale for $750, though. It is really a wonderful bike, and the 2007 model is a pretty good upgrade from the 2006 model. It's a hardtail, though, so if you really want to abuse a mountain bike you would probably want full-suspension. I have no advice for you on that. Those bikes are way out of my price range.

Answer 4

With the strength and durability needed to take abuse, along with suspension and bigger tires the weight of mountain bikes can add up quickly. Often the easiest and most effective area to shed extra weight is in the wheels and tires. Lighter wheels equal lower rotating mass which translates into less power required to move them. Other areas that are often overweight on mountain bikes are the saddle, the handlebars and stem, seat post and pedals. For many, simply replacing these items with lighter ones can drop as much as 2-3 pounds from the weight of their bike with little to no loss in strength or durability.

Answer 5

I have to agree with answer about bike that fits. I also advise riders to get full suspension bikes. This makes for much better handling and comfort. Key is to read the instruction for shocks and set them properly each time you go out.

Personally I have a Salsa El Santo. Great ride. (I did win this at Ore To Shore couple of years ago) Other brands listed by others are good.

Sean
USA Cycling Level 1 Coach

Answer 6

Go to your local bike shop and get fitted. The best mountain bike for you is the one that fits you and your needs the best. The bike shop guys will be able to fit you and make suggestions based on your geometyr, terrain and use. Price notwithstanding you could get an amazing bike that will last you for years if you take care of it.

Just avoid WalMart, Target and any of those discount or department stores.

Good luck!

Answer 7

a good mountain bike is one that will stand up to a lot of abuse and use without stuff on it turning into crap and peeling off of the said bike like so many leaves on a flower that is starting to go after being picked a few days ago.

Answer 8

I have Santa Cruz Heckler and love thing. It's an awsome bike. I also had an old Specialized FSR that rode pretty good. But the SC bike is by far the bestI have ever rode. Where ever you point the bike thats where it goes.

Answer 9

Budget is important. I think that for now the Santa Cruz Hecler is one of the best options when you find one for less than $2000.

But it just depends on your budget. Giant makes the Reign, which is also very good.

Answer 10

I ride a Trek 4300, which cost $330 new. It is a solid bike.