What are considered the higher-end bicycle brands?

Question

I am planning to spend a little more on a bicycle, because I intend on putting it to good use. What are considered the more high-quality, durable, and comfortable bikes on the market? I am thinking about a mountain bike.

Alright, maybe you can't tell quality by the brand. My question is, basically, can you refer me to some higher-quality mountain bikes?

Answer 1

As you surely know, no Wal-mart brand bikes.

Something you need to remember is that bikes are similar to cars in the aspect of quality and cost.

In terms of Ford vehicles. They make crappy cars like the Taursus (used to make this car), but at the same time, they make a Superior ride like the GT (remake of the GT 40 racing car).

When you buy a car, you will usually pay more if you get one with a super engine in it.

The same can be said of bikes. You will spend a huge chunck of money if you get good components(deraileurs, gearsets, brakes, bearings). If you get a bike with SRAM components, that's a pretty nice bike, but there are some bikes that might be made by the same company that have no-name components.

So just be warned, you can get a really nice bike from most bike companies, but at the same time, you can get some absolute junk from the same company.

It's a bit detailed to break it down between all the makes and models, but I hope this theme will help you.

Happy cycling

Answer 2

There are a tonne of types of mountain bikes.

There are essentially two main groups that can be split down even further.

First, and more likely what you're looking at, are cross country bikes. Rocky Mountain, Specialized, Trek, Santa Cruz, and Giant are some of the larger, more recognizable XC brands, that offer some very nice rides (I personally ride a Rocky Mountain). All five have diverse lines, giving you flexibility in what type of bike you ride, and very solid quality.

In terms of the other category, Freeride/DH, the same companies are fairly stable. They all offer a line of bikes ranging from Downhill race to big air bikes.

Answer 3

In general the more well known brands (Cannondale, Specialized, Trek) sell decent quality bikes at fair prices and nicer bikes at higher prices. If you're looking for a truly high end bike, want something different and are willing to pay the difference there's Ellsworth, Independent, Intense, Litespeed, Lynskey, Merlin, Moots, Orbea, Salsa, Santa Cruz, Scott, Titus, Turner, Yeti and more.
It might be best to look at a few bikes and figure out your needs; front or full suspension? how much wheel travel? cross country, freeride, downhill? Then see what bike best fits in your budget that will do the job.

Answer 4

depends on how much "high end" you want to go... I have seen some FS bikes between 4 and 5 thousand dollars, especially the heavy duty ones for major downhill racing

KHS, Trek/Gary Fisher, Specialized, Giant, and Jamis all have many bikes in a wide range of prices, and all are very good brand names

go to a real bike shop and look around
don't forget to add money for pedals, shoes, helmet, etc.

Answer 5

Good value and quality: Specialized, Kona, Giant, Trek, Banshee, Cannondale.

Good options: Santa Cruz Heckler, they have a complete bike for around 1,800 bucks or so. It's hard to beat. You have a frame worth upgrading.

Higher brands:

Titus, Turner, Ventana, Ellsworth, Seven, Moots, Dean, Santa Cruz, Intense. But you can expect to pay 1,500 for a frame alone on this brands. And probably the lowest money would be around 2,500 for a complete option.

Answer 6

There are many. I ride a Giant myself but would be happy to ride dozens of other brands and models. I suggest a hard tail if you will be doing trail riding. Duel supension is not needed and adds extra cost and weight.

If i was going to buy today I'd get a Motobecane Fly pro. Why? Because it's the best deal on the planet at this time. It's 22 lb (very light for a MTB bike) hard tail with a SID fork. At $895 with free shipping it's $500 less than any other bike in it's class. My friend has one and raves about it. Check it out at bikesdirect.com

Answer 7

Specialized is an excellent high end bike. You get more for the money with Specialized than other brands like Trek.

Answer 8

Higher end = Lots of $$$$.

Higher end = Lighter components, not necessarily sturdier.

Most bike manufacturers make a higher end bike. Some are carbon fiber or titanium.

Check them out and ride them before dropping that serious coinage.

Answer 9

for the money Trek is the one for you. There are more expensive and more high end bikes but you can't go wrong with a Trek.

Answer 10

Trek. Ask Lance if you don't believe me.