My grandmother wants to buy me something nice for Christmas. I want a mountain bike. Unfortunately I know nothing about them. I would like to start going on trails and whatnot primarily for exercising and building up some leg muscle, b/c running doesn't suit me. She already offered to buy me an i-Phone so i'm guessing she's willing to spend maybe 400-600 dollars on me.
So that's about it. Please let me know if you need any detailed information in order to find a bike that best suits me.
2007-12-13 18:57:23 · 12 answers · asked by joe 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
I've got a Diamondback that was $500 several years ago and I love it.
2007-12-13 19:00:52 · answer #1 · answered by CiCi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends upon the sort of riding that you want to do. You mentioned "Hitting The Trails", so that definately puts you into the mountain bike category. For you price range I would only look at a hard tail.
These are the brands that I would look at:
Scott
Giant
Specialized
Trek
If you are only looking at getting exercise then the Trek will be the most comfortable, followed by the Giant. If you want a good all round, fast beastie that loves singletrack - Specialized or Giant.
Your primary concern is getting the most bike for the money. Start with the frame. Buy a machine with the best frame for your money. Next, look at components. If you buy 21 gears, these will use a freewheel system. However, 24 speed uses the casset and is much easier to upgrade. At this price bracket, do not expect fantastic forks.
Overall though, I would consider the Specialized Rockhopper or any of the Trek machines (Although this is a little sit up and beg for my tastes), the Giant Rock SE is not a bad starter either.
Do not get anything full sus or promising Disc brakes as well. It will have nasty geometry and be heavy with sub standard components.
You might also consider last years models. This will give you access to better machines for less money (I.E. a $1000 bike for $7 - 800). In which case, a decent frame, gears and Disc brakes becomes viable (EG Giant XTC)
Also, be careful of internet purchases, since the machine may not be set up, or even assembled and, unless you are a bike mechanic, you will have to spend a lot at a bike shop getting the thing set up corectly.
Luck
2007-12-13 23:50:28 · answer #2 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mongoose & Schwinn are only good if they come from a REAL bicycle shop. Others sold through discount & big box stores are basically junk. Google "bicycle shop" plus your zip code. Brings them all up in your area. Tell the salesperson EXACTLY what you need the bike to do for you. Tell them where & how you will be riding. Prices range from about $300 into the thousands. The more you spend, the better the bike. It's just that simple. Top brands include Raleigh, Specialized, Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Jamis, etc. Front suspension only will travel faster on city streets. Full or dual suspension is NOT there for rider comfort. It's there to insure the rear tire stays in contact with the ground. I would only purchase a full suspension bike if these off-road trails are really rough. Then your looking at $1,500 and above for a good one.
2016-05-23 21:54:06 · answer #3 · answered by sean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bicycle business is so competitive today that any two bikes at the same price are very likely to be an equivalent value. Go to a bike shop and talk to the people there. Tell them where and how you want to ride. They will match you up with a bike in your price range. Take a test ride on the bike. Then go to other shops and test other bikes in the same price range. Ignore the marketing hype and fancy brochures. One bike will fit you much better than the others. It will just feel better. You will be able to tell that very quickly after sitting on the bike and riding it for a few minutes. Get that bike. It is the one that you will enjoy riding the most.
HTH
2007-12-14 01:18:17 · answer #4 · answered by intrepidfae 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well I got my mom a specelized stump jumper hard tail. Its a great bike. It comes with great componets. Your best bet is to go to a good local bike store and tell them your plans. They will help you the most. I would not buy a bike online because your a new comer and touching and knowing the bike is a good idea. The shop will also fit you on a bike wick is important. Also getting to know your local bike shop is a good idea.
2007-12-14 04:12:44 · answer #5 · answered by kkkk53564367 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from Walmart. Any reputable bike shop that carries Specialized or Giant or Trek can fit you with a decent bike.
2007-12-14 00:10:40 · answer #6 · answered by 55 and trying 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find some in Wheel World ( www.wheelworld.com), Cambria Bikes (www.cambriabikes.com), Jenson USA (www.jensonusa.com) or EBAY (www.ebay.com) under sporting goods---find Complete Bikes---then choose something with your budget---take the time to choose and check the seller/s feedback to avoid bogus dealers. Enjoy the Season!
2007-12-13 19:30:18 · answer #7 · answered by hummerhead2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go for an entry level Kona - most bikes are basically the same at this price point (in fact, at most price points!), but Konas (I think) look cool too. The Fire Mountain moel has been produced for years and is very popular.
2007-12-13 22:16:43 · answer #8 · answered by Jon Cope 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iron Horse makes a good bike in that price range
2007-12-14 10:19:24 · answer #9 · answered by Firecracker67 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're in the US? It's hard to look past the offerings from Trek or Specialized in your price range.
They both make good first MTB's, but stick to hardtails. Full sussers in your price rande are a poor compromise.
2007-12-13 21:09:49 · answer #10 · answered by Steve C 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋