Mountain bike suggestions

BOK

BOK

Joined
Apr 16, 2002
Messages
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Last time I rode was about 10 years ago. I had a Giant ATX 850 until some goon stole it out of my garage.

I'm not into jumps or anything requiring much articulation. Just need something that will be suitable for moderate trails...hopefully its reasonable on road too...gotta get to those trails somehow!

I really dont want to drop a whole lot of dough on this just in case its one of those things that I do for one summer and then never touch again.

I was hoping to get away with a $500 max budget but I havent been into bikes for so long that I dont know whats reasonable anymore. I'm hoping I wont have to adjust that limit though.

What can you guys suggest for me?
 
After a quick browse through some biking forum I see a lot of people seem to like the Kona Shred.

Any opinions on this bike?
 
I love Konas. I think their component match-up is one of the best in the biz. I had a Kahuna full suspension XC for 7 years (before it got stolen) and a Kula Primo for 10 days (before IT got stolen :mad:), and they're fantastic bikes.

The Shred though...that's a dirt jumper, not so much a trail bike. That means a heavier frame and short gear ratios. Go with a Fire Mountain.
 
Was looking at some Specialized bikes the other day that seemed nice for the price you at looking at-----but have never ridden one so couldn't tell you for sure.
 
Gary Fisher is a good bike brand. Their website has a matchmaker feature where you can answer questions and they'll match you with the bike that fits your needs most closely.
 
Here is the bottom line. At that price point, you are looking at a Taiwanese-made frame with various bits bolted on.
Nothing wrong with the frames; but they all come out of a few big factories and are made to spec supplied by the brand. Schwinn, Trek, Gary Fisher....Whatever.

There is going to be very little practical difference between bikes in this range, it's going to come down to who has the best spec for your money, and which one feels best and fits you best.
You're likely looking at an aluminum frame at that price, a fine choice for a mid-range MTB.
I'd say hit up several dealers and look over what they've got. Ride 'em around the lot and see how they feel. Do you do your own maintenance? If not, see what kind of shop the place has and check out the wrench guys. A bunch of 15-year olds who seem to be working in exchange of parts for their BMX bikes? Give it a pass.

Pick out a few models and see who's giving you the best deal. Then go over to Mountain Bike Review and read a bunch of reader reviews on those models. Often, something that looks good in the parking lot will not look so good on the trails.
Be aware that this is prime bike-selling time, and dealers are eager to sell.
 
I'm riding a Mongoose Blackcomb I really like, but then again I'm not qualified to suggest anything as I just started riding bikes again after years of not having one.

Here's another vote for Fisher, though. They're what Cannondale used to be. I hear they're expensive, but semi-custom quality.
 
Gary Fishers are nice, but you're spending a premium just for the sticker that says "Gary Fisher". Meaning that you can get a bike of equal quality and componentry for less from another brand (or a better one for the same cost).
 
I have been out of bikes for awhile and I'm not real sure what is out now but even when I was into bikes I was a bike snob and rode 3-4K bikes so not much help. However, my last girl friend wanted a nice bike so we went around to the bike shops and she found a $1200 full suspension gary fisher she really liked. Took about 2 weeks but a lightly used one came up on ebay and grabbed it for $550. Really nice bike, really good shape, and a really good price. Don't know if we were lucky but its a thought.

I have also seen some online places have a 50% off blowout on last years model but sometimes the brands are a little obscure. Might be another option.
 
mwerner said:
Here is the bottom line. At that price point, you are looking at a Taiwanese-made frame with various bits bolted on.
QUOTE]

To add to this, the main thing you are looking for are the quality of the various bits. Derrailleurs especially. Most of these bits will likely be Shimano, so know the Shimano "chain of command" for MTB components (these names are for all components - i.e. there are Deore derailleurs, cranks, brakes etc.). From best to worst : XTR, Deore XT, Deore LX, Deore, Alivio. Standard Deore is perfectly fine, and anything above that is pretty much just a drop in weight.
Click to expand...
 
Wintermute (Gibson fan?) is exactly right. All our police bikes (I maintain the entire fleet) have LX and XT components. They are excellent, reliable and sturdy.
I have not been happy with the few bikes we have with SRAM deraileurs, but these are lower-level groups and perhaps the "good stuff" is better.
 
Thanks for the input guys. Between this thread and various online reviews there was quite a range of stuff to consider.

I went to a couple different shops and tried out various bikes and the one that felt best both in fit and price point was the Jamis Durango 1.0

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08durango1.html#

From reading the spec sheet this bike seems like its been fitted with entry level Shimano components based on wintermutes list. Hopefully these hold up fine.

As far as maintenance goes the shop I bought it from offers free service for the life of the bike. They seemed quite profiessional to me..they were all older than 15 :)
 
I ride a specialized hardrock I converted into a single speed. Ive replaced most all the parts except the frame. For your price range get a specialized hardrock, you wont be dissapointed bro..... Great entry level bike. 400 tops dude
 
I picked up my k2 attack 2.0 full suspension for 599 at REI, I have no idea what they cost these days however.
 
Jamises are well-respected bikes - good bang for the buck. seems to be a good component set - 2008 definitely seems better than the 2007. Disc brakes might be overkill, but they are cool.
 
I concur. I've had little experience working on discs, all of our bikes are still V-Brake equipped. However, mountain bikes in the price-point used for most police bikes are increasingly finding them standard.
I like the idea of cable actuation.
You'll come to appreciate them if you ride in mud....
 
Take your cash and shop around for left overs from last season. I was able to get a great deal on a 2 year old bike, never ridden etc. money talks in this case and they just want to get rid of old stock. Look foe nothing less than LX in rear derailliur.
K
 
Another thing to keep in mind is you can always replace components. If you're not happy w/ a derrailleur, replace it. Piece by piece, it's cheap. A good book to pick up is Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance by Lennard Zinn - great book that teaches you how to maintain and replace parts of your bike.
 
+1 On the zen book, its worth owning if you wanna do any kind of bike maintnence!
Its more expensive to mod a bike out than to buy one of a higher end, but I did it for the experiance, and to have it exactly how I want. Ive got over 2k in my singlespeed. rightnow which was a 450.00 bike when I started!
 
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