Mountain Bikes?

WalterDavis

WalterDavis

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Nov 23, 2005
Messages
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Is it possible to get into a decent Mtn. Bike for fairly cheap-say less that $500 bucks? I've been thinking of getting something for my fat butt to ride, but the shops here sell last years used models for starting at $1400:eek::grumpy: Sorry, I don't think I ought to have to sell a kidney to ride a bike:p

Really, though, I'm pretty heavy (260#) so I'd like to find something durable, but I don't really need disk brakes and 28 frikkin' gears. Just something that I can get around on, and maybe run up a dirt road or two, but nothing hardcore.

Thanks:thumbup:
 
WalterDavis said:
Is it possible to get into a decent Mtn. Bike for fairly cheap-say less that $500 bucks? I've been thinking of getting something for my fat butt to ride, but the shops here sell last years used models for starting at $1400:eek::grumpy: Sorry, I don't think I ought to have to sell a kidney to ride a bike:p

Really, though, I'm pretty heavy (260#) so I'd like to find something durable, but I don't really need disk brakes and 28 frikkin' gears. Just something that I can get around on, and maybe run up a dirt road or two, but nothing hardcore.

Thanks:thumbup:
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You should be able to find something decent for that price, though I'd say that's the low end for a decent bike. In your price range in particular the fork will likely be a lower end unit. I think spending a little more will make a bigger difference than you think.

I would mainly look at the offerings from Trek, Specialized and Giant. Just doing a quick check at those websites, the Specialized Hardrock is in your price range though the lowest model Rockhopper at $640 is a much better buy IMO. The Giant Rincon is just a hair above your budget but again the Yukon for an extra $150 is nicer. The Trek 4300 is in your range, the 4500 is about the same price as the Specialized and Giant. In each case the more expensive of the two has a better fork and components and in the case of the Spec. the frame appears to be better as well.

Given your location you probably won't find many lower end bikes around, I imagine pretty much everything there is higher end. You might need to take a trip to Grand Junction to do some shopping and test rides.
 
Yeah, living here does throw a bit of a hamper on my search. Thanks for the info, I'll start looking at those brands, and maybe I can find something used around for cheap.
 
You should be able to find a decent "entry-level" bike in that range. This time of year, they are generally putting up sales and such to move inventory.
 
Yes. A hardtail with a mid-good frame and entry level components could be about $400-650. Another option is to buy a frame, and then buy a build set and have a bike shop assemble it all. It would probably be cheaper to find a good deal on a complete bike, though.

Other than local shops, check online places like JensonUSA, PricePoint, CambriaBike.

What's your inseam length?
 
wulf, my inseam is 30".

I'll check those places out. Thanks!
 
Look at a dirtjumper framed bike. Something like a Gary Fisher Mullet. These have heavier duty frames and stiffer shock forks.
 
Is it possible to adjust the seat/handles on a mountain bike so that an upright spine posture is maintained?
 
SkinnyJoe said:
Is it possible to adjust the seat/handles on a mountain bike so that an upright spine posture is maintained?
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Not really. You will need to look into a cruiser or recumbent bike. An upright posture would not be very good for mountain trails.

For good deals on bikes, check mtbr.com, craigslist, and ebay. Several years back, I bought my current bike, a Gary Fisher Sugar 1 with mostly XT and XTR ($3000+ retail), for $500 on ebay.
 
Craigslist is a good place to look for bikes too.

Good luck in your search! Riding during the summer is so much fun :thumbup:
 
I suggest going to a good shop and telling the guys what it is that you want and intend to do.
A "mountain bike" is usually set up to facilitate off-road riding, with an agressive seating position that allows you to throw your weight around out on the trails.
Since most folks don't actually do that.... Gets tired rapidly and you find yourself wishing for higher handlebars and a bigger saddle.

If you intend mostly tooling around the streets or bike paths and doing "fitness" riding, then storl is right; you'd be better off with what they are calling a "comfort" or "fitness" bike these days.
They have a nice, upright posture and are usually set up to be rather cushy....Just the ticket.
Also cheaper than a dedicated MTB.....
 
I've seen some good prices on Ebay.

I purchased a Ironhorse not too long ago. At my heaviest when I was 195 lbs. It is considered a road bike and only cost $350.00 and is very comfortable.
 
WalterDavis said:
Is it possible to get into a decent Mtn. Bike for fairly cheap-say less that $500 bucks? I've been thinking of getting something for my fat butt to ride, but the shops here sell last years used models for starting at $1400:eek::grumpy: Sorry, I don't think I ought to have to sell a kidney to ride a bike:p

Really, though, I'm pretty heavy (260#) so I'd like to find something durable, but I don't really need disk brakes and 28 frikkin' gears. Just something that I can get around on, and maybe run up a dirt road or two, but nothing hardcore.

Thanks:thumbup:
Click to expand...

You live in one of the top mt. biking destinations in the US with a ton of epic single track within a two hour drive. If you can afford it I'd say spend at least 1500 on a good hard tail or 2000 on a good dually. If you haven't ridden the trails around Moab you are missing out.

If your more into the gas powered side of things forget what I just said :foot:......... a $500-700 bike will keep you in shape and away from the shop (if that's what your looking for).

As you can tell I'm a bit biased. I'd spend as least a couple weeks a year in that area if I could swing it:D.

SS93
 
If youre mainly going to be on the road, opt out of shocks. They actually are less effecient on roads because of the bouncy motion. Big pain on a long ride. The occassional dirt road or two wont really give you trouble if you dont have them. If youre doing trails shocks are a must have for rocks and logs and such. I told many customers this (head mechanic and sometimes sales if needed) and after trying both out down the road, they agreed.
 
steelstump93 said:
You live in one of the top mt. biking destinations in the US with a ton of epic single track within a two hour drive. If you can afford it I'd say spend at least 1500 on a good hard tail or 2000 on a good dually. If you haven't ridden the trails around Moab you are missing out.

If your more into the gas powered side of things forget what I just said :foot:......... a $500-700 bike will keep you in shape and away from the shop (if that's what your looking for).

As you can tell I'm a bit biased. I'd spend as least a couple weeks a year in that area if I could swing it:D.

SS93
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Yeah, that's what's killing me. I know I need something nicer than the Wally world special (just for the durability, mostly), but I can't even fathom spending the average money for what they want around here:grumpy: I've been on most the trails nearby, but on a dirtbike or in a jeep;) I'm way too big to try pedaling uphill in the sand:foot: But I've got to do something, and I'm not much of a runner:D

Thanks for the advice, all:thumbup: I'm keeping my eyes open for some good deals locally.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
If youre mainly going to be on the road, opt out of shocks. They actually are less effecient on roads because of the bouncy motion. Big pain on a long ride. The occassional dirt road or two wont really give you trouble if you dont have them. If youre doing trails shocks are a must have for rocks and logs and such. I told many customers this (head mechanic and sometimes sales if needed) and after trying both out down the road, they agreed.
Click to expand...

Some (the better brands) have lockout too--look for those as well. :thumbup:
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
If youre mainly going to be on the road, opt out of shocks. They actually are less effecient on roads because of the bouncy motion. Big pain on a long ride. The occassional dirt road or two wont really give you trouble if you dont have them. If youre doing trails shocks are a must have for rocks and logs and such. I told many customers this (head mechanic and sometimes sales if needed) and after trying both out down the road, they agreed.
Click to expand...

That all depends on the fork. If it's a cheap one I'd agree but with a good fork you can typically adjust it for the conditions. It also depends on some other factors, i.e. swingarm design if it's a FS bike and how smooth your pedal stroke is.
 
I think it's been indirectly mentioned here but I wanted to stress the fact that you should avoid buying a bike at any volume sellers like W*lMart, etc, and look for something at a local bike shop for two reasons. One, you'll get a better quality bike at a small dedicated shop, and two, the person who put it together likely has way more experience than some teenaged kid working in the back at W*lMart.
I've read horror stories about bikes purchased at big stores where the front forks were put on backwards, wheels weren't properly bolted to the frame, brakes weren't properly adjusted etc. The last thing you want or need is to have some component of the bike give out on you because of poor assembly.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck with your search.
 
I've got a 4300 from Trek for about $400. Add another $50 and get disc brakes. Wonderful entry level mountain biking bike. Solid frame with great componants.

Go to a bike store, not a big box retailer. You'll be treated right, and they understand bikes.
 
WalterDavis said:
Is it possible to get into a decent Mtn. Bike for fairly cheap-say less that $500 bucks? I've been thinking of getting something for my fat butt to ride, but the shops here sell last years used models for starting at $1400:eek::grumpy: Sorry, I don't think I ought to have to sell a kidney to ride a bike:p

Really, though, I'm pretty heavy (260#) so I'd like to find something durable, but I don't really need disk brakes and 28 frikkin' gears. Just something that I can get around on, and maybe run up a dirt road or two, but nothing hardcore.

Thanks:thumbup:
Click to expand...

You live in one of the best mountain biking spots in the world. That slick rock trail up behind Lions Back is better than any amusement park ride, I think, and the Behind-the-rocks area where the 24 hours of Moab is held is great, as are many others.

If you want to do more than ride around a parking lot, you need a decent bike. At 260 pounds, you're going to put a lot of stress on a bike. You want something that fits you, won't break down up on Poison Spider mesa, and will stop reliably (disc brakes are beautiful, believe me).

Good mountain bikes aren't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Living where you do, I'd suggest getting as much bike as you can afford, and you won't regret it. Getting a cheap bike that bends and breaks down will leave you with a bad taste, and turn you off to the amazing opportunities you have.

Try getting a previous years model, or a used one that's a couple of years old. You'll still get a great bike, and save a lot of money.

Last thought -- look into the all-mountain type bikes, if you like a nice ride over rough terrain. You'll get more travel, better brakes for long downhills, and a more comfortable ride. Cross-country is fine for racing, and downhill is good for big drops and serious speed, but all-mountain is a very happy in between.

I have an '05 Specialized Enduro Comp which I bought in '06. I've ridden it very hard, and it's been a great bike. Haven't had it to Moab, yet -- man, would that be fun.
 
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