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Which mountain bike?
- Thread starter SMAT
- Start date
If you're going to do any serious off-road riding at all, some sort of front suspension is desireable. Dual suspension is great, but is more complicated and generally heavier than the equivalent "hardtail".
If you're doing mostly commuting and street riding, with an occasional foray onto easy trails like those popular railroad conversions, then you could spend your money on better components rather than susupension.
You should be able to get a really nice bike in that price range- shop around. Mostly, what you're looking at is a contractor-built (ie-Taiwan) frame hung with various components. Try to get the best component mix possible for your buck.
If you're doing mostly commuting and street riding, with an occasional foray onto easy trails like those popular railroad conversions, then you could spend your money on better components rather than susupension.
You should be able to get a really nice bike in that price range- shop around. Mostly, what you're looking at is a contractor-built (ie-Taiwan) frame hung with various components. Try to get the best component mix possible for your buck.
- Joined
- May 22, 2002
- Messages
- 1,485
I've had a Bianchi for 11+ years now. I have replaced some components on the bike over the years of course, but the frame is solid. I paid 350 bucks for it when I bought it. It's has no suspension, and I used to use it pretty hard in the woods. It's been turned into a "city bike" now, with smoother tires, headlight, full fenders, etc. I now ride it to work daily except when there is snow or ice on the roads. Point is... I can't kill it.
Look at Bianchi. You'll be pleased. Good luck!
Look at Bianchi. You'll be pleased. Good luck!
Jedi Knife
Banned
- Joined
- May 6, 1999
- Messages
- 728
Generally, I hear good things about Kona bikes. I've got a 2000 Diamondback hardtail with a USA built aluminum frame that has held up superbly, although I've upgraded the wheels to Sun Rhyno Lites/LX hubs, and added some clipless pedals. It sounds like you are on the right track- a quality bicycle is money well spent.
JK
JK
johnniet
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 1999
- Messages
- 4,687
First, try to learn more about the different options by going to
www.mtbr.com
where you'll find more information than you can possible handle (don't worry it's fun).
Take some test rides at a bike shop. Preferably one where the people are also bicyclists. Let them know that you're shopping around, and you want to try some different brands before you make a decision.
See if you can find a good used bike. There are always people upgrading bikes, having kids, moving, etc. and they often have very good bikes. Spend a couple of weeks browsing the classifieds in your area, and post a "wanted" in the MTBR classifieds.
I've had pretty good luck with used bikes that I bought from people in other cities, but as a first choice I'd try to find someone near you, so that you could try out the bike. Fit and feel make a big difference in how often you'll ride--which is the whole point. I finally started riding my Stumpjumper after I replaced the stem so it would fit me better. Keep that in mind.
www.mtbr.com
where you'll find more information than you can possible handle (don't worry it's fun).
Take some test rides at a bike shop. Preferably one where the people are also bicyclists. Let them know that you're shopping around, and you want to try some different brands before you make a decision.
See if you can find a good used bike. There are always people upgrading bikes, having kids, moving, etc. and they often have very good bikes. Spend a couple of weeks browsing the classifieds in your area, and post a "wanted" in the MTBR classifieds.
I've had pretty good luck with used bikes that I bought from people in other cities, but as a first choice I'd try to find someone near you, so that you could try out the bike. Fit and feel make a big difference in how often you'll ride--which is the whole point. I finally started riding my Stumpjumper after I replaced the stem so it would fit me better. Keep that in mind.
Cheers guys'. I've just learned that the MARIN factory (U.K.) is having a clear out of ex-demonstration and cosmetic seconds. I'll take a look there. Although I will mainly use it for commuting, due to this forum I have the nasty habit of wanting high end stuff, regardless of whether I need it or not.
I'll keep you posted!
I'll keep you posted!
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2002
- Messages
- 143
HI Smat,
This time of year is great for picking up mountain bike bargains in th UK as the new 2003 kit will be hitting the shops, which means a lot of 2002 bikes will be on sale. I recomend getting yourself a copy of MBUK from the newsagent, there will be loads of bargains. In particular, check out the pages for Merlin cycles, they build their own bikes as well as being the only UK distributor of Rock Lobster bikes. I used to have a Rock Lobster Expert, but it got stolen
I now have a GT Zaskar that I picked cheap this time of year in 99.
Anyway, happy hunting
Will
This time of year is great for picking up mountain bike bargains in th UK as the new 2003 kit will be hitting the shops, which means a lot of 2002 bikes will be on sale. I recomend getting yourself a copy of MBUK from the newsagent, there will be loads of bargains. In particular, check out the pages for Merlin cycles, they build their own bikes as well as being the only UK distributor of Rock Lobster bikes. I used to have a Rock Lobster Expert, but it got stolen
I now have a GT Zaskar that I picked cheap this time of year in 99.
Anyway, happy hunting
Will
Hey Bushblade: My god you are right. I called in at ATB sales (U.K. distributor of Marin) to have a look at their cosmetic seconds, and I picked up a Bear Valley 2000 (year) frame with full Shimano XT components that they had put together from bits left over for £300.
I'm pretty chuffed, but as I know practically nothing about bikes, can anyone tell me if the bear valley frame is any good, (it's good enough for what I need it for anyway).
I'm pretty chuffed, but as I know practically nothing about bikes, can anyone tell me if the bear valley frame is any good, (it's good enough for what I need it for anyway).
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2002
- Messages
- 143
Hi smat
Marin put together a quality package, and just for comuting will far excede your needs
I still recomend checking out the Merlin cycles add. in Mountain Bike UK, they allways have special offers on. To be honest I still wish I had my Rock Lobster rather than the Zaskar.
Whatever you choose though make sure you get the correct size frame, if in doubt choose SMALLER than you think.
Will
Marin put together a quality package, and just for comuting will far excede your needs
I still recomend checking out the Merlin cycles add. in Mountain Bike UK, they allways have special offers on. To be honest I still wish I had my Rock Lobster rather than the Zaskar.Whatever you choose though make sure you get the correct size frame, if in doubt choose SMALLER than you think.
Will