Interested In Buying A Mountain Bike

[Tom Treutlein]

I'm looking to buy a mountain bike, but I can't shell out $1500 for some of these bikes I see. I don't get why they're so overpriced. There are trails near my house that I walk on a lot, and run, but I've been concerned about my knees getting worn after too long. I plan to be active to a long time, and I'd rather keep my knees strong, if possible.

So, that being said, can anyone tell me what it is I should look for in a bike? How much a descent one will cost? I see some bikes at $100-$200. Are those any good? I'm guessing they'll fall apart in a second, but maybe not.

I don't know anything about biking really, besides how to pedal, so I'm trying to learn so I can make a wise investment.

 

[Synpax]

Well, here's a hint that might save you some money. Since you are just starting out, maybe check craigslist for a used on your area.

 

[brunette]

or wait for end of season price cuts.

 

[shortlady]

Don't bother with the big bucks, fancy bikes. My first bike (as an adult) was a 300 dollar hunk of steel that i rode into the ground and beat the crap out of. I loved every minute of it.

My advice is: 1) follow the above poster's advice and wait a bit so that you'll have more sale options 2) visit a few of your local bike shops and check out the staff. e.g., are they cocky and condescending or do they seem like knowledgeable people willing to help out a newcomer to the sport. While the big chain stores have more bikes in stock and can be better price-wise (but not necessarily), quality customer service is often lacking 3) the most important aspect of your bike will be how it fits. Just because you clear the top tube while standing over the bike does not mean that it fits. Shops let you take their bikes out for test rides, but their rules vary. Try to find a shop that will take you out for a test ride for at least an hour. Having one of their employees ride with you might be a good idea - they'll be able to better gauge how you fit the bike and what adjustments need to be made.

Don't let anyone talk you into top of the line components, fancy upgrades, or stuff that you don't need. None of that will matter until you have been riding for quite a while.

A 100-200 dollar bike - yes, it will fall apart. 300-600 is perfectly reasonable for a first bike and a good product.

For more info on bikes, check out www.bikeforums.net.

 

[callthedoctor]

I'm not sure I totally agree with everyone here....really depends on how your going to use the bike.

If you can afford it, I say get a SOLID mid-ranged bike around $800-$1200.....there will be quite a bit of off-road performance gained with better componets, ie. shifters, quality shocks, lower bike weight, etc.

People spend thousands of dollars on fancy boats or motorhomes and use them 2-3 times a year...why not treat yourself to a nice 1K mountain bike that you may end up using several times a week...I think you'll be happy you did...especially if your going on single track.

If you can't afford it, save until you can.

If your just going to cruise around the neighborhood...a 2-300 dollar job will be fine.


Check out www.mtbr.com.

 

[QCION3]

I have had a lot of luck with the Y series mountain bikes from Trek. I have one (used to have the metal frame then now a carbon fiber) that is probably 4 or 5 years old and its still a great bike. Being older you should be able to find them a lot cheaper than new ones and it hasnt faild me yet

 

[sestes]

I bought a mountain Bike when I first started fatloss. Its a great form of cardio, and not to mention the awesome workout your legs get. I rode it on the streets to work, to the gym, and back home. I dropped a good 20lbs. If your not one for running, then I highly recommend getting one. The first one I bought was a $100 murry from Target. Eventually it fell completely apart over about a 3 month span of everyday use. But I enjoyed riding (it became a rush), so I invested in a Raleigh Mountain Bike http://www.raleighusa.com/. Which turned out to be a huge difference in ride and performance. Compared to this one the other one felt like I was hauling a load of bricks. Anyway if you’re going to go for it, do your research and get a good one. You'll enjoy the ride, and you’ll get more wear–n-tear out of it

 

[jnevin]

Stay away from places like REI and other big sporting goods stores. Costco oddly has some good deals on good bikes sometimes. I'm at the point where I have to drop a few $K on a bike, but there are good deals for decent bikes. You could always go to a pawn shop and buy an older bike with a good frame and upgrade the components as you improve and need a more responsive bike.

 

[silverfish]

You can get high quality bikes on eBay. I got an Ionic single speed for $800. Virgin bike, perfect condition. New it cost well over a grand. Lots of good bikes go cheap, just do your research and ask lots of questions.

I also think that Klein has some really great mountain bikes.

 

[USMC fighter]

Get a bike with a good frame, you can always upgrade the componets as you progress