Hey guys, I just celebrated my 30th birthday last night and I've been wanting to get a new mountain bike so most of my family members just gave me cash so that I could pick one out. I've been riding the trails out at Terry Hershey and Memorial park some on my brother's old Specialized, but it is time for me to get something of my own. I don't have a clue where to start so I'm looking to the power of Clutchfans for advice. I don't know if it's possible to get something decent for this price, but I'd really prefer not to spend over $600. I've done a little riding but I'm really not much more than a beginner so I don't need something super fancy. I'm looking for something that can handle the trails pretty well without killing my body. I'm 6"4 and 190lbs so I'll need a pretty large frame I'm assuming, I just don't know anything about the different sizes and options that are available. Any advice on specific models/options and where to shop would be greatly appreciate. Thanks!
Bike barn has some great bikes and people, but tend to be a little pricey. Smaller shops will usually have better deals (but it just depends). I would suggest you get a hardtail (suspension in front and not in back). You should be able to pick up something decent for that price. If you are handy, you can assemble your own bike, with much better parts for that price (I just set-up a new mtn bike, cost me around 550...a bike with equivalent parts in a store would be around 900...). Lastly, big names don't always mean your getting the best. The low end bikes of most big name companies come with crappy components. Anyways, I would recommend a specialized hardrock disc sport for your price range and yes, you would need a very big bike lol. I would head to a couple shops and ask about sizing. And remember, for a mtn bike, you don't want the top bar sitting right under your crotch like on a road bike (in case you get stuck with your wheels in a high place and you need to hop off the seat)
At that size you should get a 29er. They have 29" tires instead of 26". It will fit you much better and roll over bumps WAY better. Just test ride one and you will see what I mean.
I have a Trek 8000 that I love and today just now -- I bought a Trek 6000 for 200.00 off Craigslist -- just got back from picking it up ! Strange you started this thread
http://www.bluelinebikelab.com/ Used to be good friends with the guys that own this shop. Not so much anymore, but there is noone else I would go to if I needed a bike. They'll steer you right and make sure you get the bike you need.
I've been reading about the 29er's and it does sound like that may be a good fit for me. Unfortunately from the limited research I've done it seems like it will be hard to find a hardtail 29er in the $600 range. The only places I've looked so far though is online at Bikebarn and REI.
got a specialized hardrock for christmas and have enjoyed it thoroughly... and apparently the frame is pretty solid so even though the components aren't terrific, it is very upgradeable.
It is true they cost a little more but that is due to the fact that the ones offered are mostly higher end bikes. GF and specialized do not make crappy 29ers like they do 26" models. This is a lower end model 29er from bikes direct. You can compare all of the components to the 26" models you have been checking out. Probably almost even which is awesome considering everything made for a 29" costs much more http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_08.htm
Nothing better then a Kona. Its what I use and I been biking for awhile. 569 bucks for the Fire Mountain.
I used to have brand loyalty to Trek but I think the 29er is going to just keep getting a larger and larger market share. Therefore getting the best 29er you can afford, regardless of brand is the best move. The only thing that brand matters is the frame and config. On a mountain bike the biggest things are frame geometry, front fork and fit. The geometry and fit for the 29er would be better for you no matter what so the only thing left is the quality of the fork which is determined by your price range.
Get something in your budget, and over time replace the components (pretty much everything but the frame) with higher quality replacements. -->When you shop, put all emphasis on the frame. Specialized Rockhoppers are one to look at it. Don't be afraid to go used - again, you can (should) replace most of the components (including the drive train and wheels), so as long as it's a nice frame, go for it!
If you have 600 to spend, look for a bike that's a few years old that cost someone else a couple grand. I just got a 29er and I love it. I highly recommend full suspension. Let the bike take the abuse instead of your body. Start on craigslist. New $600 "mountain bikes" won't last long at Memorial park.
This is old logic that does not work anymore. You can pick up a frame for 200 on eBay, it is nothing but a component, except it has to fit. Look at the total package when buying a bike. You might be able to find a Gary Fisher Cobia used in your price range. I know the bike shop near memorial has 3 of them and they are 2008's so you might get a deal on those.
Ive been building up a cyclocross bike, which I would suggest also, and generally building a bike up piece by piece usually doesnt save you money and its common to go over the cost of a prebuilt bike. I highly suggest looking for a used bike. Bike barn is really nice, and a fine LBS to gain your loyalty from, but its overpriced. Ditto for REI and theyll do small jobs for no cost where a smaller LBS would have to charge because theyre a smaller business. The reason why I suggest used is because the bike section for craigslist is fairly active, and you most bike owners baby their rides, so a little bit of knowledge would keep you safe from buying a lemon. ALSO, we're fairly close to Austin, which has probably the 2nd largest bike culture in the US. Its overwhelming how many new CL posts there are a day. I don't know who makes steel MTBs but if you go aluminum, cannondale has supposedly the least harsh ride with their caad frames. I have a specialized and its perfectly fine, though I didnt shop around as much as I would have liked.
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/marlin You should find a Gary Fisher Marlin on sale for ~$500 if you look around My neighbor purchased a a Scott Scale 70 for $575 and that too is a great MTB http://scottusa.com/us_en/product/1664/11758/scale_70
I've been looking quite a bit at the Cannondale F5's. They seem to get very positive reviews from what I've seen. Only problem is they are of course just a wee bit out of my price range.
