Mountain Biking - Hello All, need some help with the PURCHASE of a new MTB

hows it going all?? this is my first post and well for a while now i have been wanting to buy a mountain bike and there are so many to choose from, also i have limited myself to a 200 budget.
any and all help will be greatly appreciated, thanx!!
at the moment i am looking at several bikes.

i know huffy use to be a decent brand but i dont know how they stand up to other name brands.
Huffy (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1754952&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

i wasnt even aware that honda make mtb's, so i dont know where they stand.
Honda (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1800571&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

never heard of kent, so i dont know where they stand as well.
Kent (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1967442&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

i dont know anything about the jeep bike brand.
Jeep (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1764334&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

Jeep 2 (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1764333&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

so i have heard and know that mongoose is a good brand and is well known for good bikes, so thats what i think i am leaning to more.
Mongoose Pathfinder (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1441292&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

Mongoose Maneuver (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1986205&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

Mongoose Syncome (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1441288&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

You'll probably want to delete your post. everyone here will tell you to save money and buy a "real" mountain bike, which i would also reccomend.

You'll probably want to delete your post. everyone here will tell you to save money and buy a "real" mountain bike, which i would also reccomend.

well then, if thats the case im open to options. as i said im new to the whole bike scene so any and all help would be needed.

as it seems, you dont have anything usefull to say so dont bother posting. its very simple.

What I said actually would be useful to you. Just look at the other posts where people ask similar questions, they get flamed so bad. My suggestion would be to check out the Specialized Hardrock series of bikes. You can get one for around 300-350 and I gaurantee its WAY better than those bikes you listed.

What I said actually would be useful to you. Just look at the other posts where people ask similar questions, they get flamed so bad. My suggestion would be to check out the Specialized Hardrock series of bikes. You can get one for around 300-350 and I gaurantee its WAY better than those bikes you listed.

well if people are going to flame me cause i asked for some help, it only shows ignorance on thier part and they shouldnt bother posting.

see now that was more usefull, and thanx

as it seems, you dont have anything usefull to say so dont bother posting. its very simple.
How to win friends and influence people, hey?

There's plenty of information within these forums on entry level mountain bikes.

Get yourself to a local bike shop (not a big sports store like Dicks) and have a look at the options. Specialized Hardrock is one of the most solid entry level bikes you can get.

well if people are going to flame me cause i asked for some help, it only shows ignorance on thier part and they shouldnt bother posting.

see now that was more usefull, and thanx
Dude, lay off the attitude.

How to win friends and influence people, hey?

There's plenty of information within these forums on entry level mountain bikes.

Get yourself to a local bike shop (not a big sports store like Dicks) and have a look at the options. Specialized Hardrock is one of the most solid entry level bikes you can get.

thanx



Dude, lay off the attitude.

i dont have an attitude.

the people who flame, just cause they know better doesnt mean they can flame someone who knows less, and thats what pisses me off and i was just letting it be known.

Yeah you really aren't going to get much help that way. Stubacca's right.

thanx




i dont have an attitude.

the people who flame, just cause they know better doesnt mean they can flame someone who knows less, and thats what pisses me off and i was just letting it be known.
You're not getting flamed. Ease up.

everything like this has its own flow and rythem, just lay low and get used to how the forum goes and how the people in it are.

oh yea before someone else tells you i have seen lots of people getting. . . um should i say repremanded for using aol lingo.

yes. look out for the tampa fan named Raiyn. he will visit you at night if you use "kuz".

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/BlkHawkDown/Trek%20Bruiser%202%20Stunts/PICT0042.jpg
Click (http://www2.trekbikes.com/en/Bikes/Mountain/Bruiser/Bruiser_2/index.php)

Click (http://www2.trekbikes.com/en/Bikes/Mountain/Bruiser/Bruiser_2/index.php)
Nice bike.

A Bruiser 2 is probably going to be a bit outside the budget of someone who's currently limited to $200.

Bruiser 1 is definitely worth a look - street price seems to be a shade under $400 around here.

The Giant Boulder SE and the Specialized Hardrock Sport should be close to your price range as is teh Trek 820. The reason people don't want you to buy from a major sportings good store instead of a dedicated bike store is because usually they are improperly assembled and not really intended for off-road use.

So those three bikes are worth a look for you and should be only a little outside the budget. Also, stay away from dual suspension bikes as they are heavy and are unnecessary/ineffective until you get very high end.

Good luck. People will help, just ask nicely.

bruiser 1' frame looks nice though :D

i would go with the bruiser if you arent going to be doing xc(cross country)

heck, i would go with the bruiser even if you were doing XC :D

Go with the Honda!

hahaha... No, I'd reccomend anything with a Honda motor in it.

Trek does have some bikes that seem like they might go under $300. I looked at the local shop before I got my Bruiser, and some looked nice, but I was going for something really good. You just have to ask for the sales.

I think he's gone-so soon. Perhaps we'll see him in a few weeks with broken bike questions. But if you do come back... unfortunately all the bikes you've mentioned are not taken very seriously in these forums, not because were bike snobs or because we want to hurt you but because they are not good bikes and they will either fail and hurt you or disapoint you sufficiently that you give up mountain biking which we dont want. The best thing you can do is go to a local bike shop, not a sports store or a wal mart but a bike shop because all they do is sell bikes and bike gear and they know what they are about. Have a look around at entry bikes, save your money if you have to, the bikes in the LBS will be better quality and give you more pleasure (miles) than any others. Good Luck.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=104805&highlight=walmart+bikes

What's with all the attitude? The guy comes in asking for advice, and gets treated like an *******, just for asking 'the wrong question'? geesh

So far, nobody has bothered to explain what is wrong with department store bikes and exactly _why_ he should get a real bike. From the thread so far, if i was him, i'd conclude that bike people are snotty bastards and I wouldn't even go into a bike shop for fear of being treated the same way, but in person!

Get a Kona, they have an entry level model for around $350.00 or... get a Specialized Hardrock Sport, also $350.00

Either bikes will get you through your first few years of mountain biking.

Department store bikes are made with cheap frame material, cheap components and do not come with any decent service or bike warranty, WHEN (not if) something breaks you're stuck with junk yard scrap.

^^ Geez, calm down.

Ok, sell everything and kitchen sink stores are not places to buy bikes. They know less about bikes then your average local bike shop person. A bike shop person specializes in bikes, so he/she will know a lot more and will be very helpful, not just another assosiate. They know what they're talking about and are a lot more helpful when buying bikes.

A bike shop person can help you decide what kind of riding you will do, and which one will suit your style. Bike shops will also help you if something goes wrong, because people will most likely have the same problem that you have if you ever have any. They will know what to do. A person at an all-in-one-wonder shop will not help you and will probably not even care.

What's with all the attitude? The guy comes in asking for advice, and gets treated like an *******, just for asking 'the wrong question'? geesh

So far, nobody has bothered to explain what is wrong with department store bikes and exactly _why_ he should get a real bike. From the thread so far, if i was him, i'd conclude that bike people are snotty bastards and I wouldn't even go into a bike shop for fear of being treated the same way, but in person!
See posts #15, #20, #21, and the suggestions to search the forums.

See posts #15, #20, #21, and the suggestions to search the forums.

I rest my case. 3 useful posts in 21 when you counted.. the first remotely helpful post was number 15..

I rest my case. 3 useful posts in 21 when you counted.. the first remotely helpful post was number 15..
I'm glad you're not a lawyer. Or maybe you are... :p

There's plenty of useful suggestions on bikes he should consider throughout the thread, and well before post #15 (which is simply the first post to explain directly why not to get an xmart bike rather than use the search option - this stuff is posted so frequently that often the members who reply just don't have the energy to write it all out again... the search function is there for a reason).

When someone gets their back up and gets stroppy about the first response in a thread, things often don't go quite as well as they could.

I'm not a lawyer, but i play one online! ;)

Anyway, i just thought people sounded awfully snippy to a guy who was just asking a question, even if he did sound a bit AOL-ish..

also i have limited myself to a 200 budget.

Try a pawn shop or used

i know huffy use to be a decent brand but i dont know how they stand up to other name brands.
Huffy (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1754952&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)
They've sucked for years now

i wasnt even aware that honda make mtb's, so i dont know where they stand.
Honda (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1800571&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)
They have ONE good bike and you can't buy it - nobody can

never heard of kent, so i dont know where they stand as well.
Kent (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1967442&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)
**** on a shingle

i dont know anything about the jeep bike brand.
Jeep (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1764334&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

Jeep 2 (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1764333&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)
I'll save you the trouble. If it has anything to do with a car maker it's either complete **** or your paying for the name or both

so i have heard and know that mongoose is a good brand and is well known for good bikes, so thats what i think i am leaning to more.
Mongoose Pathfinder (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1441292&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

Mongoose Maneuver (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1986205&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)

Mongoose Syncome (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1441288&cp=713103.1892903.1892904&filter=yes&fCat=1892904&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family)No Mongoose that Dick's Sporting Goods sells is worth the powder to blow it back to the fiery pits of hell where it came from.

Find a REAL Bike Shop (Dick's isn't one) and go from there. also see the "Around $500 thread" at the top of the page.

Like others have said.: Do your best when it comes to spelling and grammar. You'll get more respect and better answers that way. Plus I won't be on you like white on rice. (Right revmonkey?)

If it has anything to do with a car maker it's either complete **** or your paying for the name or both

Hmm. I seem to recall the only Porsche ever found in my brother's garage was equipped with XTR and some King components. Of course, I'm sure he bartered for it, as you'd have to be stooopid (Yes, 3 "O"s) to pay the dealer price.

(Right revmonkey?)


right!

I'm not a lawyer, but i play one online! ;)

Anyway, i just thought people sounded awfully snippy to a guy who was just asking a question, even if he did sound a bit AOL-ish..
Cool... I think the snippiness was brought on by his attitude to the first response.

In any case, next time you see that happen and feel the need to say something, instead of just ranting about what people aren't telling him, why don't you give the guy the answer you think is missing? Offer solutions, not more problems. :)

Don't settle for anything less then an Specalized Hardrock Sport, Trek 3900, ect... These you wil find in the $300 price range(as I always say try to find last years model to save 20%-30%). Don't waste your $200 that could be 2/3rds of a good entry bike! Dont buy full suspension, you will get a crap heap for your price range. Get back to us with revised selections and we can help on the conponet comparison - but you should testride.

BTW I hope you know Corvette were just plain lucky this year.

are you talking about at le mans? because no they weren't, they were just plain consistent.

Funny, I was at a Mongoose authorized dealer in Astoria Queens 2 weeks ago and looking at the DJ bike, the guy recommended NOT TO BUY a Mongoose for dirt jumping, he said the Trek Bruiser was a much better bike, BUT... that Trek has had a crap year in terms of having bikes available because all they're focusing on are the high end road bikes this year.

are you talking about at le mans? because no they weren't, they were just plain consistent.

No they where lucky. Aston Martin made two silly mistakes late on. Besides due to the stupid rules the AOC brought in Corvette will be slowed down for next year, while Aston will be allowed to go faster. In this sense GT1 has become a farce, the winners will be forced to go slow the next year. There is a roumor (circulated trackside and on Radio Le Man) that Corvette and Aston had done a deal to decide who wins what and when.

Still it was good watching those R8's beat the French. :D

The Giant Boulder and the Trek 3700 will both cost you around $225. They are entry level bikes, but they are built by real companies and the stores that sell them with often provide 1 years worth of free service. Trust me, you will need it. Bikes need 3-4 tunes in a year and each would cost $50+. That 1 year of service is worth it, so stay away from department stores or sporting good stores and stick to the local bike shops and be sure they will give you 1 year free, DO NOT settle for 1 month.

How to win friends and influence people, hey?

im not sure about you, but i dont come online to make friends or try to influence people.

if i happen to make friends thats great, but its not why i came to these forums.

Yeah you really aren't going to get much help that way. Stubacca's right.

if no one has anything to say regarding what i asked, then they shouldnt bother posting. its really not that hard to understand.

I'm glad you're not a lawyer. Or maybe you are... :p

There's plenty of useful suggestions on bikes he should consider throughout the thread, and well before post #15 (which is simply the first post to explain directly why not to get an xmart bike rather than use the search option - this stuff is posted so frequently that often the members who reply just don't have the energy to write it all out again... the search function is there for a reason).

When someone gets their back up and gets stroppy about the first response in a thread, things often don't go quite as well as they could.

dont have the energy to write something useful, but will find the energy to post rubbish?? thats pretty interesting.

BTW I hope you know Corvette were just plain lucky this year.

im detest american cars, so i could care less about corvette.

You're not getting flamed. Ease up.

i never said i was, so im not sure what your talking about.

everything like this has its own flow and rythem, just lay low and get used to how the forum goes and how the people in it are.

oh yea before someone else tells you i have seen lots of people getting. . . um should i say repremanded for using aol lingo.

aol lingo??
not sure what you mean by that, please enlighten me.

Try a pawn shop or usedThey've sucked for years nowThey have ONE good bike and you can't buy it - nobody can**** on a shingleI'll save you the trouble. If it has anything to do with a car maker it's either complete **** or your paying for the name or bothNo Mongoose that Dick's Sporting Goods sells is worth the powder to blow it back to the fiery pits of hell where it came from. Find a REAL Bike Shop (Dick's isn't one) and go from there. also see the "Around $500 thread" at the top of the page.
Like others have said.: Do your best when it comes to spelling and grammar. You'll get more respect and better answers that way. Plus I won't be on you like white on rice. (Right revmonkey?)


im not applying for a job, and this is a freaking forum, so my spelling and grammar is the last thing on my mind.

Cool... I think the snippiness was brought on by his attitude to the first response.

In any case, next time you see that happen and feel the need to say something, instead of just ranting about what people aren't telling him, why don't you give the guy the answer you think is missing? Offer solutions, not more problems. :)

umm, funny how its me that started things off. first response i get is someone telling me to delete my post, and not helping me with what i was asking. and you now blame me for my "attitude", thats damn funny.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=1287525&postcount=2

Dude, lay off the attitude.

lay off the attitude??

aol lingo??
not sure what you mean by that, please enlighten me.
"u" "ur" "NE1" Stuff like that. It's something that will get you in dutch real quick.
http://img217.echo.cx/img217/1002/textspeak7oe.jpg

im not applying for a job, and this is a freaking forum, so my spelling and grammar is the last thing on my mind.
If you want decent responses and to remain here as a member you WILL pay more attention to how you communicate here.

now for the people who responded with usefull posts, i greatly appreciate it and i will look into the bikes mentioned and ill go from there.

after i make my decision and my purchase, i shall return.

thanx