Mountain Biking - Looking to buy a bike...HELP ME!!!!

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wileskws
07-24-06, 08:41 PM
I am looking to buy a bike, but I am not sure what kind of bike to purchase. I have had a few bike in the past, but, due to my extreme biking habits, I tend to break these bikes rather quickly. I have broken 4 bikes in the past two years, however, none of these bike have been of decent quality. 3 were Mongoose bikes bought from Wal-Mart, and 1 of them was a Columbia bike. The component I tend to break the most is the rear axle (I know, I know, you are thinking, "This kid is an idiot, components are replacebale." however, why spend around 50 bucks for a new rear hub when you can buy a whole new cheap bike)and/or the frame in general. I greatly enjoy riding trails, however, I also like to ride on the roads. I want a bike that can handle a lot of abuse, A LOT, yet can also feel comfortable to ride on the road. I can only spend around 800 to 1000 dollars (closer to 800 would be preferable, but if suggested I would be willing to spend more). I am really unsure of what I should buy. Could anyone help me out with this? A list of possible suggestions would be excellent. Oh, also, what size bike should I buy. I am almost 6 foot 2 and I weigh around 185 pounds. Ok, thanks for any help!

Also, I am new here and I am not sure if I am doing this posting thing correctly...


Jason222
07-24-06, 09:05 PM
Sounds like you need a nice freeride hardtail. Frame size should be somewhere around 15-16, nothing bigger because freeriding and urban/trials gets harder and less fun with a large frame, and large frames are hard to maneuvre(which ties into the urban/trials thingy a lot).

If you live in Canada, check out the Norco Website. Check out the Shore line and the supercross line.

If you don't live in Canada, I can suggest getting a Specialized P series bike, Hardrock, or possibly a rockhopper.

DEFINATELY don't even consider a full suspension bike at this price range. Trust me.

EJ123
07-24-06, 09:20 PM
(I know, I know, you are thinking, "This kid is an idiot, components are replacebale." however, why spend around 50 bucks for a new rear hub when you can buy a whole new cheap bike)...
lol. I thought you would say something like with reguards to buying an x-mart bike. Yeah like what Jason said, don't go bigger than 16ins.


Jason222
07-24-06, 09:44 PM
Gary Fisher also make some fun jumpers. I'm a really big fan of the GED, because it had a similar setup to my bike, and the price is really nice on it.

wileskws
07-24-06, 09:49 PM
Well, I was thinking about a freeride/downhill bike, but those are generally full suspension and tend to break the bank. However, what about buying a used one of those. I really want a full suspension, but I am still unsure of whether or not it really will make a lot of difference. I have ridden my friend's P2 and I enjoyed it, but, it didn't feel like I owuld be able to go very fast on it, anyway, I'll keep in touch, thanks!