Mountain Biking - best bang per buck/consumer's best buy for an MTB?

Hey guys I'm a n00b, I'll admit it, I read through the FAQ and saw the bicycle guide, I will definately check out some local bike shops.

However, could any of you veterans or guru's throw a few bike names(name+model) at me? Some worthy contenders that you would recommend that don't break the bank? I need something to start my search for one.

I'm actually going to use this bike to commute, however it is almost certain that I will be going offroad once and a while(part of the path). I'm aiming for something relatively reliable/easy to maintain, light weight(under 45lbs), and most imporantly: inexpensive yet decent.

Honestly, I don't want to spend more than $250, in fact, I probably can't allow myself to do that right now. I know there's a lot of garbage bikes out there but I'm trying to stretch my money as far as I can. Used bikes are kind of out of the way for me. I am trying to buy this bike very soon, and there doesn't seem to be much in my area on craigslist.

Cheers! and Thanks in advance!

For that price I would check out the Diamond Backs. That money will get you into an Outlook. Get one from a bike shop though, not a store like Dicks Sporting Goods. Also check out the Trek 820's but I would spend the extra $30 over your budget and get the aluminum Trek 3700. I actually bought one recently and love it for riding light trails.

Thanks rallykid, I'll look into those bikes. That sounds perfect, light trails. I won't do too much heavy duty offroad, only if it snows, other than that, the majority of the ride will be on pavement.

For your limited budget, I can't in good conscience recommend a new bike. At that price level, you end up with sub-par components, suspension that doesn't work and a very heavy bike.

Your budget is steering you to "big box stores" for your purchase. Those bikes are one size only, heavy as tanks, and not designed to be ridden off-road (read their warning stickers).

I'd suggest the used market for you. Get a bike one or two years old that was an entry level bike from a reputable manufacturer (Trek, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Giant, Haro, Diamond Back, Fuji, Raleigh, Iron Horse,...etc.) and learn how to fix and adjust your bike. (www.parktool.com)

Also check out the Trek 820's but I would spend the extra $30 over your budget and get the aluminum Trek 3700.
+1

If you can swing a bit more, a 4100 is a good bike as well.

Get a used bike.

Avoid big stores like the plague. I went on a ride last Thursday with some friends, and two newbies on Wal-Mart bikes. One wasn't too bad except for a very loud and persistent squeak, but the other was just horrible. It didn't even nearly fit him - their solution was to sell him a taller seatpost, which on a MTB had him bent over like he was in drop bars. You could tell the suspension was utter crap as all of his pedal strokes were wasted on the rear suss flexing. My legs actually started hurting from having to coast so much, and I don't think he was feeling very good at all either.

My suggestion is either the Trek 820 or a used bike. Check with your bike shops, most usually have something used in stock. If not, the 820 has some very nice features for the money. With the '07s on their way in, they may even be marked down.

I personally highly endorse the Specialized Hardrock. I just picked up a '07 three weeks ago, and damn near 200 miles later I'm still in love. The front fork is going bye-bye, but the rest of the components are just fine until I break 'em ;).

Really, avoid box stores like the plague. I picked mine up at a semi box-store (Scheels sports) but ONLY because I found probably the gem in the rocks as far as salespeople. He was able to properly fit me to everything, and actually recommended the '07 Hardrock over the '06 Rockhopper (same crank, very similar components, and for a bigger guy the Hardrock is just tougher). Their service folks are top notch, I could tell that when I saw one of them leaving to ride home on a very well-used Surly Long Haul Trucker, complete with duct-taped saddle and brooks grip tape.

Building a relationship with a shop is also good. Scheels may be "big", but they are somewhat local. When I had to avoid an idiot in a Toyota and hit a curb awful hard, I took the 'rock in expecting a large bill for re-trueing the front rim. Nope, they took it back, came out 20 minutes later and said "have fun".

That's my advice. Also, stick with your budget. Don't over-stress it if you can't afford something nicer. The Trek 820 is a great starting point, IMHO better than the 3700. Steel rides much nicer than aluminum, and the 3700 really doesn't have that much of a component edge over the 820.

Save up $60 more and buy this one. http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1014600&f=19 This bike will out last most riders.

Giant Boulder.

Although honestly? Used seems the way to go. www.craigslist.org

Good luck.

Thanks everyone, I'm writing down all the names and looking at the models, I'm getting a better idea now. I'm just on my way over to two bike shops in my area!

My son has a Trek 820. It has been a reliable performer for four years and, if you decide to sell it in the future, it has outstanding resale value. It weighs in at 33lbs.

Ah crud, haha, I just got back, unfortunately they just closed, I'll have to try tommorow.


BTW, Trek 820 sounds very promising to me.

I would personally lean toward one of the aluminum framed treks like the 3700 but the 820 wouldn't be a bad choice.

I would personally lean toward one of the aluminum framed treks like the 3700 but the 820 wouldn't be a bad choice.

Yeah, the 820 will weigh a bit more because of the heavier frame. I seriously doubt you could find an 820 that weighs 32 lbs unless it is a pretty small frame size.

I have a 21 inch 4300disc. It is tons lighter than my son's 16in 820.

Speciliazed hardrock..$288-300.
Gary Fisher Advance $309...look around 05-06's close outs great prices,less than 309$
Gary Fisher Tarpon $269.


food for thought!!! Good luck

At this price point, its all going to be heavy. I don't think you should concern yourself with weight.

As posted above DO NOT BUY FROM A BIG BOX STORE...=crap bikes, no service, and dufas sales reps. Go to Craigslist and find a few years old bike in that range and get way more bang.
Big yes on Hardrock, Rockhopper if you get lucky, and Trek 4300 or 4500. Solid stuff that will last you years.

Wow, that's interesting that everyone has been pointing me to the same stuff.

How about weight? What can I expect?


BTW... I was at Target, I know I know, it breaks the big box rule, but I saw this Schwinn Ranger 2.6 for $139.99, 21 speed.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-1/qid=1156898189/ref=sr_1_1/601-4062420-9661755?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B0000BXHPC


Having said that, it's true, the thing was put together sloppily, but I was thinking I could kind of realign/retighten anything on it. Also, the other downside is that it seemed kind of heavy, granted it was up there on a shelf so I didn't get a real good feel of it, but wasn't too light.

Again, any one know what I can expect a trek 820 or 4300 to weigh?

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BTW, was looking at this Fuji...honestly though it'll probably be taken before I can get to it, unless it's a ripoff, I don't live in that area.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/199915917.html

If your concerned with weight look at The Marin Bolinas Ridge. I'd venture to say it's the lightest budget bike you can find. It also has nice geometry. you may find one in your price range if they are making room for 07's.

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_bolinas_ridge.html

Wow, that's interesting that everyone has been pointing me to the same stuff.

How about weight? What can I expect?
BTW... I was at Target, I know I know, it breaks the big box rule, but I saw this Schwinn Ranger 2.6 for $139.99, 21 speed.
Yup, my neighbor has one. If it was assembled correctly, it would be a nice low end bike. I like it because its an honest bike, not one of those dual suspension monsters Target sells. It's my favorite bike at Target. So if you know how to tune a deraileur, adjust the cones on the axles, tighten the cranks, adjust the head, adjust the brakes and tru the wheels, and you have all the right tools, go for it.

[/QUOTE]Having said that, it's true, the thing was put together sloppily, but I was thinking I could kind of realign/retighten anything on it. Also, the other downside is that it seemed kind of heavy, granted it was up there on a shelf so I didn't get a real good feel of it, but wasn't too light.
Again, any one know what I can expect a trek 820 or 4300 to weigh?
[/QUOTE]
Funny, I could have sworn I posted the weight of a Trek 820, 18" frame. It's 33lbs. The aluminum Treks, Gary Fishers and Specialized bikes will be lighter, my guess is by 2 or 3 lbs. As an example, my Rockhopper weighs in at 30lbs.

Yup, my neighbor has one. If it was assembled correctly, it would be a nice low end bike. I like it because its an honest bike, not one of those dual suspension monsters Target sells. It's my favorite bike at Target. So if you know how to tune a deraileur, adjust the cones on the axles, tighten the cranks, adjust the head, adjust the brakes and tru the wheels, and you have all the right tools, go for it.

Having said that, it's true, the thing was put together sloppily, but I was thinking I could kind of realign/retighten anything on it. Also, the other downside is that it seemed kind of heavy, granted it was up there on a shelf so I didn't get a real good feel of it, but wasn't too light.
Again, any one know what I can expect a trek 820 or 4300 to weigh?
[/QUOTE]
Funny, I could have sworn I posted the weight of a Trek 820, 18" frame. It's 33lbs. The aluminum Treks, Gary Fishers and Specialized bikes will be lighter, my guess is by 2 or 3 lbs. As an example, my Rockhopper weighs in at 30lbs.[/QUOTE]


I apologize! You did mention it was 33lbs, I was actually, almost in disbelief, thought you meant the 3700 (aluminum) or something. WOW only 33lbs for a steel framed bike?? I am impressed.

haha, I guess that's what separates the real bikes from the toy bikes, =P

Don't be afraid of aluminum bikes. I've already gone over the bars on mine and it handled it pretty well...I came out pretty good also. Hill climbing is a blast. Because of the lighter weight, it's just me and the hill, not me the bike and the hill...if you know what I mean.

Update: I went to both local shops, both were of decent size. One only carries Trek and Gary Fisher, while the other only carries Fuji, Iron horse, and Khs(?).

The one that carried Trek did not have any 820's in stock, they would have to make an order for it.

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I really wanted an 820, but in all honesty, I think I mind as well just pick up that Schwinn. No carriers of Specialized that I know of right now. Or I might get a mongoose. I will probably have to tune the thing myself, or pay a bike shop to do it, not sure which I will do.

I suppose I will be searching through the forum for such, unless..anyone knows of any site or resource for DIY guides for bike tuning and maintenance?

Thanks again everyone.

he asks for advice and then doesn't take it. I would steer clear of schwin, mongoose, GT .. once they were good bikes .. now they are all made by pacific cycles for walmart and the like.

Hey, I'm taking it in. I want the Trek 820!!

Don't get me wrong, it's just that, I need a bike really soon, and with my schedule, it's hard for me to drive out of town to go get a used bike. I live in the middle of nowhere. So for now.. I may just buy the Schwinn, and besides roccobike has some decent words for it too.

You should read the messages people are taking the time to write. Learn how to fix your bike.


(...)and learn how to fix and adjust your bike. (www.parktool.com)

Good luck with your choice.

Check out Park Tools's repair help section of the website. It as tons of info for you. Also, check out the bike maintenance forum on this site. Tons and tons of info.

http://parktool.com/repair/

As far as the new bike issue goes, I'd suggest getting the bike YOU want. It's your money. Also, don't settle for another model just because it's in stock. You will most likely regret not waiting the week or so to get in the Trek 820 that you said you really want. I'd place the order with your LBS and wait till it comes in. I think you'll be happier with it than with the Schwinn. It will be put together right and you will have all the support you need from your LBS. I have a 98 Schwinn S30 full suspension and love it. However, since Schwinn became part of Pacific Cycles they are not what they once were. Stick with your original thought and get the 820.

I figured that I would throw in on this too. I ride with a lot of budget bikers, and I am one too. The one thing that I'd be most concerned with while you shop is that you will LOVE the frame. THis is the one piece that you are really stuck with. Now having said that, I will tell you that used will get you an absolute steal. My recent purchase of a 2001 specialized hardrock (with rock shox jett) for 65 dollars still has me dreaming. My primary bike is a 1997 GT Palomar that I have upgraded through the years, and is absolutely amazing and I wouldn't give it up for the world! Components that are slightly used or older than market year can be had for a fraction of the cost.

I had a friend recently purchase a bike from amazon.com. It was 150 dollars and was a mongoose hard tail. There are some things that I immediately wanted to rip off the bike, but otherwise I can say it at least got him started, and has been holding up without issue. Sure, the parts aren't the best, it's a bit heavy, but it is a lot smoother ride than your cheapo walmart bike. I could see it lasting him quite a few years as long as it doesn't get too thrown around on the trails. I would never tell him to upgrade to XTR components or anything high end, but he is more than happy with it. the only major issues that i saw was a weak handlebar and some general tweaking we had to do to the components when it came.

If you are somewhat confident with tools, you can figure out how to repair a bike.

Go used.

In the last year I have been GIVEN three bikes!

One is a Trek 820 that has no suspension. Only thing it needed was a new set of grips and a thorough cleaning.

The second was a Schwinn BMX Cruiser. Needed nothing! Air in the tires and rideable. The spokes on the wheels have seen better days, but it was exposed to salt air, so it's no surprise. BUT, still rideable.

The last is a Scott Boulder. Steel hardtail, with a suspension fork. Needs new tires and a tune-up.

Go check out your local pawn shops for a bike with Specialized, Trek, Gary Fisher, Giant...etc. brands on them. Avoid, Pacific, Magma, Huffy,

Go to a Goodwill Store. I was working in a shop and this guy brought in an older model Cannondale road bike. needed a new rear shifter cable and some brake pads. He paid $100 for it from Goodwill. We charged him about $25 for parts and labor.

Speaking of good deals on a used bike. Check this out! Found it on ebay. Might be a great first bike for ya.
Specialized Hard Rock Comp with some very good components. Can't go wrong for that price either.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260025806670&fromMakeTrack=true

Well, you can do what you want, but I'll guarantee you won't be happy on a big box bike. Let me tell you why.

First, guy number 1. He didn't listen to my advice, went to Wal-Mart and bought one of those horrid dual-suspension beasties. With a tall seatpost it actually fits him somewhat well, but he's quite slow and the bike is constantly squeaking somewhere. One day I let him get on my '07 Hardrock and ride it a bit. He comes back and say "Dude, my bike is such a piece of ****!" I couldn't agree more.

Second, guy number 2. He wanted to "get back into riding" so he went to... you guessed it.. and bought a Mongoose. Now, this is case in point of a bike not fitting a rider. He rides it, and he's hunched over like a roadie. "But Wal-Mart sold me this tall seatpost to help me fit on it!" Yeah, no. The suspension flexed so badly and the bike was such an un-lubed disaster that he was having to pedal hard - downhill! After about 7 miles, he was walking. The 3 mile trip to his house took longer than the rest of my 10 mile commute home.

Now, you can do what you want. But I will tell you that Guy #1 is now looking at '07 Rockhoppers with a gleam in his eye, and Guy #2 is purchasing a used roadie from a LBS for about $150 - and he says it's "so much nicer!" than his Mongoose. Both plan to trash their box store toys.

Going to check out two Goodwill's today.

PS, jeremyp1111, that's a beautiful bike on ebay that you posted. But with shipping included and the fact that its across the country from me makes me a little discouraged, but thanks for sharing. =]

for about 300 we got my girlfriend a marin and its a great bike, very light. I think its a marin pioneer trail. about 300 bucks and light as hell, have had no problems with it at all.

Speaking of good deals on a used bike. Check this out! Found it on ebay. Might be a great first bike for ya.
Specialized Hard Rock Comp with some very good components. Can't go wrong for that price either.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260025806670&fromMakeTrack=true
the crank on that bike was probably 300 lol