General Cycling Discussion - total newb here

Hey everyone,

You seem to have a pretty good message board going on over here.

I've been wanting to get a bicycle for a while now, and think this summer will be the time for it. I just don't know how to go about shopping for one. What to look for, brands etc.

I'm looking to spend between $300-400. I know it's not a lot, but it's all I can afford at this point. I would say I would use it for 60% street riding and 40% dirt, on and off trails.

Are there any bikes you would recommend for me at this price range? I would like to get a bike with at least front suspension but is it possible to get a quality dual suspension bicycle at this price range?

I've done some trail riding on other people's bikes, but I would still consider myself a novice. If you can't give specific brands, at least gove some key points to look for as I begin shopping. Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi, dome!

There are many more knowledgeable people here, but I got myself a Specialized Expedition comfort bike last year (when just getting back into cycling myself), and I'm very pleased with it (and the bike shop people where I bought it just seem to love this model!) It runs about $350, and has front shocks and comes with a shock seatpost (which I removed, but that's my opinion.) I've used it a great deal for commuting and on rail trails. It handles dirt trails fairly well, though I regretted the one time I tried to take it on an actual MTB singletrack in the mud. :D Putting knobbies on it might make it okay for off-road.

Hi,
I'm a newb also, but i can tell you what i've learned in my short experience. First i'd go around to any bike shops in the area and talk to people about what your looking for. having a good relationship with a bike store your comforatable with can be a big help. and as you start to look at bikes your interested in post your choices and see what people have to say. and good luck in your search :)

Welcome to bike forums.

In the 300-400 dollar price range I would recommend Giant and KHS. They both have some decent bikes in this price range. If you are buying new then forget about getting a full suspension. You won't find a quality one in your price range.

Don't try to save money by purchasing a Walmart bicycle. These bikes are poorly assembled and you'll need VERY good working knowledge to get them road worthy. Furthermore, the components are bottom line so this is not an alternative.

Get a good bike from a reputable local bike shop. Make sure it fits. Most bikes in your price range tend to be the same component wise.

Originally posted by LowCel
Welcome to bike forums.

In the 300-400 dollar price range I would recommend Giant and KHS. They both have some decent bikes in this price range. If you are buying new then forget about getting a full suspension. You won't find a quality one in your price range.
these are some nice looking bikes although i dont like the acera and alevio parts
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.asp?number=46252
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.asp?number=46244

Go to your local bike shop. Stay away from *mart if you want to do some real riding. What you need to get for your money is the best frame. The components can be upgraded as the wallet allows. Athough it is more expensive in the long run this way, you have to do what you afford. For that amount of money you will be looking at a hard tail. (I've been riding one for 7 years now. F/S is not a requirement) Don't be fooled be Walmart full suspension, there is a big difference between real suspension and a spring in the back. If you are going to be off road 40% of the time, I would stay away from the comfort bikes, they are built more for the street.

You could look for a shop that has some last years models. That could get you more bike for the money.

Where are you? Maybe someone could point you towards a good LSB in your area.

When I first got back into biking a few years ago and wanted a new bike I picked up a Trek 4500. It ran me around $375. It had a real good stiff frame even though the component mix was low level Shimano gear. I liked that frame so much I ended up upgrading all the components to LX and XT. The bike now belongs to my son.
I was in a local shop today and saw the new 4500 and it was about $400. The components are about the same but it has a nicer paint job than the one I had.
Other options are buying used (not abused) or looking for leftover models from last year. Either one of these will give you more bike for your buck. If like me you end up getting really bitten by the "bug" you will end up buying a new and much better bike within a year.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I'll definitely be checking out some of the LBS and talking to some of the people there. I just wanna get some more knowledge before I go in so I at least have some educated questions to ask before I buy.

I'll update, and will definitely be back on here with more questions. Thanks again.

:beer:

Looks like you will be riding close to fifty/fifty pavement/road. You propably would want a "comfort" mountian bike. We carry Giant Sedonas and Specialized Expeditions. But many companies make similar bikes. They are mountian bikes but with a more upright seating position and smoother treaded tires.
A big thing is the shop it self. How is the staff? Are they helpful? Do they hide in the back and you have to draw them out? Dothey offer service after the sale. All these need to be considered if you are new because they will be the ones helping you out down the road with any questions you have or stuff you need done to your bike.
Oh yeah, don't forget to buy a helmet.

Dont forget to budget for helmet and gloves for crash protetcion, and a few pairs of shorts if you ride for more than 1hr.
If your street riding involves carrying heavy stuff around, consider fitting a luggage rack. Your bike will need threaded eyelets which most low/mid-range hardtails have. You cant fit a rack to a full sus model.
Chose your bike shop with care; most large bike companies produce very similar mid-range hardtails which are excellent value. You should be able to take a bike for a test ride.

Hey all,

I've been doing a bit of shopping and wanted to get some opinions. I was looking at the Cannondale f300 (I'm pretty sure that was the model) and the Trek 4300.

What are your opinions or experiences with either bike?
Thanks