General Cycling Discussion - burn it

yo wasup fellaz

first post ...what's a good sport/off road bike to purchase?

mostly for quick rides near town but i want to also be able jump off tall sidewalks n stuff to break my leg because i was hella gaked and went for it. .

any suggestions??

Do you have a bike now? If this will be your first bike look around at bike shops and find one that won't break your bank. For your description I would stick to steel frames and heavy duty stuff.

Good luck and welcome

Joe

Originally posted by BluntMan
yo wasup fellaz

first post ...what's a good sport/off road bike to purchase?

mostly for quick rides near town but i want to also be able jump off tall sidewalks n stuff to break my leg because i was hella gaked and went for it. .

any suggestions??

side step the spliff...

Yours truly,
Chronic

bluntman,

I just bought a bike on Sunday, Specialized Crossroads. Its a hybrid.

But I also tried out Specialized Expedition Sport, and fell in love with it.... I didn't get it because I wanted thinner tires and bigger wheels, but for jumping off the curbs it would be perfect. Its not a mountain bike, its a hybrid, but with smaller and thicker wheels.
I don't know your price range but I saw it for $330. Check it out
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03ExpeditionSport&bl=comfort&my=2003

i'm clueless on what a good bike @ a good price costs now adays....

budget is around 250, or esle i'll just go to target and buy one of those bikes for 99 bux. but i know u guys can hook me up...basically i'm looking for great handling and road capabilities, and with some off road attitude.

I say go for a rigid (no-suspension) steel framed mountain bike. The Trek 800 and Giant Boulder are both in your price range and there is probably a bike shop near you that sells one or both. They might not look as flashy as the bikes Target has, but trust me, they will take far more beating and last you a lot longer. Make sure you have the shop owner help you figure out what size is best for you. The right size will help you get the most joy out of you money.

As far as what a good bike costs now adays, that depends on the rider. You're looking at the lower end, but still a far cry better than the generic rides. At the other end, there are full-suspension bikes that sell for over $4000. Obviously, those aren't for everyone.

Ask any more questions that come to you and let everyone here know what you get.

thanx for the suggestions....what are the benefits of having a suspension bike over a non suspension...

which one would have more handling? i'm planning to go to a bike shop in my city that's supposedly has top of the line bikes and stuff. I just got into this biking thing because i used to live on a bike untill i got my car, and i need to start choppin' down the excess pounds.

i need to start choppin' down the excess pounds
Well, lunchbox... (or was silent bob the basis for chronic?) :P
The suspension will make it a little more comfortable for offroad and help keep the tires in contact with the ground, which improves handling. It can also help reduce the stress on the frame.

On the flip side, suspension parts weigh more, cost more, and will eventually wear out. Plus, learning to ride on a rigid will help you develop more skill and you will eventually learn how to use the frame's solidness to your advantage.

In your price range, a full-suspension bike is usually considered a no-no. Manufacturers like Huffy and Mongoose cut too many corners in part quality and design to produce low cost full-suspension bikes so that they aren't worth it. Decent hardtails (front suspension only) however, can be had for just a little more than the cost of a rigid. The Trek 820 and the Giant Boulder SE are the next step up from the bikes I suggested earlier and come for just under $300. The suspension forks on them aren't very impressive, but they do take the edge off.

I second the Giant Boulder(no suspension) suggestion. Nice bike to beat upon and if you totally thrash it (or if it is stolen), you aren't out too much dough. Put some slicks on it for the street; you'll save some pedaling effort.

Okay, i was checking out the diamondbacks they have at the local bike shop, and i decided to up my budget to below 400 bucks. there was a diamondback with only front suspension for $360. then another one for $420 which was an upgraded model from the other one.

Post us some model numbers/names and you'll get a better response

Regards,
Brendon

The models are the diamondback response for 360 and the diamondback topanga for 4 hundred something.

does anyone know about these low budget bikes?

Hey Bluntman... where in Cali are you burnin' up ? yeah you really need closer to $400 for a decent quality entry level suspension bike... stay away from Target and Wal-mart...

Jeff

<<representin' central cali bro, in the monterey bay. well, i'm gonna go with the diamondback response...here are some specs...
Sizes XS (14"), SM (16"), MD (18"), LG (20"), XL (22")


Colors Black Diamond/Gray (M), Code Red/Silver (M)


Frame ATB 6061 OS Aluminum w/ "D" Gusset


Fork SR XC-6O w/ Pre-Load, Alloy Crown/Alloy Lower, 63mm Travel


Headset OS Ahd


Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge


F. Derailleur Shimano Alivio, 31.8TP


R. Derailleur Shimano Alivio


Shift Lever Shimano ST-EF29


Cog Set Shimano Cassette 11-30t 8spd


Chain Z82


Hubset Ft: Alloy, Rr: Shimano RM40


Spokes 14g SS Black


Rims Avenir Alloy w/ Machined Side 36h


Tires Kenda Enduro 26 x 2.1


Brakes Alloy Liner w/ Ally Base


Brake Levers Shimano (see shifters)


Pedals ATB


Handlebar ATB 30mm Rise


Grips Diamondback DBX 2-Density


Stem Diamondback Chaos Alloy OS Ahd


Seatpost Alloy Micro Adjust 27.2 x 300mm


Saddle Avenir ATB-SS


Extras Clear Coat Owner's Manual, CatEye, Reflector Set, H20 Bottle Mounts


Weight 30 lbs