Mountain Biking - please recommend an affordable bike

I want to buy a new mountain bike, but I don't know much about what to look for. I want to spend about $300 and I would buy an older model if it meant I'd get a better quality bike. I want to do short trail riding. Does anyone have a suggestion for me?

For $300 I'd look at something used. There are plenty of good bikes collecting dust. Can't recommend anything in particular. Just start lookin' and ridin'. You'll know it when you see it. When you think you have something, give us some details regarding components and stuff. I think there are a lot of very knowledgable individuals on this board that can give you better advice than I.

Happy hunting and welcome to the forum.... :cool:

The above suggestion to look for something used is a good one. However, if you don't have someone knowledgable to go with you, you may not be able to look for some common items that could be wrong with the bike. Wildhare is right though, there are a lot of bikes collecting dust, many barely ridden.

If you buy new, now is an excellent time since they are starting to unload the 2001 models. Look for a name brand that has a lot of dealers so it will be easy for you to get warranty service if you need it. Giant bikes will probably give you the best bang for your buck in your price range. Also check Trek and Gary Fisher. Got to MTBR.com and look through their consumer reviews before you make a purchase.

Good luck.

I recommend what i got for my first bike. i paid about 400 for a trek 4500. sometimes trek is a little on the $$ side but they are easy to ride, lightweight, and comes with brand name parts like shimano, rock shox, and bontrager. it may be a little over your price range, but it is worth it to save up.:p

With 300 bucks you will have to go used. I don't think there are any trail worthy mountain bikes under 450. The one problem with used that I have found, is that there is usually a gap in technology, so when you go to upgrade you will have to upgrade technology, and that can be pricey. Like for me, I need a new suspension fork, but to do that I will have to get a new headset, and a new stem. That might not be very much but I can't get a fork unless I get those parts, so I will have to save about 80 bucks more than I would if all I needed was a fork( for me that is a huge chunk of extra money, I'm already looking at 3-4 months to get enough money or the suspension fork.)

fubar - check http://www.chucksbikes.com/

$3 Tioga threadless stem
$10 Tange Aheadset

They have some other really cheap deals. Might help you get back on the trail faster.

Well I appreciate the suggestions, and I've done some looking around. I really have my heart set on getting a new bike, even though I might be able to get a better deal with something used, its nice to have something with a warranty. I found a dealer who is selling this iron horse bike new for $300. I will probably need to replace alot of parts along the way but it seems enough to get me started, and a good end of season price. Here is a page with the specs
Iron Horse Desperado 2001 (http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/2001bikes/desperado.html)
Whoever suggested MTBR.com thanks! It has helped me alot.

He's gonna sell that for 300?! It has a disc brake and a Deore rear der.!!!! Dude, that is probably the best deal you will find for 300 bucks, don't let it slip by!!!!

Fubar is right!!! $300 for that bike is a great deal. I wouldn't change a thing to it!! Go ride it, ride it hard, and replace things as they break or wear out. The only other thing I suggest is making sure you buy a helmet as well.

L8R G8R

Diligum go get that bike right now!!!! Run!! Don't walk!! Get rid of that dirty money right now!!!

vfboomer makes a good point, you need a helmet, andn if you commute and leave your bike outside invest in a good lock too. Gloves aren't bad for trails either, and then clipless shoes and pedals, some Lycra shorts............:D You will find yourself on this track very soon my friend!

wow, I guess it is a good deal, Im glad I bought it. I can't wait till it gets here, It was bought from a wholesaler in ohio, so its gonna be a few weeks...thanks for the suggestions on the accessories....helmet, duuuhhh....clipless shoes and pedals....hmm sounds like a good idea, I guess those I'll get next....lycra shorts....umm, I don't know about that, is there anything else you can get that works well but isn't so clingy??

Well you can get baggy shorts with the lycra and padding built in. But they are still clingy.You get used to it though.

Yep..Go with the baggies if you're not comfortable with the spandex thing. The built in liner and butt pad are well worth the investment.

I'm all for the baggy look. That's all I wear. I'll leave the spandex stuff for the roadies.

Butt pads are crucial!!! Your butt will kill you if you don't get one!

You got that bike for $300! Good for you! What is that dealer name, maybe he has more in stock.
I was going to suggest an Oryx but hey, good deal there bud.
An option to the baggies is to wear the padded lycra shorts under a nice pair of baggies. That way you can change up both shorts when you need to.

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x-caliber, the dealer sells bikes from ebay. The shop is listed on the Iron Horse website so the bike frame is under warranty. Here is the ebay store. Bikeswholesale.com (http://www.ebaystores.com/id=20363443) ;)

You should have checked out www.oryx.ca. High quality bikes, very low prices. Like the HTA series of bikes, very nice. I'm fascinated that a practically unknown bike company can make such great bikes for such a low price.

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