General Cycling Discussion - best mt bike under $200

I`m thinking schwinn alluminum comp 26 inch.
if you guys have any other good suggestions let me know.
I`m also thinking of trek 820 but that`s about $239...
I`m wondering if its worth it to spend 40 bucks more for trek over schwinn.

In your price range, I strongly recommend a good used machine. In my opinion, decent new mountain bikes start a bit above $300.

Okie first response just Schwinn vs trek, get the trek :)

After actualy taking the time to look at the specs get the trek. Yes it is worth the extra $40. Schwinn basicaly makes toys now and not bikes. In the long run you will save more money buying the trek.

Other bikes you might want to look at giant boulder.. Specialized Hardrock.. KHS Alite 300...
What will you be using the bike for? Bikes in the low end of the price range are good for roads and some trail riding. If you want to do something harder then that I would suggest saving up a bit more money.

Originally posted by Kev
Schwinn basicaly makes toys now and not bikes.

Such a tragic end for an American icon!

Under 200$? Just look in the garbage can! J/K. Seriously, get a used one or save up for a “real” bike.

Best new Mtb for 2 bills is no bike. As others have suggested, your 2 bills will buy you a much better used MTB with decent components...

Check Ebay. I sold a 2000 model Schwinn Mesa GSX for $180. This is a pre-bankruptcy Schwinn, when they were still good bikes. I've seen Hardrocks going cheap too.

Under 200? Unless used, there's no such creature. Even going used, you're going to be pushing the envelope.

Try to spend a bit more and buy yourself a base model hardrock.

Originally posted by mindbogger
Try to spend a bit more and buy yourself a base model hardrock.
Or you could try to buy a Giant Yukon =)

Garage sale. I spoke to soon.bicyclebuys.com has a ironhorse for $219.

thanks for all the reply guys. I personally need a hardtail mt bike that can handle few trails but main thing for me is hills.seems like the schwinn alluminum comp is equipped with shimano goodies and it`s probably the cheapest alluminum I can get. and LOOKS are really important to me so....
although I am wondering about trek 820. it`s literally schwinn`s alluminum VS Trek`s steel. I mean unless schwinn`s alluminum is really bad,(I`m mainly gonna use it for hill climbing so not a lot of jumps and bumps..) I think I`ll go with schwinn. but I dont know how much both bikes weigh. if one of you guys have websites for bike weights or if u guys would post it that`b great.
BTW, srri for the long post, but this is really important to me, and also getting into the bike world is quite exciting. thanks.

o and BTW, I dont really favor full-suspension bikes because they tend to soak up all my power sent to pedaling.. I really liked my TREK 4500, but unfortunately, some stupid *** had to steal it.... so my parents are saying, no bikes over $200.....I know good bike under 200 is impossible.
Now it`s schwinn`s alluminum VS Trek`s steel. and I dont even know for sure Trek 820 is all steel frame. well I said too much already,.

I doubt the schwinn weighs much less if at all to be honest. Just because parts say shimano on them does not mean they are good parts. Take a look at the bike and see what your impression is. ON average half the parts are plastic.

If you really like your Trek 4500 you should look around for a used one. You could probably find one in pretty good condition in your price range that would be far better than the Schwinn.

Dang........you must live in SF??

something used.

A decent $200 MTB is going to be hard to come by, but maybe you could get a summer job and put some more money out and just tell your parents that there is no such thing as a quality sub-$200 MTB. For another 100 bucks you could get this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3619239560&category=27947