Mountain Biking - Newb wanting to buy a bike.

Hi, I don't know anything about bikes and want to buy my own. I have a list of bikes, can you tell me which is the best price/performance bike.

http://www.dunhamssports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2598055

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-8412076-7339057?ASIN=B000A8POI0&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000A8POI0|Mens_S_40_Schwinn_26"_Bike&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000A8POI0&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997&product_id=4016707&sourceid=1500000000000003260420

http://www.target.com/Men%E2%80%99s-Schwinn-21-Speed-2000-Bike/dp/B000A8RF32/ref=cm_reviews_dp_seemore/602-8412076-7339057?ie=UTF8&coliid=&frombrowse=1&alt%5Fview=custReviews&asin=B000A8RF32#R1JW6PYL9ZGNHM

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2617770

Thanks!

My Dad says Schwinn is the bee's knees.

Purchase based upon your favorite color.

In my honest opinion, all of those bikes won't last very long. They're department store bikes.

I got my Diamondback from Dick's, and it's a good bike. Much better than those listed above. But definitely has its bad sides.

My advice, forget department stores. Go to a real bike shop and search for a decent hardtail. My friend got a specialized Rockhopper Disc for around 500. And maybe you could work a deal with them on some of the bikes that have cosmetic damage from shipping. Normally bike shops will sell bikes like that for pennies on the dollar.

I learned this because I've been having troubles with the department store thing ( I had a thread posted about it), and I've learned that I'm never gonna buy a department store bike, ever again.

if you can't come off at least 300 dollars for a bike ... try an iron horse or diamondback from Dicks.. that's where I send my cheap friends that absolutely have to have a bike for under 300. over 300 go to a bike shop.

all those bikes above really suckass.

edit-- if you do go with one of the bikes above get the one at wal-mart.. just so when you pass someone on a $2000 bike you can tell them they were passed by walmart bike.

also make sure to leave that cardboard thing in the front wheel

They're all equally crap. Yeah, get the color you like best.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1977659

It's more disposable.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1977659

It's more disposable.

You could buy several and just throw them away when the tires get low or the chain needs lubed.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1977659

It's more disposable.



Holy crap, Ben! For what I put into my FS bike, I could get fifty of those!

Hi, I don't know anything about bikes and want to buy my own. I have a list of bikes, can you tell me which is the best price/performance bike.

http://www.dunhamssports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2598055

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-8412076-7339057?ASIN=B000A8POI0&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000A8POI0|Mens_S_40_Schwinn_26"_Bike&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000A8POI0&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997&product_id=4016707&sourceid=1500000000000003260420

http://www.target.com/Men%E2%80%99s-Schwinn-21-Speed-2000-Bike/dp/B000A8RF32/ref=cm_reviews_dp_seemore/602-8412076-7339057?ie=UTF8&coliid=&frombrowse=1&alt%5Fview=custReviews&asin=B000A8RF32#R1JW6PYL9ZGNHM

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2617770

Thanks!

All of those bikes are likely to cause severe injury and/or death.

You don't wanna die, do ya?

All of those are mountain-bike-styled bicycles that are not really suited to actual mountain biking - - in much the same way that those cute little SUV-styled Toyota RAV4s may be four wheel drive, but are in no way suited for four-wheeling.

All of those bikes are likely to cause severe injury and/or death.

You don't wanna die, do ya?

Really? I'm considering buying the $50 bike and seeing just how long it takes to die. It'd be interesting to document the life of a bike like that. You could start a thread here with pictures and decriptions of rides. You could show how and when the parts break. Then whenever someone asks about a really cheap bike you could just point them to the thread.

If it was only about the $50 I'd do it, but unfortunatley it would mean not riding my other bikes and I'm having too much fun on my newly SS F600. I can't wait to try out my new shoes and studded tires as well.

Hi, I don't know anything about bikes and want to buy my own. I have a list of bikes, can you tell me which is the best price/performance bike.

http://www.dunhamssports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2598055

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-8412076-7339057?ASIN=B000A8POI0&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000A8POI0|Mens_S_40_Schwinn_26"_Bike&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000A8POI0&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997&product_id=4016707&sourceid=1500000000000003260420

http://www.target.com/Men%E2%80%99s-Schwinn-21-Speed-2000-Bike/dp/B000A8RF32/ref=cm_reviews_dp_seemore/602-8412076-7339057?ie=UTF8&coliid=&frombrowse=1&alt%5Fview=custReviews&asin=B000A8RF32#R1JW6PYL9ZGNHM

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2617770

Thanks!

Well, i like the Schwinn from Target,good price too. It seems to have good reviews also.
It appears to have some solid durable parts on it & you really can't go wrong with Schwinn.
In my opinion Schwinn is the best bang for the buck.

All of those bikes are likely to cause severe injury and/or death.

You don't wanna die, do ya?

Excuse me? I am not dead & none of my schwinn's have ever attempted to kill me. I am sure that if schwinn was producing 1,000,000's of bikes that were killing all the consumers they wouldn't be in business as long as they have been in business.

I have great faith in Schwinn.

Just because those schwinn's are not $3,000 Raleigh's doesn't mean they are not just as strong & durable.

Just because those schwinn's are not $3,000 Raleigh's doesn't mean they are not just as strong & durable.

I've got news for you- they are not just as strong and durable as a $3000 Raleigh.

Excuse me? I am not dead & none of my schwinn's have ever attempted to kill me. I am sure that if schwinn was producing 1,000,000's of bikes that were killing all the consumers they wouldn't be in business as long as they have been in business.

I have great faith in Schwinn.

Which Schwinn? The old company, or the new one, which I think is owned by a Canadian company now. I don't know anything about Dorel Industries.

Check here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwinn).

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2617770

Thanks!

I'd choose this one out of that list. It looks like it's got fairly decent stuff on it for an occasional/beginner/commuter rider. As others have mentioned, it's definitely not high end. But set up properly (which you'd likely have to do yourself, or go to a bike shop to do) and it'll be reliable and fun. Upgrade the saddle if it's not comfy and perhaps the pedals if they're plastic and you're good to go.

PS- strong and durable is pretty easy to come by in this category, 'cause the manufacturers aren't trying to make it weigh 12lbs.

PPS- I just realized this is the mountain biking forum, and not the commuter. If you're really going to ride on the trails I'd recommend you take a buddy who knows what he's looking at and get yourself a nice used entry level hardtail.

the answer is 8.

Well, i like the Schwinn from Target,good price too. It seems to have good reviews also.
It appears to have some solid durable parts on it & you really can't go wrong with Schwinn.
In my opinion Schwinn is the best bang for the buck.
:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

Just because those schwinn's are not $3,000 Raleigh's doesn't mean they are not just as strong & durable.

Guess what? The schwinns aren't being ridden like those $3000 bikes.

Have I just stepped back in time 20 years? An argument about Raleighs and Schwinns?

Do raleigh actually sell three grand bikes?

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc232/ben_li/toystorevslbs9mk.jpg

If you must buy a bike a big box store .. look for an REI they sell some good bikes ... if your going cheap try dicks sporting goods.. The best Dicks sporting goods stores are the old Galyans stores that they took over.. man I miss galyans..

At any rate the local dicks sporting goods has a repair stand right on the sales floor with the person assembling bikes(probably to avoid hiring another employee).. I work near one of these and went in the other day to buy an airpump. The guy there looked like he knew what he was doing. He was adjusting a headset which in itself tells me they do slightly more than the other big box guys. He was a young guy though and probaly not paid much, but thinking about it I wouldn't want to buy a bike from an old guy anyway(I'm not sure why this is)

My first "mountain" bike was a WalMart Huffy. I broke the crank by...hitting a tiny rock on a fire road. If you're going to be doing any mountain biking at all, I would suggest looking elsewhere. But if it's just say, a campus commuter that's going to live outside and will mainly stay on the road, then you're probably fine...though you still might want to look elsewhere in case you get tempted to bring it to a trail (though in that case don't leave it outside...I wrecked my first "real" bike that way).

For almost the same price, you can probably pick up a nice mid-entry level hardtail on eBay or CraigsList. Bring a friend who's knowledgeable about bikes with you so you can make sure the bike fits, that it's in good condition, and that you're not getting ripped off.

Is this any good??

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/496207409.html

looks small and old... if your short talk them down ... if your over 5'8 move on.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/496141595.html a little bit better deal on a much better bike .. again if your over 5'8 move on

If you must buy a bike a big box store .. look for an REI they sell some good bikes ... if your going cheap try dicks sporting goods.. The best Dicks sporting goods stores are the old Galyans stores that they took over.. man I miss galyans..

At any rate the local dicks sporting goods has a repair stand right on the sales floor with the person assembling bikes(probably to avoid hiring another employee).. I work near one of these and went in the other day to buy an airpump. The guy there looked like he knew what he was doing. He was adjusting a headset which in itself tells me they do slightly more than the other big box guys. He was a young guy though and probaly not paid much, but thinking about it I wouldn't want to buy a bike from an old guy anyway(I'm not sure why this is)

Galyans were nice stores. The Dicks near me that took it over is just as ****ty as ony other Dicks. Too bad.

They do have a nice looking stand too, and from what some employee told me, the "mechanic" works only a few days a week. I don't know if they're all the same, but I've seen Iron Horse bikes in Dicks, they don't seem too bad. Inexpensive too.

You seem to be set on spending less than $200. Of the four choices you provided originally, I would strongly recommend the bike from Dicks. One of the main reasons, no matter what bike you buy, it will require adjustments. Try and take a bike back to Target or Walmart. They don't know how to adjust it when its new, and they don't adjust it if you return it. Dicks has someone who is supposed to know how to assemble, repair and adjust new bikes. They usually adjust new purchase bikes within 30 days of purchase or up to one year, something like that. One of the Dick's in my area (there are at least four) actually has a really good mechanic. In addition, the bike they're selling appears to be a little bit better.

I like used bikes and the one you're looking at is my favorite brand, Specialized, but that model has really low end SRAM shifters that are prone to breaking. I think $200 is high for that bike with that fork (SR Suntour spring fork) and it's other components. Maybe $150. Take into account, unless the guy selling it is a bike mechanic, it will almost certainly need to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out, adjusted and maybe repaired. (See comments above about Dick's)
Of course you could go to the local LBS(s) and ask what they have for $250 to 300, especially at year end closeout specials, and land up with a bike better than any of the bikes you're looking at, assembled by a knowledgable mechanic who will provide one year of service for free and come out ahead in the long run. But it's up to you.

I like used bikes and the one you're looking at is my favorite brand, Specialized, but that model has really low end SRAM shifters that are prone to breaking. I think $200 is high for that bike with that fork (SR Suntour spring fork) and it's other components. Maybe $150.

Maybe $100 max for that specialized... that bike still has a quill stem and fork boots it's going ot be older than the trek I linked to that has the threadless headset and newer stuff.. in a used bike component level takes a backseat to age of the componet most of the time. I wouldn't get stuck on one brand buying used you can't be really pickey.

if it needs a tune up www.parktool.com

.......but thinking about it I wouldn't want to buy a bike from an old guy anyway(I'm not sure why this is).

Ahem. OK dude, what do you mean by 'old guy'?

Maybe $100 max for that specialized... that bike still has a quill stem and fork boots it's going ot be older than the trek I linked to that has the threadless headset and newer stuff.. in a used bike component level takes a backseat to age of the componet most of the time. I wouldn't get stuck on one brand buying used you can't be really pickey.

if it needs a tune up www.parktool.com

Good point about the quill stem, I missed that. I wouldn't argue with your estimate of $100, the point is, it's just too high priced. The OP needs to start talking to LBSs and see what his money can buy.

Is this any good??

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/496207409.html

Yes, good entry level bike. Price is a little steep in my opinion. I would go 150.00 on it.
If it fits!

The Dicks' Schwinn will get you on light trails, and having the bike tech in the store is a plus. Great option for an entry level bike to feel out whether you like the sport or not, and can be used as a commuter later on.

What could i buy for $300?

Okay in all honesty you can't buy much for $300.00. Walmart, Target are your best bets. Now if your serious here then save some more money and get something that your really going to enjoy. I'm not saying you won't enjoy a $300 bike, but why spend $300 now when more then likely you will be spending another $300 in a few months to a year if you get really serious.

Sidenote. I don't believe your a troll but just trying to eleminate all the fighting going on in a couple of threads. I think people want to help you but most riders do spend more then $300 on a bike if their serious. Maybe not the frame at first but as a whole they end up buying better products to upgrade those bikes. :)

Good luck.

What could i buy for $300?

$299 worth of powdered cocaine and a $1 box of baking soda... In a week it could be a 2008 SC Blur. :rolleyes:

Mad Fly with $300.00
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/mako
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/820/820/
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/1263/29308/
http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl;jsessionid=ac112b6b1f430f8d9ddb6ec8471a944fec331b535919.e3eTa3aSaxmTe34Pa38Ta38Qc3r0?it=A&id=14726&sc=7&category=4959
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23537&subcategory_ID=3050

Mad Fly with $30.00
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/mako
+1
You could score that Tarpon for $300. That's about the best you can get out of $300.

Edit: Better yet. You could score a used Trek 820 off of craigs cheap! I see them every day. Just search "820" on craigs and I'll bet one pops up. That's the ultimate "Nope! Biking's not for me" bike. (Close runner up would be a $5000 Colnago)

Is this any good??

http://cgi.ebay.com/SPECIALIZED-HARDROCK-XC-17-NEW-IN-STORE-ONLY_W0QQitemZ230189335581QQcmdZViewItem

That looks pretty hard to beat considering you are getting it from a full service shop with real professional bike mechanics. Components are as good as the bike I bought for my girlfriend 6 months ago and paid $350. It should fit you with an inseam of ~30-32in. Entry level quality components on a reliable reputable bicycle. It is worth fixing when you break stuff too.

Reviews Here (http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardtail/product_123454.shtml)

Specialized Site About the Bike (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=07HardrockXC)

Remember, you're getting $50-$100 worth of bike shop service with this one

your best bet would be used on craigslist. This will take lots of time and research however since 70%+ of the bikes on there are overpriced. You could google the bike, find out what it retailed for, take 20-30% for being more than three years old, take another 40% for being used. You're looking at 30-40% of original retail price. Another option, is if you got costco, or any warehouse with lifetime warranty, buy a cheap bike. If it starts to break return it and maybe get something better at that point. What are you going to use the bike for?

I'm gonna use it to ride around the nieghboorhood, ride to the town center, through the woods, to friends a friends house. Just use like that.

This here would suit your needs quite nicely.....


BTW, you mis-spelled "neighborhood" , i fixed it for you. No need to thank me, u are welcome :)

You spelt you wrong, no need to thank me, but learning English would go a while before you start correcting people.

This here would suit your needs quite nicely.....

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/motobecane_300HT07.htm

That looks like a a great option for the OP.

I'm gonna use it to ride around the nieghboorhood, ride to the town center, through the woods, to friends a friends house. Just use like that.

Buy anything. You don't need to be picky if that's all you want to do.

Get a unicycle and be a 'local celebrity' :)

Which is better? A 2007 Specialized HardRock XC or a 2008 Motobecane 300HT bike for my needs?

Which is better? A 2007 Specialized HardRock XC or a 2008 Motobecane 300HT bike for my needs?


Which ever one fits you better/feels more comfortable.

If you can test ride the HardRock and you like it, buy it. Online shopping is tough if you don't know what size you like/need.