Mountain Biking - Need help deciding what to get...

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Need help deciding what to get...

jimbear
12-30-07, 12:19 PM
I am looking to get a bike that could do off-road/mountain and touring/commuting...a touring mountain bike I guess. I used to have a GT Karakorom back in the day and rode a KHS in the mid 90's for awhile. Am am bike illiterate and was wondering what folks here might suggest. I am a big fella, around 5'10" and 250lbs. I am looking to get the bike for rec and fitness purposes. Thanks...

jimbear
12-30-07, 12:21 PM
I should add that I am working with around $500 and just need the base level bike that I can build on as I go. I would like to eventually take this on longer treks as well.
Zan
12-30-07, 04:00 PM
Any mountain bike can do commuting, but a "commuting bike" really isn't designed for off-roading. At 500$, you may seriously want to consider a hardtail vs. full suspension.

Check this out:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67259

Chapter 2. It gives about as much advice as anyone here will bother giving you with the information you've provided.

BigBlueToe
12-31-07, 09:04 AM
$500 isn't much these days. I'd consider buying an old rigid mountain bike, like an 80's Rockhopper or Stumpjumper. It will go off road. It will handle your weight. You can put street tires on it and tour or commute. You won't spend too much, and you can ride it enough to discover what you really want to do. In a couple of years you'll have some more money saved and can move up to whatever suits your fancy at that time.

That's one plan.