Mountain Biking - New to the sport, going bike shoping, again... tomorrow.

OK, for Christmas I got a Mongoose XR 250.
had nothing but problems, the LBS person recommended returning it.
Did so.
Now Im looking for a bike under 400.
I've decided to ditch the dual suspension and release my liking for disk brakes for now.
I need a bike for everyday riding and some trails/mountains.
I've been told to look at Trek, Specialized, and Gary Fisher.

the only thing it MUST have is at least 21 gears and a suspension fork.

which my LBS carries.

Any Ideas please?
before tomorrow morning lol.

Check out the faq on the forum.

Definitely don't go for dual suspension - it's not worth it unless you're dropping big $$$ on a bike, which you're not. Hardtail is what you want.

You're not going to get a new bike for under 400$ that can take "some serious trails/mountains" - I just thought I'd point that out. If you're just doing light XC riding (and are a light person), a 400$ bike will do you for a while. I rode around on a "cheap bike" - about 450$ (down from 600) that I got maybe five years back. It had v-brakes. Everything was no name on it. Still, I drove that thing into the ground (well actually, it was a car), and I say it served me well. I didn't do to much heavy riding on it - just light XC. Then again I weighed nearly nothing at the time, and that may be part of the reason for its longevity.

You can check out used bikes - you may find a decent bike for 400$.

As well, disc brakes are going to suck with the amount of money you want to drop. A set of decent disc brakes are going to be over 100$ a wheel - 200$ overall. Any disc brakes you get on a bike at 400$ are going to be the same as or quite potentially worse than a set of v-brakes.

Most bikes at 400$ will be more than enough for "everyday riding." Most mountain bikes at that price range will have at least 21 speeds and a suspension fork. Of course, there are exceptions, but generally they do.

I think the Trek 4000 series is in the price range you're looking for?

What brands are available to you? Ride what's there that's within your budget, choose the one you like. That simple.

The LBS has a lot of treks and Gary Fishers (which i find are expensive, [2200$])

i was looking at this as they have something like it at the store.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4300/


Ive read the Faq's and stuff which has lead me to ditch the dual's and disks.

havnt seen it at the LBS but its in my price, and seems like it can manage.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32288

also consider the giant rainer or yukon ... specialized rockhopper .. trek 4300 .. marin bobcat trail ... gary fisher piranah, etc etc... they are mostly the same just get the proper size and one that your comfortable on.

The piranha is nice, I saw it today in the store, but it was like 1500!

I need to be able to drive in a few months also, LOL!
I saw the rockhopper, liked it, but it stretches my allowed budget lol.

I like 24's and 26's they seem to fit me well (im 6 foot, 160 pounds)

I'm not much of an expert on the Mountain bike area, as I've been a BMX'er and Stunt biker for years.
Until my almost antique stunt bike got stolen last month, Ive finally decided MTN bikes are more fun LOL.

I have experience riding, just not knowledge on the mountain bikes lol

I got about 30-60 minutes until my dad comes home to get me, then were going to the 2 LBS's
so if you have any advice on what to look for, and what a decent starter bike should have please share it.

I don't want to get screwed again, lol

The piranha is nice, I saw it today in the store, but it was like 1500!

I need to be able to drive in a few months also, LOL!
I saw the rockhopper, liked it, but it stretches my allowed budget lol.

I like 24's and 26's they seem to fit me well (im 6 foot, 160 pounds)

I'm not much of an expert on the Mountain bike area, as I've been a BMX'er and Stunt biker for years.
Until my almost antique stunt bike got stolen last month, Ive finally decided MTN bikes are more fun LOL.

I have experience riding, just not knowledge on the mountain bikes lol

If your LBS is charging more than 800 for the piranha their is a problem. The fisher Wahoo would be a good bike to look at.

The Pirahana should be 550-650. Don't get 24" wheels if that was what you were suggesting in an earlier post. Just get what you like and can afford. You have made the right move going to LBS from wallyworld.

thanks for the imput guys,
Another 20 mins or so, Im going to empty my dads, and mine =( wallet. LOL.

let us know how it goes.

I bet two dollars he comes home with a 4300:D

Well, the piranha was actually 700 something, the bike next to it was 1500 lol. so my mistake fromup there..

BUT!!!!!

I GOT A TREK 3900!!!!!
its a 19.5'' frame
with 26x2.0 tires.
blue and silver, pictures soon, even though its basic, im excited lol.
i was looking at the 4300 but my dad wanted to keep it under 400 if possible.
the final bill with tax was 395

Im very impressed with the store owner. He was very honest, and explained a lot to me, and showed me how to do general fixes and adjustments.
He gave me a free bottle of lube, a tube, and a quick stick tire changer thing.

So uh, Born2bahick I think you owe everyone in this thread 2 bucks, LOL.


my choices were between the, 3700 i believe it was, and the 3900. Naturally i went with the better one =)

So uh, Born2bahick I think you owe everyone in this thread 2 bucks, LOL.=)

If Everyone want's to send their name, address, city state and zip, I'll be sure and send it along!
Congrats on the new bike! It's a great entry level bike! Watch out though, people luv to steal bikes like that!

LOL, ill pass on the address =p

Thanks, I rode it around the block, it's amazingly different from what im used to.
Nice solid, sturdy smooth rides. it just flows.
Yea my last bike was stolen (an old bmx, not to concerned) This new Trek stays inside the house lol.

I'm trying to register it now, but, the website hasnt been updated to include 2008 as a year selection, LOL.'

Just be careful with what you do on it. I wouldn't recommend DJ, FR, or DH - but I'm sure you know you're not supposed to do that sort of thing on it.

Enjoy!

Yea, I dont jump anymore. Did it on my old BMX before it was stolen.
Im mostly going to do trail rides.
Theres some mountain up/down hill stuff planned, but I know how to ride lol.


When i used to live in Alaska,there was this really really big hill. Had lots of ruts and stuff from the ATV's going up it.

Decided to go down it lol. My friend didn't make it, he crashed, bent his rim, snapped his gooseneck and cracked a weld on the frame. I managed to get out unscathed