[Myles]

Well, let's see here, I'm looking to buy a bike that is a step up from department store bikes, so I went to a local shop here because craigslist and kijiji and what not didn't have anything interesting.

they only carry trek mountain bikes, now i am looking to do some mild offroading and recreational pavement trails, the two lowest models they have are the trek 800 and the trek 3700, one problem i've been reading about them is that they are fairly heavy which will be annoying for when i need to cross a bridge here on the trails.. and that the 800 isn't really that well for offroading

so i suppose what i am asking is anyone have experience with these bikes? i'm not looking to spend a fortune, so i'm looking on the lower end (hence the 800 and 3700) should i take the 3700? or should i look for a step above?

[The BikeForums Team]

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[Mild Al]

I don't have any experience with those specific bikes, but Trek is a decent brand. You could go ahead and buy one of those bikes and try it for a year. If you don't like it, or if you just want to upgrade by that time, you can always sell it on Craigslist, etc. and buy something else. After a year or so, you'll have a better idea of exactly what you want. (There is no advisor like your own personal experience!)

Don't worry too much about weight--if you're going to be riding off road, it's better to have something built a bit heavier.

Also, I've often been surprised how little difference it makes to have a few extra pounds on a bike. I once did an experiment where I strapped a 10-pound cast-iron weight to the rear rack on my bike and went for a 16-mile ride. I could tell a little difference in handling, but not much--and the hills were (surprisingly!) about the same. Your experience may be different, but that's mine.

[masiman]

....Don't worry too much about weight--if you're going to be riding off road, it's better to have something built a bit heavier.

Also, I've often been surprised how little difference it makes to have a few extra pounds on a bike. I once did an experiment where I strapped a 10-pound cast-iron weight to the rear rack on my bike and went for a 16-mile ride. I could tell a little difference in handling, but not much--and the hills were (surprisingly!) about the same. Your experience may be different, but that's mine.

I pretty much agree with this except to clarify. In a good quality bike, you pretty much do not have to worry about durability. Given how you want to use the bike and the price point you are likely looking at, I would take the lighter bike over the heavier. The extra weight, even if the weight is engineered to beef up stress points, won't be useful to you. If you are breaking frames, then you probably would not be posting here.

And yes, those extra pounds will likely go unnoticed. All the stuff people add to bikes can sometimes exceed the weight of the bike (water, food, tools, etc.). Most people are better served by reducing their body weight. It's much healthier and cheaper too :)!