uber clyde looking for an entry level all terrain bike

[reno327]

I'm looking at a Schwinn Fontier all terrain bike for light trails/dirt paths. The price is a big influence at $240.00 and it's made out of Hi Ten steel and has a rigid fork. This bike will not be my primary bike (that's a Kona Smoke 2-9). My questions are 1) will this bike support my 410#s and 2) is this a good bike?

[Bill Kapaun]

Hi Ten is next to bottom of the barrel quality with no real defined standards.
I really doubt that bike would serve you well.
Look for a used Hard Rock, Rock Hopper or Stump Jumper, or even TREK 8XX series.
Try to avoid any suspension. You may still have to upgrade the wheels.

[chewybrian]

I say just say no to Schwinn. They did not honor their alleged warranty when the frame broke on my Mongoose. This was the last of many problems--bent wheels, sloppy gears, etc. They are cheap bikes made for Wal-Mart pricing. I have a Gary Fisher now, with just as many miles, and just as much abuse, and everything works great. No specific advice on another bike, but no Schwinns, IMO.

[jyossarian]

I have a Schwinn, but I'd still stay away from Hi-Ten. I thought mfrs. stopped using that back in the 80's, but I guess not. Go with a Specialized Hardrock or a Haro Escape. A little more, but strong with better components.

[wrk101]

+ High Ten = Junk.

For a lot less than $240, you can find a good used bike on Craigs List that will be a lot better. Trek or similar would be my recommendation.

[StephenH]

Hi-ten = sounds good but doesn't mean much. Actually, there's nothing wrong with using any particular grade of steel, either you get a heavier bike or a weaker frame if it's not the higher grade stuff. At one time, I guess hi-ten was a step up from whatever they were using, but now, run-of-the-mill type stuff.

My experience at 280 lbs with the $100 mountain bike from Academy: Cheap steel frame held up fine. Wheels didn't. The two times I took them off road, riding slow speeds across fairly smooth terrain, I bent a rear wheel both times (broke spokes, then bent rim, to be specific). At 410 lbs, I'd think twice before I took ANY bike offroad for that reason.