Recreational & Family - Best bike under $400

hey guys

im currently 16 years old and looking for a bike to fit my needs for under $400. I susually use it for just fitness and the occasional trail, so im looking for a mountain bike.

Im currently looking at the Giant Upland SE, which suits my needs. However, I'm not allowed to buy from ebay or from any other website (im 16). And my parents have segested that i should get a barely used second-hand bike which is a couple of years old, since it would be a better quality (it would be around $700 a couple of years ago to be $400 now) and will probably last me longer.

I've been riding your typical Kmart bike for the last year, and its broken already. I hate the gears in it-they are unresponsive and slow to shift (if they do at all:mad:). Also i would stop quicker if i stuck my leg out than if i used the brakes.

Thanks in Advance :D

Robbo

hey guys

im currently 16 years old and looking for a bike to fit my needs for under $400. I susually use it for just fitness and the occasional trail, so im looking for a mountain bike.

Im currently looking at the Giant Upland SE, which suits my needs. However, I'm not allowed to buy from ebay or from any other website (im 16). And my parents have segested that i should get a barely used second-hand bike which is a couple of years old, since it would be a better quality (it would be around $700 a couple of years ago to be $400 now) and will probably last me longer.

I've been riding your typical Kmart bike for the last year, and its broken already. I hate the gears in it-they are unresponsive and slow to shift (if they do at all:mad:). Also i would stop quicker if i stuck my leg out than if i used the brakes.

Thanks in Advance :D

Robbo

You may not want to hear this but your parents are right. The used bike market is your best bang for the buck. Mountain bikes are great all around bikes but the better ones are bred for the offroad. They do okay on the road but there are better choices if you will be riding on the road mainly and do not need to do jumps and singletrack. I'd also recommend staying away from dual suspension in that price range.

I don't have specific bikes to recommend only a recommendation to learn a little more before you buy. Decide on the type of riding you want to do. Match a bike to that style of riding. Factor in how cool it looks. Figure out what size of bike fits you. Take a few weeks and look at Craigslist to see what the prices are like. Test ride a few bikes at your LBS. All of these suggestions will take you time but you'll end up with alot of knowledge and probably a better bike. Even if you don't do this, you'll probably get an okay bike but it might not be the one you want.

However, I'm not allowed to buy from ebay or from any other website (im 16). And my parents have segested that i should get a barely used second-hand bike which is a couple of years old, since it would be a better quality (it would be around $700 a couple of years ago to be $400 now) and will probably last me longer.

Do your research and narrow your list and size requirements.

CraigsList for your area may be a good option if patient. That site promotes face to face transactions and some very good bikes are observed from time to time.

Best wishes and good hunting.

Also, visit your LBS, let them know your interest as well. Trade in or clients wanting to upgrade may provide opportunity as well.

thanks guys for all your help.

Unless you want to do some serious trail riding, Get something faster. I'm 16 as well. I have had a GT Transeo 4.0 since May. Gt really makes mountain bikes, but the transeo is more of a fitness/commuter bike. It has 700c wheels. It was great on trails until I swapped out the tires. It came with a set of 700c x 35c tires with lots of tread. I then mounted a set of Specialized Armadillo 700c x 28c all weather slick tires. It is so much faster now. But it would be good and it ran for about $390. Its a good looking bike, but I usually ride my Varsity to school, its heavier and not as fast, but it looks really cool.

A used bike would be good too though.

yes, the Gt looks good, but I dont like the thin tyres and it doen't have a chain guard. thanks for the advice though :thumb:

If you know the size that fits you, used is a good way to go. Craigslist (http://canberra.craigslist.com.au/) usually has some decent listings.

For specific brands and models, ask the folks in the Mountain Biking (http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=26) forum. They have all the answers about mtn bikes. :thumb:

thing about craigslist (atleast in Chicago) is that you have to be fast. Good stuff is gone in 20 minutes. I bought my winter beater, a 1992 Specialized Hardrock there for $40

Check the pawn shops too. Right now the pawn shops are full of stuff because everyone needs money just to buy gas. I saw 2 decent Treks today at one of the local shops.