Mountain Biking - New Bike

My wife and I are planning to stark biking up in the mountains, but we don't have bikes. We looked at Wally world and liked the prices, but I know what you get that you pay for. We are just looking for something for some lite trail riding in the mountains every few weekend. What should I look for in a beginers bike. I would to only spend between $2-300. These will just be something to start off with to see if we like it. Is there any brands to stay away from?

Thanks,
Robert

For new bikes, look at giant, specialized, and trek, they all have something in that price range.

Or look for a couple of used bikes that are in good shape. With used, you will get an older bike, but there will be higher quality parts on it.

Is your budget for both bikes or each?

If it's for both, that will force you into the used market or the X-Mart level of bikes.

Those bikes are about what you pay for. Their quality is low, but they will allow you to get riding.

If you really enjoy the sport and get into riding on a regular basis, then I would recommend moving up to a shop quality bike. Of course this will probably cost you more money in the long run, if you or your wife doesn't like cycling, you not have wasted any money!

L8R

$2-300 each

Entry level bikes from a shop start at just under $300. Visit your local bike shops (LBS) and test ride several different brands. At this price, the components from manuf. to manuf. will be similar in quality, so the big difference is the paint job, decals and the frame geometry.

The frame geometry is what is most critical. You will find two similar looking bikes will feel completely different depending on their geometries. Each manuf. builds their bikes to what they consider the best geometry. No two build them the same.

The other consideration is to build a good relationship with the bike shop and their employees. Make sure the shop included a free 30 day tune-up as new bikes have a "Break-in" period, where cables stretch and the shifting and breaking go out of adjustment. Many shops will also offer 1 year of free tune-ups or lifetime or coupons for free or discounted service.

Also get a couple of helmets to start. You can find very good helmets for around $40 each. I can't begin to tell you the importance of riding with a helmet. It's like wearing your seatbelt. You may never need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you have one on.

L8R

Is there much differance in th $40 helmets at lbs and th $20 ones at walmart?

Yes and no, they will both protect your head. But the more expensive the helmet, the more vents (i.e. cooler) and the better the fit.

I've seen some decent helmets at Wallyworld, so as long as you've got one, it really doesn't matter.

However, most LBS will give you a one time discount when you buy accessories along with your bikes. The shop where I worked would offer a 10% discount to new bike owners, but would offer a 20% discount on any/all accessories purchased at the time of bike purchase!

L8R

Do most lbs operate like that?

The gear I am looking at getting is a pump, a spare tube for each bike, hydration system, combination bike tool, gloves and helmets. Am I forgetting anything??

Robert

It all depends, that's really why you have to shop around. There are too many shops in our town and shop owners often have to ***** themselves out.

Good Luck!
L8R

if you will be riding near civilization that should be a good start for tools but if you will be in the boonies you need more like water purifier(filter) or tablets more than a simple bike wrench(lbs can help here),2 tubes per bike,some duct tape for a tire boot,a small first aid kit,a cellphone!,i would reccomend a co2 kit for tire inflation too(they are inexpensive and save much time and energy)to go with pump,ID,sunscreen,windbreakers(thin) cuz the weather can change quicklyothers may add or subtract from this but that is what i take on long country rides.as far as a helmet,if you dont mind wearing a 03 model you can get them real cheap now at lbs or online.ive used both walmart bell and lbs bell etc.and the lbs fit a little better and was only $5 morethe best fit for me is a trek and they are inexpensive with lots of vents and fit like you dont even have one on.comfort is a big plus on a long ride.hope tjis helps and that is way cool that your wife is in on yuor riding,way cool.my kids ride with me but not my wife,she is a roadie only

For a cheap helmet, the Bell Arc sells for $30 most places and although it doesn't come in different sizes, it adjusts quite easily to fit a wide range of heads.

I want to make a few comments about going to a bike shop. First, the free tune-ups A2psyklnut mentioned are great, especially when you're first getting into riding and don't have much experience tinkering with your bike. You will never get that kind of service from an X-mart. The second is bike size. When I bought my first decent bike, I immediately noticed the change in quality but didn't think about size much. After a few rides, I tried to mess around on my old Huffy again. I couldn't believe the difference. I felt slow and cramped and my center of gravity felt awkward. A bike shop will let you and your wife try several different sizes of frames and help you figure out which is most comfortable. Trust me, this makes riding much more enjoyable and helps you make the most out of your pedaling effort.

I second iamthetas' suggestion for windbreakers. Easy to stow if it's warm, perfect for cool evenings or even subzero temperatures if you ride fast enough! :D

http://www.getawaybikes.com/Detail.cfm?Categoryid=87&BrandID=11&ProductID=825&CFID=3598671&CFTOKEN=85134553

its got an ok fork...

but its got Acera derailleurs.

Thanks for all the info guys. But after talking to the wife I think we are going to get a couple of walmart bikes. The reason to do this if this is one of those thing we do a couple of time and that is it we would only be out $2-250 instead of $5-700. If we do like it, then we would move up to an entry shop bike.

Thanks,
Robert

i hear ya man.most of the time its best to find out if you like something before plunking down the big green.you may want to check the availability of rentals on the trails you intend to go to.they are usually a decent bike ,they will get you into biking.they will fit better, and if you really like the sport you may be able to get one at the end of the season major cheap.my brother in law bought a sailboat from a local harbor rental for $95!! by waiting for the end of the season.he rented it to see if he liked it, did went back to see where he could get one and they sold him a 1 year old sailboat for that little price(someone will ask how long it is and i think it is 20" but not sure,just a guess).i know this is not a sailing forum but it still is the same principle,the rental companies want to buy new stuff at times and get rid of old stuff but any way if you can rent you dont have to worry about hauling them either

Thanks for all the info guys. But after talking to the wife I think we are going to get a couple of walmart bikes. The reason to do this if this is one of those thing we do a couple of time and that is it we would only be out $2-250 instead of $5-700. If we do like it, then we would move up to an entry shop bike.

Thanks,
Robert

Very wise move...i would almost say rent a bike first, then decide if it's for you. You will be miserable with the crap they serve at wal-mart, trust me. For close to the same price as the "nicer" Wally world bikes, you can get a good recreational MTB at an LBS. There are many places that rent mountain bikes, i know that the Allegheny state park does, just to name one. Also, local bike shops sometimes have demo days at area trails, and always allow a test ride. That is the tact i would take, don't go the sad, lonely path of the Wal-mart brand. Those bikes are the most inefficient machines, and you most likely will not enjoy it. Have fun, and welcome to the exciting world of mountain biking.