Mountain Biking - New Guy - Good Start Bike?

Hello!!

I’m thinking I’d like to get into this Mountain Bike thing. :)
I was looking at Galyans the other day and saw that they had a Haro V2 for like $320. Are these decent starter bikes? I’m sorry, I just don’t want to go spending a lot of money on a bike just yet. I'll mainly be street riding, but I’d like to do a little trail riding too. Though I wouldn’t be doing any of the stuff you see on those videos. Holy smokes… those guys get some air!!

Anyway, is there a comparable bike that is just as good or better in that same price range, or would this be a good bike to get?

Thanks for any help you guys can provide!

-Scott

hey there fellow newbie! I just got my first mountain bike a couple days ago. I picked up a Trek 4500 for about $420. I was a little leary of spending that much on my first bike (in 20 years) but I am certain this one will outlast the Wal-mart line.

Most all the bikes in the low $300 range will have the same basic components. I don't care for the triangle part of the frame at the seat post on the Haro though. The only thing extra they did compared to most frames in that price range is a rear disc tab, but who is going to put the money into a rear disc brake on a $300 bike? Look into a Jamis Cross Country 2.0 or a Gary Fisher Advance for a starter bike.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_cc2.html#

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=classic&bike=Advance

Haro makes a good bike. Due to their BMX heritage, their frames are also built with strength in mind. Thus the additional gusset at the seat-tube. Having said that, they usually weigh slightly more than comparable bikes. This isn't necessarily a bad thing!

For that money, the V2 is a good deal!

Make sure it fits!

L8R

Thanks for the advice, I greatly appreciate the input!

-Scott