Mountain Biking - Whoa- that was close

New to this forum, first post, and relatively new to the sport- though was into BMX as a kid, and definitely not a kid any more. Had a lot of fun the past month reading several MB forums, getting thoughts on perspective bikes for me to get into the sport. Most of the opinions I read felt that there was nothing a department store bike could offer save using it as a wheel chock for your car or airplane. LBS or nothing. Well, I have always felt that same way and have always supported the local stores.

So I walked into a bike shop for the first time in 20 years, and looked things over. Hey- they have disc brakes for bikes now, how cool is that. Long story, prices aren't what I remember them to be either, and I found myself, though not wanting to, looking at some Schwinn at the Cost-Co. Or the Mongoose at the Target. Discs brakes! Aluminum frames! (...so why do they still weigh 45 lbs??).

However, the more I read the more I realized that, buying a low-end Giant or Trek is FAR more beneficial to me both learning the sport and not getting killed in the process. (saw some nice photos recently of a self-destructed Mongoose). Problem was, my LBS didn't have anything around $300- my budget, sort of- so I started, again, looking at those dept store bikes. It'll be OK, it'll stay together, etc... cross fingers...

Anyway, today I bought a used 1999 Cannondale SuperV1000. Dated yes, but great components for it's day (and some of them still today it would seem), and it seems to be a bike with a bit of a cult following, which I love. Got it for less than that brand new shiny Schwinn or Mongoose would have been. Can upgrade to my hearts content and not feel like I'm throwing money away. And I couldn't be happier to join the sport.

Keith

New to this forum, first post, and relatively new to the sport- though was into BMX as a kid, and definitely not a kid any more. Had a lot of fun the past month reading several MB forums, getting thoughts on perspective bikes for me to get into the sport. Most of the opinions I read felt that there was nothing a department store bike could offer save using it as a wheel chock for your car or airplane. LBS or nothing. Well, I have always felt that same way and have always supported the local stores.

So I walked into a bike shop for the first time in 20 years, and looked things over. Hey- they have disc brakes for bikes now, how cool is that. Long story, prices aren't what I remember them to be either, and I found myself, though not wanting to, looking at some Schwinn at the Cost-Co. Or the Mongoose at the Target. Discs brakes! Aluminum frames! (...so why do they still weigh 45 lbs??).

However, the more I read the more I realized that, buying a low-end Giant or Trek is FAR more beneficial to me both learning the sport and not getting killed in the process. (saw some nice photos recently of a self-destructed Mongoose). Problem was, my LBS didn't have anything around $300- my budget, sort of- so I started, again, looking at those dept store bikes. It'll be OK, it'll stay together, etc... cross fingers...

Anyway, today I bought a used 1999 Cannondale SuperV1000. Dated yes, but great components for it's day (and some of them still today it would seem), and it seems to be a bike with a bit of a cult following, which I love. Got it for less than that brand new shiny Schwinn or Mongoose would have been. Can upgrade to my hearts content and not feel like I'm throwing money away. And I couldn't be happier to join the sport.

Keith

If you enjoy it, that's all that counts. Now go ride it like you stole it.

the super v is almost like the retro of the mtn bike world, that cult following like you said, I often here "wow sweet a super V" from people with bikes that are way newer and nicer, and it it a fun lookin bike

so yeah sounds like you got a good score if it cost less than a walmart bike

Kudos to ChipnCannondale for not being lulled by shiny things. That is the mentality that keeps selling new Chevy Aveos and had the Cavalier going for two decades. No offense to any owners of those cars is meant. "New" just doesn't always mean better. Won't hijack the thread, but on the topic of cult followings... I just bought a 1999 Schwinn Homegrown Factory Suspension, all XT w an XTR rear D, 3.5"-4" travel front and rear and weighs 27 lbs. I'm gonna ride it like I stole it bc I did, for $350.
http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1991_2000/1999_10.jpg

Still have my 92 Kona Explosif and it stills get the occasional ride. Still rides like a dream but the others are shinier.