Mountain Biking - Mountain Bike/Climber Recommendations

Hi there. This is my first post, so I apologize if this has been asked a hundred times before. I'm looking for a mountain bike, but I'm not really sure what I need. I would like a mountain bike with some sort of suspension, because I ride some rough trails. I also do some paved trails, too, if that makes a difference. I'm not really sure if I need a full suspension, but I want something that is a good climber and can handle descents equally well. I do not intend on competing with the bike, but I want to get into a regular route of a good 70, 80 miles per week. I'd like to score a quality bike for as cheap as I can on eBay or what have you, but I don't want something that's so cheap I never want to ride it. I don't care about looks or anything like that. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

--Erich

you dont need a full suspension bike. ive seen people go off 10 foot drops with a hardtail (front suspension only).

how much money r u willing to spend, 300? 400? 500? 600?

300 -- Specialized 04 Hardrock XC (its actually 290) || Trek 4100 (its actually 339)
400 -- Specialized 04 Rockhopper (its actually 440) || Trek 4500 (its actually 450)
500 -- Sepcialized 04 Hardrock SS || Trek 4500 (its actually 450)
600 -- Specialized 04 Hardrock Pro (Disc) || Trek 4900 (its actually 470)
700 -- Specialized 03 P.2 || Trek 6700 (its actually 770)

there, all bikes that i would reccomend for you from the 300 dollar price range to the 700 dollar price range. if u noticed i only put specialized and trek on their because i feel their two reliable good brands. although trek is normally more expensive. if you want to save more money all the bikes i posted have an 03 model, but u probly cant get an 03 model at a lbs. ive seen a lot of these bikes on e-bay before, but read a sellers comments b4 buying from them to make sure their positive and no one has gotten ripped off.

Thanks for the imput so far, I appreciate it. I'm trying to spend as little as possible, honestly.

--Erich

Since I do not know what size bike you would need I thought I would give you some options. I am always browsing the bikes there 'cause you never know what will show.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=58081&item=3679457509&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=58080&item=3679450463&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27948&item=3679098746&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27948&item=3679437847&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27948&item=3679401197&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27948&item=3679342118&rd=1

All would be nice rides and you could always upgrade the rear shock on some to help reduce any bob.

:beer:

I'm in the same situation you are, the 2 bikes i'm looking at are a Trek 4900 w/disc option (already mentioned) which will cost me 630 at my LBS before I replace the front fork or a raleigh M80 which is 519. I'm considering the Raleigh because for less money it's essentially the same bike but with a better front deralleur *sp* ... to be honest though I don't like it aesthetically and the welds don't appear to be of the same quality. I believe the raleigh also has a slightly higher failure rate on the frame, though it's also a little lighter. Everything has trade-offs though *shrug*

Everyone probably gets tired of hearing this from me, but here goes again:

You guys need to test ride as many different brand bikes as possible. Go to EVERY bike shop in your area. Test ride bikes in your price range and $100 more. Test ride bikes in your size and the next size up AND down. After about 5 or 6 test rides, you'll start to notice the slight differences between bikes. Narrow down you choices to the top 3 and then test ride those 3 again and again until you find the one you are most comfortable on. Price and components are secondary issues. If you're not comfortable, it doesn't matter how good of a deal it was.

Priorities for me:

1. FIT
2. Aesthetics. I gotta like the way it looks. Sure I'm vain, but if I'm gonna pay a lot for a bike/frame, I gotta like looking at it.
3. Company Reputation/Warranty
4. Fork (Usually the first thing "I" change anyways)
5. Components (these break, so I upgrade after the wear out or break)

6. Not an issue for me, since I am a mechanic and do my own repairs, but I think establishing a relationship with a good bike shop should be probably #2 or 3 in the priority list. If I narrowed down my choice to 2 bikes, I'd buy the one at the shop that treated me better and where the people there were friendlier and more respectful.

L8R

I just picked up a Kona Blast, their entry-level MTB. Very nice bike for what I wanted, and the frame fits like a dream (18" for my 5'9"). The top tube is a bit longer than some similar manufacturers, similar to the GF Genesis geometry. At first it felt a bit strange, but it climbs great.

One week, ~20 miles, and addiction setting in fast...

Thanks again for all the input. I made a trip into the local bike shop and got some edumacation. One of the guys at the store turned me onto some of the Gary Fisher bikes, which is starting to crawl out of my price range--but they're cool for sure. They had an X-Caliber on sale, and I was a pretty big fan of that bike. I think it was $700ish. I looked at the Tassajara (with disc breaks and no), too--plus some of the Treks and Specialized that have already been mentioned. They also had a deal on last years Trek 6700 (I think) with Disc Option. I really don't NEED the disc breaks, honestly--but they appeal to me for whatever reason. I still need to ride them all side by side, but I'm gravitating towards some of the more expensive bikes. Ick.

--Erich

fit fit fit fit & feel feel feel feel feel

dont be a brand-zealot like others here

fit fit fit fit & feel feel feel feel feel

dont be a brand-zealot like others here

That's certainly a good point. I'm not too particular about the name on the bike. I just liked what the Gary Fisher's had to offer in terms of equipment and overall feel of the bike. That said, I still need to shop around a fair amount to have a good idea what i want.

--Erich

Just in case anyone's curious, I ended up getting a Gary Fisher Tassajara. It was down between that bike and a Specialized Hard Rock Pro, but the Tass felt better to me. I also put some of those Egg Beater Clipless on the bike. New experience for me--but I really like them.

It doesn't count until you post a picture!!!

We prefer muddy ones!

L8R

Everyone probably gets tired of hearing this from me, but here goes again:

You guys need to test ride as many different brand bikes as possible. Go to EVERY bike shop in your area. Test ride bikes in your price range and $100 more. Test ride bikes in your size and the next size up AND down. After about 5 or 6 test rides, you'll start to notice the slight differences between bikes. Narrow down you choices to the top 3 and then test ride those 3 again and again until you find the one you are most comfortable on. Price and components are secondary issues. If you're not comfortable, it doesn't matter how good of a deal it was.
L8R

I don't get sick of hearing it..preach on brotha....

give me cancer now god...

Please give it to him!

A2 i believe if you say it others will too and this will keep others from making a mistake.fit will make the difference between a bike being ridden or rotting in the garage.thanks for preaching the truth about how to get the right bike.Burlysurly,be careful what you wish for you may get it.
LONG LIVE THE MEMORY OF RONALD REAGAN