Mountain Biking - What is a good bike for people new to mountain biking?

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NorseBiking
08-19-09, 01:57 PM
What is a good bike for people new to mountain biking? Are there any people out here in Arkansas who goes biking regularly enough to show a complete beginner around?

Devin Mei
Arkansas, Pleasant Hill

never
08-19-09, 01:58 PM
What is a good bike for people new to mountain biking?

Depends on how much money you have/want to spend.
helmut
08-19-09, 02:15 PM
I like the Specialized P All Mountain (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=10P.AllMTN&eid=4348), or the Hardrock Sport Disc (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45759&eid=4340)

Freefallman
08-19-09, 02:21 PM
Hey Norse, I'm originally from Little Rock so I have a feeling for how things go there. A lot of people on here are going to try to tell you to check craigslist but Arkansas craigslist is pretty poor. If you want to buy a used bike and save money your best bet will probably be Fayetteville due to all the college kids. Check on craigslist for Fayetteville ( I know, I know) and the local papers. If you're buying new it would behoove you to drive into a larger city such as Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Russellville to shop. I've never been to Pleasent Hill but most of the Arkansas towns I've been in don't have a real local bike shop. This is all to say don't buy a walmart bike. Good brands are specialized, trek, giant, gary fisher, Kona, etc.
LesterOfPuppets
08-19-09, 02:28 PM
I typically find places like AR's CL will have the best deals, but the worst availability. So you're likely to get a LOT of bike for a little money, but could take a LONG time 'til you find the right bike.

Google maps makes it look like you're in the middle of MTB heaven!

This is a good one if it's your size, and in good shape. (http://fayar.craigslist.org/bik/1331132644.html)It probably doesn't have front shocks, if you'd like them, however.

Giant Rincon for $150 (http://fayar.craigslist.org/bik/1330479858.html) this may be more like it if you like front shocks. Size 17".

Trek for $200, not many details, but could be good. (http://fayar.craigslist.org/bik/1330388452.html)

Where would you rather drive? Fayetteville or Little Rock? If either one's OK, try using crazedlist.org to search both at the same time.