Mountain Biking - I need help buying a bike

Hi whats up people. Im looking to get a mountain bike to ride so I can excercise and have fun. I will be doing mostly on-road, grass, dirt, and then some trail. I need help picking a decent bike in the 400.00-500.00 range. I was looking at the GT Aggressor 1.0 and 2.0, but was not sure if they were good bike or what to look for.

Any help is highly appreciated.
Thanks

Welcome to the Forums. I'm not from the US, so I can't advise on prices and value for money but stick around because I'm sure the guys and girls in this Forum will help. :) If I was starting out again and just wanted the bike for exercise and fun, then I would opt for a decent frame with lower quality components. If the MTB bug really gets hold of you later on then it is easier to upgrade these components bit by bit - until you have a really good bike. But make sure the frame size fits and take nothing less, because it's worth it in the long run.

I'm sure you'll get some advice on decent frames/bikes e.g. Specialized, Trek, Cannondale. I'm not well up on GT but I thought that they were having one or two problems and were bought out by Schwinn or something. The rest of the guys should help out here.

All the best and good luck. :)

Originally posted by Weasel
Welcome to the Forums. I'm not from the US, so I can't advise on prices and value for money but stick around because I'm sure the guys and girls in this Forum will help. :) If I was starting out again and just wanted the bike for exercise and fun, then I would opt for a decent frame with lower quality components. If the MTB bug really gets hold of you later on then it is easier to upgrade these components bit by bit - until you have a really good bike. But make sure the frame size fits and take nothing less, because it's worth it in the long run.


I agree


Originally posted by Weasel
I'm sure you'll get some advice on decent frames/bikes e.g. Specialized, Trek, Cannondale.
[/B]
When I was looking at low-end MTB's there didn't seem to be much difference in terms of quality of construction between the better known companies (judging from welding, materials used etc.) but fit varied a lot. Most frames at the low end are Taiwanese , and generally of reasonable quality. Some frames will be used for bikes ranging in price by a considerable amount - if you're local bike shop is on the ball they'll tell you which. I ended up buying a low-end aluminium Giant, but as the UK range (and pricing) is quite different from the US I can't say that would be the best bet for you. If you buy an aluminium framed (or good steel) bike from one of the larger manufacturers you're unlikely to get a badly made frame but fit will vary a lot, and what suits one person won't suit another.


Originally posted by Weasel
I'm not well up on GT but I thought that they were having one or two problems and were bought out by Schwinn or something. The rest of the guys should help out here.

All the best and good luck. :) [/B]

I believe GT and Schwinn are now owned by Pacific bikes. The buy out means that there are currently a lot of closeout deals on old stock, and I think Pacific are honouring warrantees, but check before you buy.

Richard

I don’t know about warranties for the GT's right now they are currently hammering that stuff out. I really like gt and think that it’s a good entry-level bike. Very tuff and last forever. I have 3 and the first on i bought in 91 i just gave to my mom to ride.

First of all, what is your price range. That'll help narrow down the field of bikes. Also, include in your budget $ for a helmet, gloves, and a lock (if necessary). A lot of people forget to consider these items and forego them at time of purchase. IMO it's kinda like buying a car and getting the seatbelts "later".

Secondly, I would stay away from GT, only because of their uncertain future as a company under Pacific Bicycles. Plus, there are many other bikes in the same price points that are very good bikes.

Price is critical to the bikes available. Let us know and we'll be glad to help out!

L8R

If you ever want to use your bike for touring or commuting, its really useful to have threaded eyelets for a fitting a luggage rack.

Pick a bike shop you like, because you will be back for service later. If you are riding on mixed surfaces, it may be worth exchanging the standard off-road knobbly tyres for a mixed use tyre, with a continuous centre tread. This is far more efficient on the road.

Pick your size with care. Cross country bikes can often have a low, aggressive position, and you may prefer a more upright riding position. When comparing 2 bikes, take a tape measure.

Originally posted by MichaelW
If you ever want to use your bike for touring or commuting, its really useful to have threaded eyelets for a fitting a luggage rack.

Pick a bike shop you like, because you will be back for service later. If you are riding on mixed surfaces, it may be worth exchanging the standard off-road knobbly tyres for a mixed use tyre, with a continuous centre tread. This is far more efficient on the road.

Pick your size with care. Cross country bikes can often have a low, aggressive position, and you may prefer a more upright riding position. When comparing 2 bikes, take a tape measure.

I can't fault Michael's advice, but with regard to position, if you like the bike otherwise, try and see if the shop will swap stems for you. I now use a 75mm stem with a 15 degree rise, and combined with riser bars I find it a comfortable position for riding in traffic or longish distances. It wasn't bad before, but the improvement is noticeable.

Richard

My price range is around 400-500 dollars. Im also looking at the TREK 4500 or 4900. I just want a bike that can handle some ruff stuff when I take it off road.
Thanx.

You will definitely get more bike for your buck if you get the GT. Also reguarding the warranty, pacific bicycles may be honoring them and they may not be, I'm not sure myself...but it seems there have been 2 different opinions reguarding this in this thread. Does anyone know for sure? If you like the ride on the GT that would be my pick, along with some semi-slick tires to make your road rides a little quicker.