Mountain Biking - what bike under $300 should i buy?

Im new to biking and this is my first time buying a bike. What mountain bike under $300 should I buy. I need something that is durable and will last long. Can you recommend some brand names. Thanks:)

price range $200-$300, (sorry im not rich).

Maybe some low end giant, but a bike thats 300 bucks probably wont last long. 300 bucks wouldent get u much dude:(

If you're serious about trail riding, then $300 will not buy you durability. If you're just going to be tooling around town, then you may be able to get buy.

A $300 giant isn't much different from a $300 Raleigh or a $300 anything else. Don't go by brand name, shop around and see what the best deal you can get is. Every manufacturer uses the same components, get the best components for the cheapest price. Any differences in frames you'll probably never notice. You may be able to find an older bike or some unknown brand that a dealer has a great deal on. Also, think about used, but I don't have any experience with used bikes. Take your time, shop around, and try to deal with the shops. If they don't have anything for you, be totally prepared to walk out the door without a bike.

Check the classifieds or local trading magazines for deals on used bikes. You can usually find a decent bike for alot less than new and still get some quality. But don't buy a bike unless it is a good fit for you.

with that amount of money, all I can say is look for used bikes. maybe someone will give you a awesome deal. don't get discouraged keep looking even if it takes a while.

good luck :D

Personally I'd look for a decent frame with entry level components that you can upgrade as and when you've got a bit of spare cash or as they wear out (at least that was the route I took and am more than happy with my evolving bike ;)).

I don't know much about the American market, but the Giant Rincon seems to just squeeze into your budget, and looks a similar sort of package to the Giant I bought (the UK line up is very different). The components on the Rincon are perfectly adequate entry level Shimano (I prefer SRAM, but maybe I'm odd ;)) with an adequate crankset, that might be one of your earlier upgrades, and a fork that (going on other Suntour forks) will track well and be adequate for light trail riding.

I wouldn't go any lower in Spec than the Rincon if you can avoid it. Lower than this sort of price you'll probably get cheap steel frames rather than good Steel or Aluminium, and quill stems rather than aheadset, lose quick-releases etc. Look at other manufacturers as well, particularly deals on previous year models, I favour Giant largely because on this side of the pond they seem far better value than most of the competition and come with decent frames.

If you're wanting to mainly stick to road use you might want to change the tyres and add some kind of fenders. If you're going to use it as a commuter you'll need to add a little to buy a rack and panniers, and whatever you use it for you'll need to find a bit for a lock, pump, helmet, basic tools and possibly lights.

Good luck, and feel free to ask further advice.

Richard

Where are you located? I have a Specialized Rockhopper that I would part with.

Wow, you and me are in the same boat. I don't really wanna spend more than $400 on my bike... I don't have that kind of money either. Yeah, I do have a bike though, but yeah, we won't go there. It's a Huffy bike so that's all I have to say. Umm... I've seen Mongoose bikes for like $207... and that's pretty much in your price range. Where do you live? Maybe I can suggest some stores or something...

When you spend $300 on a bike, what matters most is that you're establishing a relationship with a bike shop. There are plenty of entry-level hardtails and comfort bikes and hybrids from major brand names for $300, and they're all competitive.

They will all last longer than a $300 bike from anywhere else, too -- IF you buy if from a good bike shop. The shop will properly assemble and adjust the bike. They will make sure it fits you. They will provide you with a free tune-up or two, and help you with maintenance and upgrade issues on down the line.

None of this is true of department stores, discount stores, or people selling used bikes.

It's true that no $300 bike is going to be able to withstand the rigors of violent off-road ameuvers for long, but I wouldn't buy a used bike with that use in mind either. It's very hard to assess the condition of a used bike if you're new at it.

But it's quite possible to buy a $300 bike from Trek, Raleigh, Specialized, Giant, Jamis, and many other mainstream brands that will last a long time and travel thousands of miles on roads, paths, and mild dirt/gravel roads. The brand is far less important than the shop.

No bike is a bargain if it hurts you when you ride it; that's why fitting is so important. No bike is a bargain if it breaks and you can't get it fixed. No bike is a bargain if it's not safe because the assembler learned how from a 30-minute training video in the break room at Walmart.

Ask around to see which shops the riders in your area respect. Try to visit shops when they're not busy to get a fair idea of how they treat customers.

RichC

Originally posted by Rich Clark
No bike is a bargain if it hurts you when you ride it; that's why fitting is so important. No bike is a bargain if it breaks and you can't get it fixed. No bike is a bargain if it's not safe because the assembler learned how from a 30-minute training video in the break room at Walmart.

Ask around to see which shops the riders in your area respect. Try to visit shops when they're not busy to get a fair idea of how they treat customers.


good point about the bike.... and as for a good bike shop I specifically don't go into certain shop because they were jerks to me. :(

(not sure why I went there in the first place, but I figured I'd try a new shop)

I bought my first MTB last summer. I got it for $180. It's lasted this long and I only had to upgrade my front Shock. The bike is a bit heavy and the components aren't top of the line. Though I am still waiting for my dream bike to come along. A Nice, light, Full Suspension Klein, w/ Bombers, xtr components, Fox Shock......can't wait for that.
Since I paid so cheaply for my bike, I'm sure it's going to break soon. But the cheap thing lasted me for almost a year now and when it does eventually break, I'll be getting myself a good, decent bike.
My current bike specs are:
'99 Mongoose MGX GRX 6.5. Shimano Acera ert. Upgraded rst shock to a Magnum R.

Look for something used. I sold my 1997 Trek 7000 for $300 just recently and it was a great deal for the buyer.

That way you get more solid componentry as well as a better frame. Granted, its a little old...but its still a better buy for a truly trail worthy bike.

Gary Fisher Mamba about $300, decent entry level bike!

Haro ICS 2.0 about the same price, likewise a decent entry level bike.

Stay away from Box Store Bikes. KleinMp99 suggested a great website for beginners check out www.bikesrnottoys.com it's got answers to all you questions and to some you haven't thought of!

L8R

Wow!! Thanks for all the great tips, btw i live in San Francisco, California. Alrighty, time to go bike shopping. Thanks again!

Prolly a used bike at this point will get you way more bike for your buck.

I understand you because several weeks ago me and my friends was with the same quiestion. but we ask what bike under $150 should we buy?.

One of them went to Wal Mart (you can check one message i post in this forum), he buy a mongoose in $150 dollars. then other friend went to WalMart and buy other bike for $89 dollars, then i went and buy other for $115.

Those are full suspension bikes, nice colors and stickers, also one has shimano stickers on it, but after 2 or 3 weeks i have noticed that those bikes are not good. I have flat tires many times in few days, the very simple suspension makes me feel very weak, bike is too heavy, and very noisy.

Now, i can tell you that two days later i buy one used Giant Boulder SE (recreational mountain bike). This is front suspension, is not aluminium, but is very different than the other. Its very confortable, has very good components, its lighter, and i pay about $200 bucks for it.

If you have no money, i recomend you, dont buy a new toy. Buy a used good bike.

Very well said!

Muy Bien!

I totally agree!