Recreational & Family - inexpensive mtb

Hi, I'm looking for an inexpensive mtb for some road and some trails. I'm looking for something with a comfort grometry. The LBS has a Trek 820 for $220. Is there anything better than that for the price?
Thanks, ret

Hi, I'm looking for an inexpensive mtb for some road and some trails. I'm looking for something with a comfort grometry. The LBS has a Trek 820 for $220. Is there anything better than that for the price?

How tough or light are the trails you intend to ride? Are we talking hardpack gravel rail-to-trails or are we talking twisty, rocky and rooted singletrack? If it's the former, you might want to check out the Trek Navigator 50 or the Trek 7100. Also you might want to shop around and check out similar bikes from other manufacturers such as Fuji, Specialized, Giant and K2.

I won't be doing any technical or downhill that's for sure. More fire roads kind of thing or flat single track. I do like the suspension fork. I heard Giant Boulder are good also. How important is Crom vs. Aluminum frame? Thanks for the info.

This price level is a step above Department store bikes. Just pick one up and ride it. I am not being a snob, i have two bikes and neither of them cost more than $400 and i have put over 2500 miles on each of them in the last 9 months.

Any LBS bike will be fine in this price range and probably differ very little.

The Trek 820 for $220 is a good deal, and it's a good starter bike to get into the sport. I'd look into getting a hybrid tire. One with smooth tread down the middle and knobs on the sides. I started with a Diamondback Sorrento four years ago to do exactly what you want to do. I now have a Cannondale R500 because I enjoyed road riding more then thr trails, but I still hit the trails with the old D'back.

If the components and drive work well, it's a good deal. A good wheel is worth that much. You're getting a whole ride.

Thanks for the advice. I think you are right, although it is just a step above a walmart, just getting a name brand (Trek, etc.) is probably a good start. Thanks again for the input.

Take a look at the entry level Kona's. www.konaworld.com I got a Fire mountian for $350.00, that was 8000 miles ago. One of the best purchases I ever made.