Mountain Biking - Need Help: Looking to buy a bike

Hey all, I'm looking to buy a new bike to ride around my area (sidewalks, roads, streets, etc..). I go riding at least 5 times a week and would like to hear some recommendations for a new bike. My budget is <= $300 and I would like something relatively lightweight and quick. I want the bike to be rather comfortable so I would be able to ride more than 30 minutes without getting major arse cramps, but I guess the saddle can be replaced if need be. I also don't want it to break down on me in a few rides. I weigh about 140 pounds and am around 5'7'' in height. All recomendations will be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Anyone? I'm in desparate need of bike recommendations.

http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=56148

Not trying to be crass, but we get asked this question all the time. Read some of the threads posted here. After about 5 you'll realize what you need to tell us so we can help you further.

What a2 said....

Long story short? Find a local bike shop (LBS) and go in and have a look at their range. At $300, you'll be looking at very entry level for a quality bike. There's a few mountain bikes around for that money (look at brands such as Specialized, Giant, Trek, Raleigh). If you want reliability, make sure you're buying from an LBS and not a big-box retailer (multi-sport store, department store, x-mart). An LBS will have trained bicycle mechanics performing assembly and maintenance, whereas big-box retailers will likely have minimum wage untrained assemblers.

examples:
Mountain Bike - Specialized Hardrock Sport (approx $300-350) (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9345&JServSessionIdroot=vp5084horu.j27010)

2005 model bikes have just been released, so you may be able to get a 2004 model on sale.

Make sure you have enough money left over after purchasing the bike to buy helmet, spare tubes, pump etc if you don't own them already.

I'd suggest used at that price point, but if you don't want to have to worry about breakdowns etc, the support of the LBS will be worth the money.

I probably wouldn't even recommend a mountain bike to you for sidewalks, roads, and streets. I would say get a sirrus but its 500 dollars, oops.

I usually speed like a madman. How are those recreational hybrid bikes? Do you guys think it is a bad idea to buy a mountain bike for street riding?

If your going to ride street-only then you would be much better off with a hybrid or a road bike.

For <$300 I would look for a used or older model bike.

If you can, find a previous-year bike... (i.e. find a 2003 or '02 if possible). Friend of mine got a Haro V2 for just over $200 because it was previous year.

I usually speed like a madman. How are those recreational hybrid bikes? Do you guys think it is a bad idea to buy a mountain bike for street riding?
Hybrid's sound exactly like what you're looking for - upright posiition of a MTB with (most of) the speed of a road bike. I wouldn't buy a MTB if it will never see dirt - it defeats the purpose

I found this bike on eBay. Any comments on it? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27948&item=7103400561

Why so cheap?

Thats a strange looking rear shock on that bike. It might be slightly better than a wal-mart bike, but it's still cheap and most likely garbage.

What's wrong with it, aren't those components pretty expensive themselves?

Now that I look at the components, yes, they are good, but I'm questioning the frame they are on. Also, I personally would NEVER buy a bike I could not ride and inspect first. If you want something like this go for it, but it would probably be a better decision to buy a decent trek hardtail for the same price. Maybe a trek 6700? and Im sure a bike shop would cut you a deal.



[Edit] The suspension on that bike however, is crap. Outdated and bottem of the barrel.

it doesnt sound like you need much from the bike if all its going to see are roads & sidewalks. go hybrid, but for me i'd get some el-cheapo from (dare i say it) some place like walmart (waiting to get hammered for this - eep)

i'd also add: forget dual suspension, i dont think you'll need it and its downright silly on pavement.

Go with a hardtail is or maybe even a non suspension bike. You can find plenty bikes for what you wanna use it for at that price.