Mountain Biking - My old (cheap) MTB is about done... I need a good mid range replacement

Ok, I have on old style 21 speed MTB that has all the visuals, but not much in the way of performance. That being said its gone 3000km+ in commuting and exercise in its time. I do like it, it runs smooth, but the frame is starting to strip out and sooner rather than later I need to replace it. I plan on doing so before it dies so I can still use it to ride with my kids and go to the market - no one wants to steal an old ugly mtb. :thumb:

So, I'm looking at a mid range hybrid style bikes. I don't need an all out dirt track monster, nor do I want a road orientated bike. I need something in between that I can use for my morning exercise on smooth cycle trails, something that can handle offroad (unlike my current ride).

It needs to cost $700US or less. I don't want a high end bike for the simple reason that living in a large city bicycle thieves are everywhere and an expensive bike wouldn't last longer than it took to go into a shop - lock or not.

So.. is there such thing as a decent mid range hybrid and if so whats the best brand?

get a nice offroader and a set of slicks for pavement throw the knobbies on when needed.

I feel like you're going to get better responses from the Hybrid forum, if that's what you're looking for. On the other hand, if the off-road part is more important to you, I'd rather thrash a mountain bike on singletrack and deal with it being slow on the road than try to ride a hybrid on trails. So I'll let it up to you and what you think you want...if you want me to move this to the hybrid forum, just say the word.

:welcome To Bike Forums, KRobinson!

We will assist you as best we can with all of your questions!

Based upon the information you've already submiited, I'll make the following recommendations:

At the $700 limit

1) The Jamis Coda Sport

2) The Muirwoods

3) The KHS Urban XPress

4) The Raleigh Cadent FT2

5) The Diamondback Insight 3

6) The Cannondale Quick 4

7) The Cannondale Bad Boy 9

8) The Kona Dew Plus

At The $800 limit

1) The Jamis Coda Comp

2) The KHS Urban Xcel

3) The Muirwoods 29'er

- Slim :)

Thank you... what do you think of the Trek? One the LBS have one at about the $700 price point. It looks like a nice bike. I'm sure its only average, but I don't need more than an average bike.

Thank you... what do you think of the Trek? One the LBS have one at about the $700 price point. It looks like a nice bike. I'm sure its only average, but I don't need more than an average bike.


Usually with Trek, you'll pay more due to the "Trek" name. If it's a 2012 Trek 7.3FX Disc, or 7.4FX , or 7.5FX, then it's good to go! However, if it's a 2011 7.3FX, or a 2011 7.4FX, that's NOT a good deal!

To which model of Trek's are you referring?

- Slim

I'll have to go and check the model. Problem with that bike is that its a smaller frame and being 189cm tall and 100kg I need something... larger. My current ride is a 16 inch frame which was the largest he had (and I didn't know any better). It rides ok, but the seat post and handle bar need to be almost at the limit for it to be comfortable. That and the fact the frame really isn't strong enough to take the punishment of me, my kid, and a rack/seat lead to the death of many compents. Its almost all low to mid range mtb parts now, but the frame is almost done.

Besides, I'm debating on where to shop. There is a high end MTB shop just down the road. They run club rides etc and have lots of nice toys... but they are all expensive. Those guys consider a titanium framed $3000 bike to be cheap. Then there is a standard bike shop where I got my wifes shopping cruiser. He has some higher end bikes, but deals mainly in commuter stuff. Decisions, descisions...

[QUOTE]I'll have to go and check the model. Problem with that bike is that its a
smaller frame and being 189cm tall and 100kg I need something... larger. My
current ride is a 16 inch frame which was the largest he had (and I didn't know
any better). It rides ok, but the seat post and handle bar need to be almost at
the limit for it to be comfortable. That and the fact the frame really isn't
strong enough to take the punishment of me, my kid, and a rack/seat lead to the
death of many compents. Its almost all low to mid range mtb parts now, but the
frame is almost done.

I would suggest to you that you go everywhere you can. Mount and test-ride all of the bikes that you can. Find a bicycle dealership that you like, regardless as to how far away it may be. Then and only then will you know what actually feels comfortable to you. Next, look for a bicycle store employee who's truly nice, knowledgeable, and helpful. Have someone properly fit you! Don't buy a bicycle until you're certain about its fit!


Besides, I'm debating on where to shop. There is a high end MTB shop just down
the road. They run club rides etc and have lots of nice toys... but they are all
expensive. Those guys consider a titanium framed $3000 bike to be cheap. Then
there is a standard bike shop where I got my wifes shopping cruiser. He has some
higher end bikes, but deals mainly in commuter stuff. Decisions,
descisions...

Stay away from high-end bicycle shops. You're not ready for that just yet!

You just might want to investigate the commuter bikes a little more...

- Slim

PS.

Remember MARE: Mount And Ride Everything

MARE: Mount And Ride Everythinghttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QGeP6yWJwIk/S98V7r5kAmI/AAAAAAAAAi8/S9D24_dYryw/s320/TheOffice-ThatsWhatSheSaid-Michael.jpg