Help with selecting a bike?

[ttmnky]

Hi. I was hoping some people would be able to point me in the right direction of which bike to choose. I have come down to either

this: (Carrera Skyjack)
http://www.sportmart.ca/store/2product.asp?countryID=0&category%5Fid=49&product%5Fid=9820&mscssid=D8R2NCEGPKE19GRBQG5R6WD9N8P6068A

or this: (Arashi Friction)
http://www.sportchek.ca/product_description.jhtml;jsessionid=OQEQLY33PN4NPLAQAQCCIIQ?id=prod2833686&fromSpecificCategory=true#related

What I basically want to do with the bike is ride it around the block, park, basically casual riding. I moght end up taking it off a few small jumps or so every now and then, but it will mainly be used to leisure purposes.
What do any of you think about the above bikes?

[Rick G]

I don't know these bikes but from what I see they are about the same as my walmart bike that I ride.
I am looking into buying a new bicycle about tax time.I am looking at a new ralaigh m20 or a Giant boulder.
fairly inexpensive and they are nice riding.plus I get tuneups for a year.I know about the money thing and now I wish I would have saved my money and gotten the better bike.but I did not know if I was going to like goin riding.I then found that I love it and have put a couple of hundred miles on it.
then I road a "good" bike.wow
good luck
Rick G

[alanbikehouston]

Visit two or three bike shops in your neighborhood. "Test ride" some bikes in your price range. At a good bike store, the staff will work with you to help you select the right sort of bike, and then to get you on the correct size of bike. They will make sure your bike is correctly assembled, and then help you keep it in good shape after you begin putting some miles on it.

Post and let us know what bike you chose.

[Bontrager]

I concur with alan (and it's not because I'm from Houston, either ;) ) but these bikes look like what you'd get a your local walmart or target. I would stay away from these and go to your local bike store and try out some bikes. There is a BIG difference from a $150 MTN bike from WalMart and the cheapest REAL MTN bike at your local LBS... I say MTN bike because you're talking about jumps which you shouldn't do with a road bike, hybrid or in between.

[davefarb]

I have a bike-buying problem. I seem to acquire them more than necessary. Among those I have is aWalmart special, and it serves its purpose. I just bought a Giant Boulder SE, and I'm happy with it...though I would not recommend it for jumping stuff.

[ttmnky]

thanks a lot. I'll look around the neighbourhood and see if I can find a bike shop. Thanks for you advice.

[FarHorizon]

Don't forget to look at USED bikes! There are great deals to be had at e-Bay, the local police-department auction, or at yard sales. Expect to pay 50% the price of a new bike on e-Bay, 25% the price of a new bike at an auction, or <10% the price of a new bike at a yard sale. You will need to probably clean, adjust, and possibly replace tires for any of these purchases, but with prices like these, you can afford to! Happy Shopping!