Mountain Biking - Looking to get a new bike, PLEASE HELP!!

I am a first time poster. I have a really old crappy mountain bike that never stays in gear and always slips. I was looking to spend around 600 bucks on a new bike. I do mostly trail riding and a little bit of road riding. I want a really good bike for the trails. Also aside from the bikes what else shoudl think about buying. Thanks alot.

may i suggest popping down to the lbs, and seeing if they have any decent second handers for sale. even if they dont ask to try out a few of their new bikes, make out like your going to buy one, see what you like then look for a similar model online, or at another bs.

Hey,
I recently was in the same boat as you...first new mountain bike for about $600. I shopped around at a couple of local stores and online, talked to people who ride, and read reviews of the bikes i was interested in (mtbr.com offers good reviews). I ruled out buying online - might not be the best bet for a first bike. I test rode a Specialized Hard Rock A1 Pro Comp, a Trek 4500, and a Gary Fisher Tasajarra. I ended up with the Tasajarra, and with the exception of a defective shock (replaced free) I have had no troubles.

As most people will tell you, test ride a few bikes and go for the one that is the most comfortable to you. Being that this is your first bike, you might not know exactly how it should feel (this is what I found, anyway). As long as it doesn't feel uncomfortable, you should be ok.

The things I was told to look for first were front/rear derailler (sp?) quality, break quality, and rim quality. In addition to that, check out and compare the other componants. I found that in this price range, most frames are about equal in quality, but the package of componants is what affects the price of the bike the most. Also, one store might have a better deal than another. Do a little research on what's what, and if possible, ask someone who knows about bikes to take a look at the bike or a spec sheet for you. (Most stores have information books available with a list of all the componants on each model bike)

In addition to a bike, you'll need a helmet. You should also get a pump, patch kit, and a spare tube or two. I few spare tools will do OK to get you started - see whats needed to make adjustments for you bike. Some cleaning tools, a water bottle, and some lube and you're ready to go. As for as other accessories go, the sky is the limit. Camelbak, chain cleaning tool, multi-tools, a new seat, clipless pedals - these are all things I'd like to get one day.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong about any of this. I've just started too, and don't know all that much. This is how I went about getting my bike though. Good luck!

John

John pretty much said everything I was going to! Definately get a helmet! Comfort is key! Test ride as many bikes as you can. Try one $100 above and below your budget. That way you'll learn to distinquish the differences. A $600 bike is a good starting point. Don't worry about having the best components, you can upgrade as parts wear out or break or you find a killer closeout deal. Make sure your frame and fork DOES have disc tabs for possible future upgrades. If you can get a bike with disc ready hubs (wheels) that's favorable, but uncommon at that price point!

***IMPORTANT**** Don't buy a bike that doesn't fit just because it's a great deal! You'll be wasting $$$. If the one you want is NOT on sale, it's worth the extra investment!

L8R

I second the Gary fisher tassaraja.My fatherinlaw has one and that helped lead to me getting a fisher big sur.He also has a fisher marlin and my brotherinlaw has a trek 4500which he likes a lot.But it just didn't feel right to me. Basically just get out to the shops and find one that you feel comfortable on.