Big dude, small budget.
 

Posted this in the mountainbike forum, but I was referred here.

I want a starter bike, one that can handle my weight (6'2'' 230) / abuse, as I get balsy with this type of stuff, and I'm sure I'll take it off some "sweet jumps". To start, I just want to ride some basic trails.

My MAX budget is 250, but the cheaper, the better :)

I'm thinking someone local from eBay or Craigslist is the way to go for me, but do you guys have any suggestions as to what make/model to keep my eyes out for and what price is a good deal?

Is the Trek 4500 or Hardrock a good choice for someone my size?

See if you can find a used Hardrock Comp (tougher fork & rims than the Sport model, but also more expensive) on eBay or Craigslist. You should be able to find one on your budget if you shop around and take your time.

I've never ridden the Trek 4500, but my Hardrock has been a fine bike. I weigh about 220 lbs, and I trust it for up to 3' drops onto concrete.

-DR

i'm 6'7" 285, and i got my giant yukon a couple weeks ago. i LOVE IT. took it on some single track this weekend and did well. especially considering i'd never ridden before. highly reccomended. deore RD, disk brakes, i'm very happy with it. and for $470 you can't beat it really

Check your PM's Barno!:D

You're rich enough to have a budget? :eek:

Mate, buy the best you can afford - it'll hurt less in the long term than paying for it in the short term. Bikes are one area where generally, you DO get what you pay for and there is nothing more frustrating or painful than a bike that almost does what it's supposed to but doesn't quite.

Don't forget to allow for the kit you'll need - pumps, spare tubes, tools, helmet, clothes. Riding is most comfortable when you're dressed properly ... though that doesn't necessarily mean full racing kit - a short ride can be done in jeans and T-shirt. You need a pump on the bike - can't pump up flats without it, but if your bike has high pressure tyres (like most road bikes do), your typical minipump won't do it so you'll need one at home. You need tools to undo everything on your bike because sometime, you'll need it on the side of the road and murphy's law states that you won't break down outside a bike shop. You WILL get flat tyres, so have tyre levers, spare tube (faster than repairing a puncture) and puncture kit (for the second flat of the trip). If you are genuinely short of cash, maybe buy the 'essential' kit first (leave clothes till later for example), that way you'll know how much you have left for the bike.

If buying second hand, look for signs that it's been maintained - not tarted up for the sale, but maintained. And remember, a bike is well used, is a bike that worked well enough to become well used - heaps of rubbish tend not to be used.

If you're not in love with it, DON'T buy it. The right bike will call to you, and that's the one you'll spend most time riding :D

Richard

At ONLY 230 pounds you have a lot of choices out there. If you're going to be doing some sweet jumps, you might want to get at least the rear wheel hand-built. Or wait until you taco it off a jump and rebuild it.

Thanks guys, great advice so far. If anybody sees any steals on craigslist or ebay send me a PM or post it in this thread and i'll GREATLY appreciate it.