futuresealsnipe

Well, I took your guys' advice and checked out some better bikes than the local store ones. Just wondering if you can help me narrow these down. I will primarily be riding on pavement, and maybe some trails. I've searched on here a lot and have gotten these...

Trek 3700
Trek 7100
Trek 3500
Haro V2 (no real info on this one)
Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Crossroads Sport
Giant Boulder SE
Giant Cypress ST
Marin Kentfield

That's basically all of them and if you guys could, help me trim my choices and suggest what would be best.
On a side note, I checked an LBS and it had a Trek 3700 for 50$ more than a 3500. Would it be worth it to go with the 3700? Not too many differences from what I can tell cept maybe the rear derailleur. https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/...&bike3=1312600

Thanks in advance.

late

Pick two from that list. Take the two on a ride for at least 30 minutes. Try to find a hill, get out of the saddle and accelerate up the hill. Hit a pothole, see how it handles it.

futuresealsnipe

Do LBSs usually negotiate on bikes? I have been reading some posts about some people negotiating to get them down on a price (like a car I suppose). Does this pertain to any, just used ones, or all?
Thanks for the reply

Daily Commute

Some do, some don't. Even if you can't get the price down, you can ask them to throw something in for "free." But remember, you'll likely be coming back for service, so don't be an jerk during the negotiations.

BostonFixed

Not really. If you wanna save a few bucks; like $20, look for last years models ('04 or even '05), as the '06 stuff is coming out soon, and shops wanna get rid of the older stuff. There may be a slight discount, or shops may throw in a free bottle cage or something.

late

Hi,
if you think you would like anything on the bike different.... this is
the time to do it. They will usually cut you a deal to close the sale.
Most bikes come with a crap seat. Then there is the matter of pedals, if you want to go clipless. Some shops offer a discount when (or after) you buy a bike on accesories. If you haven't been riding, you will need a helmet, and gloves are also a good idea.
There there is a rack for it, maybe a computer...