Equinox

My son just moved down to Cary, NC and stopped in at REI to pick up a mountain Bike. The K2 was recommended. I'm a roadie and I don't know too much about mountain bikes. Some help would be appreciated. Is this a fairly versatile bike? Is it OK for occaisional road use? Can you think of any alternatives in the price range that might be a better choice? Thank you!!!

born2bahick

Had one once, i really liked the frame, enough to do a major build on it later. But in it's stock state it's strickley an entry level bike. It should work as good as any bike in that class!

Defiance

QFT.

It's a decent bike and will do fine for road use but if you progress far into Mountain Biking (you should be able to do some XC fine, but most past that) you're going to want to upgrade. The only things I can see you should really pay attention to is the brakes and the fork.

But be warned, everything "after market" can end up being very expensive.

I.E, if you want new brakes, you're probobly going to need a new hub. If you get a new fork, make sure it's the right axle or you're going to have to get another new hub.

Just make sure everythings compatible before purchase, and you'll be fine. But you will need new hubs for disc brakes.

As to forks, mid level Fox/RockShox should be ok, and Avid BB7 mechanical brakes will also do fine (they're great brakes for the money, and they're mech so you won't need new levers, but possibly longer cables).

mikeE46

Hi,
my frame is K2 too (only frame)
in spite of it's bit heavy, I love it alot.

this pic is from right after I built.

MudSplattered

K2's are great bikes for the price. I have a K2 road bike, my son has a Zed 2.0 and most recently a Lithium 3. I suggest getting at least a Zed 3.0 or higher. We upgraded the Zed 2's fork after 1 year, which was more than it would have cost to just buy the Zed 3.0. Get the best bike you can afford. It will be fine for riding on the roads, can always put slicker tires on it if needed, but for mountain or trail riding, he will enjoy a bike with the better components.

vw addict

Maybe an Iron Horse Maverick Team? SRAM 9 speed, Rock Shok fork, Hayes disc brakes all for $500. That is just about the lowest end bike I would recommend if it will actually be used on trails.

Funkychicken

no grips!

Defiance

That's what I was thinking but he said it was just after he build it so I imagine the grips were one of the final things to put on.

mikeE46

Haha,...
Of course, I have a grip.
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/148...ance-Grips.htm
I put this one from I read some review from here.