Looking for my first mountain bike
#1
Dirtrider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas (DFW)
Posts: 10
Bikes: non yet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looking for my first mountain bike
I want to buy a mountain bike for my wife and myself. We are both a little overweight and haven't really done any real biking. I ride and race (amateur) dirtbikes so for me terrain isn't really a problem. It'll be the aerobics that will wear me out.
I'm looking to buy something used so we don't spend alot of money until we see how much we really like it.
We own some property that we can ride on with some trails laid out from dirt biking.
A little hilly but nothing big.
Looking for some advice as to what type of setup would be best for some REAL beginners.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I'm looking to buy something used so we don't spend alot of money until we see how much we really like it.
We own some property that we can ride on with some trails laid out from dirt biking.
A little hilly but nothing big.
Looking for some advice as to what type of setup would be best for some REAL beginners.
Thanks in advance for your help.
#3
Still kicking.
Originally Posted by jiiiim
I guess real beginners start with hardtails... that's just my opinion.
What's your price range?
What's your price range?
__________________
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
#4
Dirtrider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas (DFW)
Posts: 10
Bikes: non yet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jiiiim
I guess real beginners start with hardtails... that's just my opinion.
What's your price range?
What's your price range?
here are some used bikes for sell in my area. Some are real cheapo's others seem to be decent bikes but I really don't know which if any are good bikes.
#5
Banned.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 409
Bikes: Kona Dawg Deluxe, Cannondale Super-V DH, Cannondale Super-V Raven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Before anyone can really offer you any solid advice, we kind of need to know a price range so we can give you links to bikes for you to consider.
#7
Still kicking.
You can get a good hardtail for 1k.
__________________
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
#8
Banned.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 409
Bikes: Kona Dawg Deluxe, Cannondale Super-V DH, Cannondale Super-V Raven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by KonaRider24
You can get a good hardtail for 1k.
Lots of decent hardtails for $1000.
https://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/CALDERA/index.html
Kona Caldera = $900 brand new: Good fork, decent components, proven frame
Also:
https://www.specializedbikes.com/bc/S...keTab=features
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc = $880
The specs on the rockhopper aren't quite as good as the Kona, but either bike is a good bike.
Last edited by CrashVector; 09-27-06 at 10:46 PM.
#10
Banned.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 409
Bikes: Kona Dawg Deluxe, Cannondale Super-V DH, Cannondale Super-V Raven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jiiiim
1k for yourself or AND your wife?
oops i just noticed that as well.
If your budget is $1000 for TWO bikes, then that limits things down a lot.
I'm thinking two TREK 4300's or 3700's or something like that.
#11
Dirtrider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas (DFW)
Posts: 10
Bikes: non yet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by CrashVector
+1
Lots of decent hardtails for $1000.
https://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/CALDERA/index.html
Kona Caldera = $900 brand new: Good fork, decent components, proven frame
Also:
https://www.specializedbikes.com/bc/S...keTab=features
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc = $880
The specs on the rockhopper aren't quite as good as the Kona, but either bike is a good bike.
Lots of decent hardtails for $1000.
https://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/CALDERA/index.html
Kona Caldera = $900 brand new: Good fork, decent components, proven frame
Also:
https://www.specializedbikes.com/bc/S...keTab=features
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc = $880
The specs on the rockhopper aren't quite as good as the Kona, but either bike is a good bike.
Ok.
So what kind of used bike can I possibly find for the same money? What are the pros and cons of full suspension over a hard tail other than a softer ride.
What about this bike or this one or maybe this one ?
#12
Too Much Crazy
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NY
Posts: 3,660
Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 116 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
At your budget, rule out a full suspension. Just forget about it.
As far as those bikes in the links go, they look ok. The problem is do you know they will fit you? Do you know what size frame to get ?
All three have different sized frames
As far as those bikes in the links go, they look ok. The problem is do you know they will fit you? Do you know what size frame to get ?
All three have different sized frames
#13
Go Anywhere
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 32
Bikes: '08 Yeti 575, '93 Diamondback Traverse, '69 Schwinn Stingray Fastback
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You might want to start looking at a local bike shop at some new bikes to get an idea and even some test rides to get an idea of what you want and need. The LBS will be able to help properly fit you as well, so you dont end up buying the wrong frame size. If you end up going with a used bike, at least the trip or 2 to the local shops will help give you an idea of what to look for. Also at the LBS you can get a look at some Women specific bikes for your wife. The more comfortable you 2 are with the bikes, the more likely you will be to keep biking.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 833
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Edit cause Avidmtnbkr beat me to it.
I'd recommend looking at the Specialized Rockhopper and the Hardrock. Both are solid bikes no matter which model level you choose.
I'd recommend looking at the Specialized Rockhopper and the Hardrock. Both are solid bikes no matter which model level you choose.
Last edited by here and there; 09-28-06 at 08:42 AM.
#15
Dirtrider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas (DFW)
Posts: 10
Bikes: non yet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Curt Kurt
At your budget, rule out a full suspension. Just forget about it.
As far as those bikes in the links go, they look ok. The problem is do you know they will fit you? Do you know what size frame to get ?
All three have different sized frames
As far as those bikes in the links go, they look ok. The problem is do you know they will fit you? Do you know what size frame to get ?
All three have different sized frames
#16
Too Much Crazy
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NY
Posts: 3,660
Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 116 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
you might.
I am saying, you don't want to risk it (or I wouldn't)
Generally, a full suspension bike has a lower life span than it's hardtail counterpart. the rear triangle has more pivot points and a shock to worry about.
Who knows how the other person was using it? Were they using a XC bike to take repeated drops? Were they taking care of the pivot points of the suspension? has the rear shock been serviced?
Stick with a hardtail.
I am saying, you don't want to risk it (or I wouldn't)
Generally, a full suspension bike has a lower life span than it's hardtail counterpart. the rear triangle has more pivot points and a shock to worry about.
Who knows how the other person was using it? Were they using a XC bike to take repeated drops? Were they taking care of the pivot points of the suspension? has the rear shock been serviced?
Stick with a hardtail.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 256
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1, full-sussers have more to go wrong
Also, I dont reckon a beginner needs a full-susser especially as you said that the terrain on your land isnt too hilly. I'd go for a hardtail, lighter and IMO more fun and manageable. And
Also, I dont reckon a beginner needs a full-susser especially as you said that the terrain on your land isnt too hilly. I'd go for a hardtail, lighter and IMO more fun and manageable. And
#18
Dirtrider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas (DFW)
Posts: 10
Bikes: non yet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Curt Kurt
you might.
I am saying, you don't want to risk it (or I wouldn't)
Generally, a full suspension bike has a lower life span than it's hardtail counterpart. the rear triangle has more pivot points and a shock to worry about.
Who knows how the other person was using it? Were they using a XC bike to take repeated drops? Were they taking care of the pivot points of the suspension? has the rear shock been serviced?
Stick with a hardtail.
I am saying, you don't want to risk it (or I wouldn't)
Generally, a full suspension bike has a lower life span than it's hardtail counterpart. the rear triangle has more pivot points and a shock to worry about.
Who knows how the other person was using it? Were they using a XC bike to take repeated drops? Were they taking care of the pivot points of the suspension? has the rear shock been serviced?
Stick with a hardtail.
#19
Pretty Hate Machine
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Down in it
Posts: 435
Bikes: Bianchi Brava
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 37 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Besides, riding on a hardtail will probably give you more appreciation of a full suspension if you ever do get one.
A $300-600 hardtail to break your teeth on would be plenty; in my experience, people tend to buy more bike than they actually need or can make use of.
A $300-600 hardtail to break your teeth on would be plenty; in my experience, people tend to buy more bike than they actually need or can make use of.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brainerd MN
Posts: 999
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
dirt bike single track is tthe best for mtn biking
i would look at this bike https://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212646627.html
i would look at this bike https://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212646627.html
#21
Dirtrider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas (DFW)
Posts: 10
Bikes: non yet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by taylor p
dirt bike single track is tthe best for mtn biking
i would look at this bike https://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212646627.html
i would look at this bike https://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212646627.html
Is that a decent price for that bike if it's in good shape?
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 53
Bikes: some old Trek, Iron Horse Expert '06, many more to come...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looks like a good bike, but how tall are you? That bike is a size 16 and just to give you an idea, I'm 5'6'' with a 29'' inseam and most size 15.5 and 16 bikes fit me perfectly. You really have get the right size or you'll be truly unhappy with your investment.
#23
Dirtrider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas (DFW)
Posts: 10
Bikes: non yet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Twins Fan
Looks like a good bike, but how tall are you? That bike is a size 16 and just to give you an idea, I'm 5'6'' with a 29'' inseam and most size 15.5 and 16 bikes fit me perfectly. You really have get the right size or you'll be truly unhappy with your investment.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 53
Bikes: some old Trek, Iron Horse Expert '06, many more to come...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, I can't say forsure since all brands vary slightly in sizing, but I think a 16 might be too small for you. I'd take others advice and go to a local shop, sit on some bikes, and at least get a good idea of what size/s fit you well. It is worth it in the longrun.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 72
Bikes: '07 Trek 4300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would second the 4300 idea. it comes in a WSD version that your wife could use. You could get discs for both of you and still be under 1 grand. They also come in a variety of sizes because it's a "recreational" mountain bike. It has dual purpose tires so you would be able to ride it on the road too without having to worry about ruining knobbies.