kamikaze4x4

i've decided to get into mountain bikeing because 2 of my freinds ride and i need something to keep me in shape. i will be rideing trails, hills, maybe some jumps. i was wondering what you guys would suggest for 300 or under, although i would really like to keep it under 250. Thanks for the help, Matt

ed 

Get a used Specialized hardrock. Good tough frame for all around riding.

nodnerb

Buy something decent used. Seriously!! If you get a new bike for $250-$300, it will be junk. Even if you don't get into mountain biking, you will at least have a decent bike and you won't be spending any more money. You could probably find a bike that retailed for $1000 5 years ago for $300 now in good shape. Get someone who knows about bikes to go with you to check it out or post here with pics and as much info as you can and someone will give their opinion.
And if you do decide to go new(I hope not), don't go to walmart/kmart etc etc. Go to a real bike shop and tell them what you are looking for and see what they can offer. Department store bikes are garbage.

kamikaze4x4

https://villagecycle.com/specials_2006_fisher.asp

how is the gary fisher tarpon? im guessing that i should not buy it, but its in my price range and leaves me with some cash for parts and such

nodnerb

I still say go used no matter what. Either that or spend up to $500 new, then you get into some half decent entry level bikes by all the major manufacturers.
If you want to do anything other than putt around the block on concrete, that bike will not be very good. What kind of riding do you intend to do anyway?

junkyard

if you're going to go fisher, i'd suggest something in their genesis line. if you buy a decent bike to start, you shouldn't need extra cash for parts.

kamikaze4x4

nothing way to hard. does anyone know of any sites that sell used bikes or know of any good places to look? should i get a hardtail? are front disk real important? And yes i tried craigslist and there is nothing in my area right now

junkyard

I'd suggest:
1) go to a bike shop
2) talk to the staff to find some quality bikes in your range (new or used)
3) test ride these bikes
4) limit it to hardtail. full suspension is not worth it until you reach the $2k mark or so
5) disk brakes are good, but in your range, might be questionable

nodnerb

You could try the buy and sell at pinkbike.com. Definitely get a hardtail. Full suspension bikes are are no good until about $1000 and it's best to learn on a hardtail.

kamikaze4x4

how does this one look?

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/217359/

wheelhot

I think for this year, MTBR should award Specialized Hardrock as 06 Best Hardtail award

nodnerb

That's not bad at all. In good working condition, it would be far better than any new bike you bought for $300. Make sure it's a sound bike though. Get someone that knows about bikes to go with you if you can. Check out the frame and fork for cracks. Test ride it if you can.

Oh, and see how bad these out of true rims are. Look for dents and obvious hard hit damage.

ed 

That'll get ya started, but notice the short stem / seat cocked back / chain guide. Check her over really good for damage. She's been a jumper.

Also, since there's no front derailleur you will be limited on the trails you can climb. I don't use my granny too much, but there are a couple sections on my local trail that I have to granny it up with me sitting or leaning back when it's muddy or I'll spin out and have to walk it up.

I hate walking up a trail...it makes me feel like less of a man. Even less than I already am. The bike is cool though. It would make me feel like more of a man if I could have it. Please buy it for me.

Check for cracks in all of the weld joints. Check the handlebars where they meet the stem. Check the fork legs and dropouts. (It's not a 20mm, right? I didn't look to closely and I'm too lazy to go back to look)

Just look it over for damage, ride it around a bit, buy it, and send it to me.

kamikaze4x4

i got some awesome news. my dad stopped by, and i told him my new hobby. then he told me how one of his bestfreinds works high up for giant bikes. he is going to call him tomorrow and see if he can hook me up. if not its between that one and a guy i found selling 2 hardrocks for $400, i have to see if he will split them up.

ed 

Wow...a Giant STP is a good jumper. They make so many nice models. The Trance and Reign are wonderful all around'ers, but they are prob. too expensive for ya.

I'd find a nice hardtail and roll with it.

DirtPedalerB

just buy a nice hardtail.. don't get the beefiest looking beast you can find or your buddies will leave you on the climbs.

I'd look at the rockhopper more than the hardrock if your stuck on specialized..

if you can get a giant trance for anywhere near 300 ... go ahead and get 2 or 3.

kamikaze4x4

how about this one? its only 10 miles away from me. im 5'4 and 135 lbs. would a 17" be the right size? only 4 hrs left

WannaGetGood

used.

junkyard

size is hard to estimate online. best way is to ride it.