ihavezippers

Interested in your opinions everyone:

Say you had $300-400 to spend on a mountain bicycle which would have to serve as a general purpose mountain bike. What would you choose?

It might help to note that:
---daily, you would ride this bike to and from work in rainy Seattle.
---daily, you would carry a 10-15 lb bookbag to and from work on this bike
---daily, you would have to climb some righteous hills going either way

The mountain bike aspect is essential (vs a road bike) just b/c, in your daily travels, you not only traverse on road, but often take short cuts through parks, yards, debris-filled alleys, etc, etc.

Jameson

I'd pick the one that felt the best when I rode it.

sherpaPeak

Specialized Hardrock...with semi-slick tires.

Giant Rincon

Iron Horse Warrior (at Dick's Sporting Goods). they are selling this bike for $299. I dont recommend a bike from a big box store. but at your price point that may be an option. also, I am assuming that you live near a Disc's Sporting Goods.

Also, Are you near an REI store....they have some bikes that you can try...Even check their website...they will ship their bikes to your local REI and you can test ride. if it does not fit you, there is no cost to you...website may have a better collection than your particular local REI. Check it out

https://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/bike/B...e=toc*toc*Bike

sherpaPeak

I second that.

I pointed out some bikes...not because they are the best options. but they may give you some ideas about what your options may be...

ihavezippers

does anyone know anything about Ibix bikes? Some of their models appear within this price range, but until a couple days ago, I'd never heard of them (despite the otherwise good reviews I've seen). The other problem is they appear to be mail-order only...no in-store test-rides.

jm01

I'd forget the MTB and go with a flat bar hybrid with 700x35 cross bike knobbies or a cyclocross like this Kona...will cost a bit more though

https://www.konabikes.co.uk/2k7bikes/jake_2k7.php

why work when you don't have to?

sherpaPeak

if at all possible, PLEASE stay away from mail order bikes. and IBEX is a mail order only bike. You can not test ride it in a local bike shop. So, I would strongly discourage you from buying something like that.

now, an hybrid or crosstrail bike with nobby tires would be another way to go.

Please keep looking.

Stacey

+1

I always thought they were much like culottes... couldn't make up their mind what they wanted to be.

Then I had one given to me. It has become my favorite bike.

ihavezippers

well, that kona is pretty cool...I almost didn't even follow the link b/c I have such distaste for the multi-track or whatever they used to call "hybrids". But, I've been using a very old Trek mtn bike for 2 years now on this same route, and I certainly don't mind any extra weight resulting from a mtn bike. I'd rather have the option of the hardiness of the mtn bike for weekend excursions than a slightly leaner bike.

Thanks though.

Any thoughts on Yeti bikes anyone?

My experience has been limited to Treks, both road and mtn bikes. I think I did ride a Specialized at one point, but it was a very old model and probably not representative of their quality.