MulliganAl

I went into a Sports Authority and found one lonely K2 full suspension mountain bike that looked a bit out of place among the others brands they sell. I believe it’s a K2 Lithium, and they have it on sale for $349 (the guy is also willing to give me any additional 15% off because I mentioned seeing some scratches, so $296.65 to be exact).

I’m really a road bike guy but I need another bike to ride with my wife and son that’s a lot more durable but of decent quality; is this decent bike at a good price of about $300? Also, it is a medium frame which they say goes up to 5’10” and I’m just a hair shy of 5’10”, is this type of fit I should be looking for in a mountain bike? I currently ride a 56 Specialized Tarmac if that means anything.

Also, I’m a slightly older guy of 50 so this bike wouldn’t be seeing any rough trails, other than a sidewalk or two, with me on it.

Thanks in advance for any help or guidance you guys provide.

deraltekluge

Well, at 5' 10", you're a medium-sized person, so it's likely that a "medium" bike would be the right size for you. Since bike sizing varies by manufacturer, though, the only way to be sure is to try it out. For the type of riding you say you want to do, you don't need a full-suspension bike, but it also shouldn't hurt. A little googling shows an MSRP of a Lithium 3.0 at about $1200...is that the model you're looking at?

MulliganAl

Thanks deraltekluge, I've been doing google searches but couldn't find the exact bike I saw there so I assumed it was a K2 Lithium (the paper documentation was covering the bar where the name was located); the only difference I noticed was an actual coil spring on the suspension vs an enclosed shock unit, everything else looked exactly like the Lithium bikes I googled.

Since it's the only one they have I'm beginning to think they have the tags mixed up (tag on bike says large frame, bike says medium frame). I'm guessing it may be an even better deal then I think, perhaps???

lofnsjoke

bikepedia is always your friend https://bikepedia.com/Search.aspx?Q=k2+lithium. as for this being the right bike for you...if all your going to be doing on it is riding sidewalks and paved roads, look into a hybrid. much more comfy and more relaxed position for those rides with the kids.

thirdin77

For $300 bucks it must look pretty tempting, esp if the bike will not be heavily used.

With a Medium, you're at the top of the sizing range. If you think that may be too small, then consider the next size, a Large, which is more for 5'10"-6'2". First you'd have to see if you can stand over the thing. Then, consider that you'd be riding a bike which is better suited for 5'10" people who want a longer reach or 6'2" people who want a shorter reach.

You're going to have to try both. If you can't try a Large, then accept that that is the compromise that often comes with a low price, low selection. Kinda like on clearance product. But what's in stock or don't.

cyclezen

Believe the SA K2 Full Sus is called a 'Sidewinder'. Prolly a great entry level machine from what I could see - I checked them out about 4 mos back in the SA near me.
For under $300 complete, new? a steal.
I'm also a roadie (or have been), 5' 11", a bit older than you, ride an S-Works 56cm among other roadbikes... can get away with a 'medium' MTB with seatpost all the way up (have real long leglength for height). No biggie since all the newer MTBs all seem to come with a very 'upright' bar position - well within the comfort range of your avg roadie.
Ride it for a year or 2 and you'll prolly break even if you "CL" it down the road, to buy a Spec Epic...

MulliganAl

You guys have been great, but after doing some searching here I've decided to pass on the K2 and spend an additional $90 and get a Specialized Hardrock. They have one in my size and in the color I want ready to be picked up this evening. My 8 year old will think it's pretty cool that I have a bike that looks like his.

When I rode the K2 the only thing I didn't like was the rear end which was very spongy feeling; perhaps that could be adjusted but I'll just get the Hardrock and start getting ready for the summer.

Thanks again guys, you've been great.

cyclezen

hey, enjoy the Hardrock.
One of the things I remember best of the years when my kids were young, was ridin the local open space which was full of erosion ditches and berms. A playground for the young at heart.
Have taken to goin out there again these past months; especially when the mud getz to max. Stoke!
Somebody else's kids are regulars out there now...
Hope you get a lot of miles and smiles with your boy...

mtnbiker66

The sizing tips on this forum make me.....

MulliganAl

Thanks for the post cyclezen, this is exactly the type of bonding I'm looking to have; we have to take advantage of these moments with our kids while we're young. My Hardrock will be ready for pick-up this evening and if the rain holds off the little guy and I will probably go out for a short ride to break her in. I think he's more excited than I am. Thanks

MulliganAl

I didn't get the HardRock with disc because I didn’t think I’d need them for in-town commuting, is this correct? I am thinking about getting some slicks to give me a bit more speed; what slicks would you suggest for in town everyday riding.

Again thanks for the help everyone.

Also, the bag on the front is for my Digital SLR camera; I’m an avid camera buff and want to take shots along the way. I’m already loving this bike; it’s a nice change from my Specialized Tarmac which I still love also.