How cheap can you go?
08-24-09, 07:19 PM
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How cheap can you go?
How cheap can you go?
So I am thinking about a mountain bike. I see Performance bicycle is selling a hardtail for $260-2K.
I plan on going for test rides, but I am trying to determine where the decent bike for the money line is, or what is wrong with the low end bikes?
Or maybe I should ask it this way: If you are just going to be riding around town and on the C&O Canal path, look at X or better.
So I am thinking about a mountain bike. I see Performance bicycle is selling a hardtail for $260-2K.
I plan on going for test rides, but I am trying to determine where the decent bike for the money line is, or what is wrong with the low end bikes?
Or maybe I should ask it this way: If you are just going to be riding around town and on the C&O Canal path, look at X or better.
08-24-09, 08:09 PM
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You apparently live in the DC metro area. There are a lot better places to go than performance. Performance is okay, but you don't get the kind of service you get at other real bike shops *cough* papillon cycles *cough*. Maybe you should go to a real bike store (Papillon cycles).
08-24-09, 09:36 PM
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You apparently live in the DC metro area. There are a lot better places to go than performance. Performance is okay, but you don't get the kind of service you get at other real bike shops *cough* papillon cycles *cough*. Maybe you should go to a real bike store (Papillon cycles).
As far as the particular bike, I am looking online to get that price. I think the bike is a Fuji. If I can figure out some basics on my own, I will be able to sort out if the employees at a store know what they are talking about or are just trying to sell.
08-25-09, 02:28 PM
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How cheap can you go?
So I am thinking about a mountain bike. I see Performance bicycle is selling a hardtail for $260-2K.
I plan on going for test rides, but I am trying to determine where the decent bike for the money line is, or what is wrong with the low end bikes?
Or maybe I should ask it this way: If you are just going to be riding around town and on the C&O Canal path, look at X or better.
So I am thinking about a mountain bike. I see Performance bicycle is selling a hardtail for $260-2K.
I plan on going for test rides, but I am trying to determine where the decent bike for the money line is, or what is wrong with the low end bikes?
Or maybe I should ask it this way: If you are just going to be riding around town and on the C&O Canal path, look at X or better.
That said, there is a difference in sales people. Ask around from the people on the floor who MTB's. I'd work only with those people. Also, wander back and ask the guys in the shop what they've seen for issues on XYZ model, specific components, etc.
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i woke up one morning and i stepped out of bed | had to get a bike, had to paint it red
Of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories that are the most precious.
i woke up one morning and i stepped out of bed | had to get a bike, had to paint it red
Of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories that are the most precious.
08-27-09, 12:23 AM
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It's the moving parts that make the difference. The top 3 that I look for to judge overall quality:
1) Suspension forks. The cheapest ones just look like suspension forks, but don't do much (or do the wrong thing) and will die sooner rather than later.
2) Wheels. Again, the cheapest ones aren't properly tensioned, use rims that will fail when ridden over rough terrain (off curbs) or by heavier riders, and use cheap hubs that won't last.
3) Rear derailleurs. At least here, it's easy enough to slap on a $25 Deore SGS.
1) Suspension forks. The cheapest ones just look like suspension forks, but don't do much (or do the wrong thing) and will die sooner rather than later.
2) Wheels. Again, the cheapest ones aren't properly tensioned, use rims that will fail when ridden over rough terrain (off curbs) or by heavier riders, and use cheap hubs that won't last.
3) Rear derailleurs. At least here, it's easy enough to slap on a $25 Deore SGS.
08-27-09, 09:24 AM
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I bring in pizza, they fix things fast and give a spare part here and there
In my oppinion, if you want a cheap bike, don't get one with disc brakes. You'll get low end disc brakes and will pay for them too. If that still doesn't meet your budget, get rigid forks.
08-27-09, 11:38 AM
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If you know exactly what you want (size, year, model) maybe you can find it used. I just bought a '07 Trek 8500 and actually looked unridden off ebay for $1000 this year and that was a $2700 MSRP new. I had been searching for almost a year since I had a FS bike to ride, but knew right away if it was for me. I beleive in supporting my LBS and I do that when I can but there are a lot of people that buy nice bikes only to decide it's not for them after all, good luck.
