Matt715

I decided that this year is the year to get a bike so I can get back into a little better shape. In 2010 I did some looking but quickly got discouraged as to what I could afford at the time and it seemed like everything sub $1,000 was not very good. I ended up giving up my search and bought nothing.

This year I have some renewed interest in giving a mountain bike another try. I stopped by the same local bike shop that I went to before and it seems their lineup has changed a bit over what they offered before. They now only carry Redline and Giant. I talked with the owner for about an hour as to what I wanted to spend and what I wanted to get out of my bike. He seemed like he wanted to help but really didn't know what to say about his less expensive bikes. I think it could have been a case of if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.

He has two leftover bikes on the floor that hit my target price range of $600 ish. The first is a 2012 Giant Talon 29er 2 for $599 and the second is a 2012 Redline D600 29er for $549. He gave both bikes a good once over in front of me and compared the components and frame between them. His conclusion was both have basically the same level of components and both should be ok for someone starting out. He didn't have much to say about Redline's mountain bikes other than he just started to sell them and they seem like a good product.

The only real difference I could see between the two was they had a different seat design and the Redline had a lockout on the front fork where the Giant doesn't. I was unable to test ride them because his parking lot was super muddy and I didn't want to get myself and his bikes filthy. I will go back and give them a try as soon as things dry up but it might be a while since we're stuck in a snowy/rainy pattern for the next week. Is a lockout on the front forks a must have? If everything is truly equal, I prefer the Redline D600 because it's black while the Giant is white, the D600 has a front fork lockout, it appears to have a better seat, and is $50 cheaper.

What do you guys think?

A few quick details about me and where I'm going to ride... I'm 6'4" and roughly 225 lbs. I'll primarily be riding pavement and gravel roads but I do have some nice easy trails very close to my house. According to the bike shop owner, there are tons of trails in my area but the bulk of them are pretty difficult. My budget is $500-600 but I could possibly spend a little more if it gets me something much better than what I'm currently looking at.

Glynn Sluder

Where do you live? Are there any mtb's on your local craigslist? I rode my first bike for one year after I payed about 800 for it and then sold it for 450 to help buy the next one. Could be some deals like that out there.

For what you are going to get for 600 those two bikes are very close, would come down to riding them. Ride hard all year and see if you love it, meanwhile keep lurking and learning about all these things so when your budget goes up you'll have an idea what you want or need next.

Matt715

I live in northern Wisconsin and there really isn't anything on my CL. The next "big" city that is an hour away has a few but they are too small and are out of my price range. Honestly, I would rather buy new because I couldn't tell a $50 bike from a $5,000 bike.

6 speed

Get one that's the proper fit/size first of all. Other than that I would get the one your most comfortable on, lockout is a nice addition.

Matt715

Thanks for the info guys. I guess when things dry out a bit I'll go and take them for a ride and make a decision.

the sci guy 

my wife and i both bought ours from craigslist because we are just getting back into riding and didn't have much of a budget. granted, the availability of bikes on CL ebbs and flows. just depends on who is selling what when. we got lucky for ours. but paying $150 for the bike, having it tuned, and adding a few extras still came in cheaper than just a brand new bike, and if we don't use them as much, it's not a big deal because we didn't blow our load on a brand new spiffy bike.
i would hold out for a CL listing, but if it takes too long then i guess you don't have a choice but to buy new.
what about garage sale weekend?

Matt715

I think my problem with finding a used bikes is going to be that I need a XL bike. All of the listings within a hour drive from me are for smaller bikes or really old looking junkers that don't list a size. I guess if I was in a more metropolitan area I would have better luck finding something used. It also might be a bit early for people to really start thinking of selling their mountain bikes yet since we still have 10"+ of snow on the ground. Mother nature is paying us back with a vengeance for our super early and warm spring we had last year.

Zephyr11

I agree, except for lockout. I have it and never use it with a Fox F100 on one bike, don't have it and don't miss it with a RockShox Domain on the other. Expensive forks are good enough as far as not having pedal bob that they don't need it, and the lockout on cheap forks doesn't work well anyway. Plus, if you're going to lock out your fork, why even bother having suspension? Don't let lockout be a make or break decision.

Ride the two bikes in question and see whose geometry is more comfortable for your body. That'll be the most significant difference.

For some reason I always forget that Redline makes non-BMX bikes. Always just hear the name and think BMX Race. I blame Rad. I've ridden with a guy who used to ride a Monocog too...so I really have no excuse.

Matt715

I thought I would update my thread and not leave it hanging like so many "what bike" threads. I ended up test riding both bikes on Monday and chose the Giant Talon 2. It really fit me well compared to the Redline. The bike shop should have it ready either tomorrow or Friday for me to pick up. Now all I need to do is decide on a bike computer and a helmet.

mtnbiker66

Get the one that feels the best and you'll have a great time getting in shape.

Matt715

I ended up picking up my bike yesterday with a bunch of suggested accessories. I took it for a ride this morning and two things are very apparent to me; I need a wider seat and I am VERY out of shape. I managed to go about 3 miles down the road before I had to turn around. By the time I got home I was totally winded and had to sit for a half an hour. Very sad. At this rate it will be a while before I get to ride off road for any distance. I remember when I was around 12 riding all day long and thinking nothing of it.

fietsbob

Red Line , is a good Brand .. Seattle Bike Supply is the Importer behind it.

Moefugger

Sorry I'm new here, what would be the best sub forum to inquire about buying a new bike? I'm 38 and have not bought a bike in 20 plus yrs lol

osco53

Scott Aspect 940 HT 29er
Retail is $689 plus tax
I caught a 15% off sale, bout $626 Sales tax Included
Very good component set,
Double walled rims, a must for us big boyz XD

And best of all,,, Wet brakes They are way way better than cable disk brakes or rim brakes.

Wet brakes will stop the bike when its wet, and best of all you can modulate them smoothly..
They are worth what ever the up cost.



I saved enough to get a really good seat !



BTW, I'm 6' 180 pounds, when I got the bike I was 195 pounds.
Mine Is a large frame,, they do make an XL Your 6'4",,,I'd bet you need the XL....