New to the sport, going bike shoping, again... tomorrow.
#1
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: Trek 3900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
New to the sport, going bike shoping, again... tomorrow.
OK, for Christmas I got a Mongoose XR 250.
had nothing but problems, the LBS person recommended returning it.
Did so.
Now Im looking for a bike under 400.
I've decided to ditch the dual suspension and release my liking for disk brakes for now.
I need a bike for everyday riding and some trails/mountains.
I've been told to look at Trek, Specialized, and Gary Fisher.
the only thing it MUST have is at least 21 gears and a suspension fork.
which my LBS carries.
Any Ideas please?
before tomorrow morning lol.
had nothing but problems, the LBS person recommended returning it.
Did so.
Now Im looking for a bike under 400.
I've decided to ditch the dual suspension and release my liking for disk brakes for now.
I need a bike for everyday riding and some trails/mountains.
I've been told to look at Trek, Specialized, and Gary Fisher.
the only thing it MUST have is at least 21 gears and a suspension fork.
which my LBS carries.
Any Ideas please?
before tomorrow morning lol.
Last edited by Cheeto; 01-02-08 at 10:02 PM.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Waterloo, ONT
Posts: 1,417
Bikes: Road: Trek 1.5 (2007). Mountain: Santa Cruz Chameleon (2008). Beater: Peugeot Recorde du Monde (1850)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Check out the faq on the forum.
Definitely don't go for dual suspension - it's not worth it unless you're dropping big $$$ on a bike, which you're not. Hardtail is what you want.
You're not going to get a new bike for under 400$ that can take "some serious trails/mountains" - I just thought I'd point that out. If you're just doing light XC riding (and are a light person), a 400$ bike will do you for a while. I rode around on a "cheap bike" - about 450$ (down from 600) that I got maybe five years back. It had v-brakes. Everything was no name on it. Still, I drove that thing into the ground (well actually, it was a car), and I say it served me well. I didn't do to much heavy riding on it - just light XC. Then again I weighed nearly nothing at the time, and that may be part of the reason for its longevity.
You can check out used bikes - you may find a decent bike for 400$.
As well, disc brakes are going to suck with the amount of money you want to drop. A set of decent disc brakes are going to be over 100$ a wheel - 200$ overall. Any disc brakes you get on a bike at 400$ are going to be the same as or quite potentially worse than a set of v-brakes.
Most bikes at 400$ will be more than enough for "everyday riding." Most mountain bikes at that price range will have at least 21 speeds and a suspension fork. Of course, there are exceptions, but generally they do.
I think the Trek 4000 series is in the price range you're looking for?
Definitely don't go for dual suspension - it's not worth it unless you're dropping big $$$ on a bike, which you're not. Hardtail is what you want.
You're not going to get a new bike for under 400$ that can take "some serious trails/mountains" - I just thought I'd point that out. If you're just doing light XC riding (and are a light person), a 400$ bike will do you for a while. I rode around on a "cheap bike" - about 450$ (down from 600) that I got maybe five years back. It had v-brakes. Everything was no name on it. Still, I drove that thing into the ground (well actually, it was a car), and I say it served me well. I didn't do to much heavy riding on it - just light XC. Then again I weighed nearly nothing at the time, and that may be part of the reason for its longevity.
You can check out used bikes - you may find a decent bike for 400$.
As well, disc brakes are going to suck with the amount of money you want to drop. A set of decent disc brakes are going to be over 100$ a wheel - 200$ overall. Any disc brakes you get on a bike at 400$ are going to be the same as or quite potentially worse than a set of v-brakes.
Most bikes at 400$ will be more than enough for "everyday riding." Most mountain bikes at that price range will have at least 21 speeds and a suspension fork. Of course, there are exceptions, but generally they do.
I think the Trek 4000 series is in the price range you're looking for?
Last edited by Zan; 01-02-08 at 09:57 PM.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ChapelBorro NC
Posts: 4,126
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What brands are available to you? Ride what's there that's within your budget, choose the one you like. That simple.
#4
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: Trek 3900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The LBS has a lot of treks and Gary Fishers (which i find are expensive, [2200$])
i was looking at this as they have something like it at the store.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...4_series/4300/
Ive read the Faq's and stuff which has lead me to ditch the dual's and disks.
havnt seen it at the LBS but its in my price, and seems like it can manage.
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32288
i was looking at this as they have something like it at the store.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...4_series/4300/
Ive read the Faq's and stuff which has lead me to ditch the dual's and disks.
havnt seen it at the LBS but its in my price, and seems like it can manage.
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32288
#5
unofficial roadie
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Out in the woods you see
Posts: 1,440
Bikes: 2004 Marin bobcat trail, 2006 trek fuel ex7, 2007 iron horse road bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
also consider the giant rainer or yukon ... specialized rockhopper .. trek 4300 .. marin bobcat trail ... gary fisher piranah, etc etc... they are mostly the same just get the proper size and one that your comfortable on.
#6
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: Trek 3900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The piranha is nice, I saw it today in the store, but it was like 1500!
I need to be able to drive in a few months also, LOL!
I saw the rockhopper, liked it, but it stretches my allowed budget lol.
I like 24's and 26's they seem to fit me well (im 6 foot, 160 pounds)
I'm not much of an expert on the Mountain bike area, as I've been a BMX'er and Stunt biker for years.
Until my almost antique stunt bike got stolen last month, Ive finally decided MTN bikes are more fun LOL.
I have experience riding, just not knowledge on the mountain bikes lol
I need to be able to drive in a few months also, LOL!
I saw the rockhopper, liked it, but it stretches my allowed budget lol.
I like 24's and 26's they seem to fit me well (im 6 foot, 160 pounds)
I'm not much of an expert on the Mountain bike area, as I've been a BMX'er and Stunt biker for years.
Until my almost antique stunt bike got stolen last month, Ive finally decided MTN bikes are more fun LOL.
I have experience riding, just not knowledge on the mountain bikes lol
#7
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: Trek 3900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I got about 30-60 minutes until my dad comes home to get me, then were going to the 2 LBS's
so if you have any advice on what to look for, and what a decent starter bike should have please share it.
I don't want to get screwed again, lol
so if you have any advice on what to look for, and what a decent starter bike should have please share it.
I don't want to get screwed again, lol
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brainerd MN
Posts: 999
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The piranha is nice, I saw it today in the store, but it was like 1500!
I need to be able to drive in a few months also, LOL!
I saw the rockhopper, liked it, but it stretches my allowed budget lol.
I like 24's and 26's they seem to fit me well (im 6 foot, 160 pounds)
I'm not much of an expert on the Mountain bike area, as I've been a BMX'er and Stunt biker for years.
Until my almost antique stunt bike got stolen last month, Ive finally decided MTN bikes are more fun LOL.
I have experience riding, just not knowledge on the mountain bikes lol
I need to be able to drive in a few months also, LOL!
I saw the rockhopper, liked it, but it stretches my allowed budget lol.
I like 24's and 26's they seem to fit me well (im 6 foot, 160 pounds)
I'm not much of an expert on the Mountain bike area, as I've been a BMX'er and Stunt biker for years.
Until my almost antique stunt bike got stolen last month, Ive finally decided MTN bikes are more fun LOL.
I have experience riding, just not knowledge on the mountain bikes lol
#9
Type 1 Racer
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Davis, CA
Posts: 2,579
Bikes: A dozen or so.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Pirahana should be 550-650. Don't get 24" wheels if that was what you were suggesting in an earlier post. Just get what you like and can afford. You have made the right move going to LBS from wallyworld.
#10
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: Trek 3900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
thanks for the imput guys,
Another 20 mins or so, Im going to empty my dads, and mine =( wallet. LOL.
Another 20 mins or so, Im going to empty my dads, and mine =( wallet. LOL.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Waterloo, ONT
Posts: 1,417
Bikes: Road: Trek 1.5 (2007). Mountain: Santa Cruz Chameleon (2008). Beater: Peugeot Recorde du Monde (1850)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
let us know how it goes.
#13
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: Trek 3900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, the piranha was actually 700 something, the bike next to it was 1500 lol. so my mistake fromup there..
BUT!!!!!
I GOT A TREK 3900!!!!!
its a 19.5'' frame
with 26x2.0 tires.
blue and silver, pictures soon, even though its basic, im excited lol.
i was looking at the 4300 but my dad wanted to keep it under 400 if possible.
the final bill with tax was 395
Im very impressed with the store owner. He was very honest, and explained a lot to me, and showed me how to do general fixes and adjustments.
He gave me a free bottle of lube, a tube, and a quick stick tire changer thing.
So uh, Born2bahick I think you owe everyone in this thread 2 bucks, LOL.
my choices were between the, 3700 i believe it was, and the 3900. Naturally i went with the better one =)
BUT!!!!!
I GOT A TREK 3900!!!!!
its a 19.5'' frame
with 26x2.0 tires.
blue and silver, pictures soon, even though its basic, im excited lol.
i was looking at the 4300 but my dad wanted to keep it under 400 if possible.
the final bill with tax was 395
Im very impressed with the store owner. He was very honest, and explained a lot to me, and showed me how to do general fixes and adjustments.
He gave me a free bottle of lube, a tube, and a quick stick tire changer thing.
So uh, Born2bahick I think you owe everyone in this thread 2 bucks, LOL.
my choices were between the, 3700 i believe it was, and the 3900. Naturally i went with the better one =)
#14
Official Website Waterboy
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,271
Bikes: a lot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Congrats on the new bike! It's a great entry level bike! Watch out though, people luv to steal bikes like that!
#15
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: Trek 3900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
LOL, ill pass on the address =p
Thanks, I rode it around the block, it's amazingly different from what im used to.
Nice solid, sturdy smooth rides. it just flows.
Yea my last bike was stolen (an old bmx, not to concerned) This new Trek stays inside the house lol.
I'm trying to register it now, but, the website hasnt been updated to include 2008 as a year selection, LOL.'
Thanks, I rode it around the block, it's amazingly different from what im used to.
Nice solid, sturdy smooth rides. it just flows.
Yea my last bike was stolen (an old bmx, not to concerned) This new Trek stays inside the house lol.
I'm trying to register it now, but, the website hasnt been updated to include 2008 as a year selection, LOL.'
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Waterloo, ONT
Posts: 1,417
Bikes: Road: Trek 1.5 (2007). Mountain: Santa Cruz Chameleon (2008). Beater: Peugeot Recorde du Monde (1850)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just be careful with what you do on it. I wouldn't recommend DJ, FR, or DH - but I'm sure you know you're not supposed to do that sort of thing on it.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
#17
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: Trek 3900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yea, I dont jump anymore. Did it on my old BMX before it was stolen.
Im mostly going to do trail rides.
Theres some mountain up/down hill stuff planned, but I know how to ride lol.
When i used to live in Alaska,there was this really really big hill. Had lots of ruts and stuff from the ATV's going up it.
Decided to go down it lol. My friend didn't make it, he crashed, bent his rim, snapped his gooseneck and cracked a weld on the frame. I managed to get out unscathed
Im mostly going to do trail rides.
Theres some mountain up/down hill stuff planned, but I know how to ride lol.
When i used to live in Alaska,there was this really really big hill. Had lots of ruts and stuff from the ATV's going up it.
Decided to go down it lol. My friend didn't make it, he crashed, bent his rim, snapped his gooseneck and cracked a weld on the frame. I managed to get out unscathed