Originally Posted by
corrado33
Agreed. This isn't a case of "wal-mart bikes are bad because we're used to such better bikes." That's not the case at all! Wal-mart bikes are bad because they're BAD. Terrible parts, terrible frames, terrible assembly. You couldn't buy a worse bike. I would sooner pick an 80s-90s trek that's been left outside for 5 years and is rusted to crap before I'd pick a wal-mart bike.
Seriously, take our advice, buy a low end name brand bike like the ones I posted above. Don't get caught up in the hype of words. 29ers are no better than a 26 inch bike for commuting and simple trails. Most companies actually use wheel size to size their bikes now-a-day. Smaller bikes use smaller wheels and larger bikes use larger wheels. If you are small and want a 29er, you're going to end up with an awkward bike.
I was using the HD to SD comparison for the FS vs Hardtail, not where to buy the bike. I apologize for the lack of details on my end. I was pretty much saying I really really really enjoy my rear suspension on trails that aren't really "trails".
As for the 29er vs 26er, I'm over that now
. I am currently looking on CL and am liking a lot of my options on there for FS 26ers with quality parts. I have wasted so much time researching them too. I didn't even contact any owners yet, just researching as much as I can.
Originally Posted by
Darth Lefty
I'm going to chime in with, don't go brand new. Find a 10yo Trek or Specialized or Cannondale or Giant, or one of the cool MTB brands like Santa Cruz, on Craigslist, where your $ will go a long way. The sort of bike I'm thinking of costs about $1000 new today but depreciation brings it into your target zone. Nicer bikes often have more mileage because they're bought by people who intend to use them, but they can also tolerate it better and they get maintained. Don't get too hung up on specific brands or features, there are a couple of brands of forks and a couple of brands of drivetrains and they each have many levels, but as long as you have real damping and good shifting you'll be fine. Hydraulic disk brakes may be nicer but cable V-brakes work great and are pretty hard to screw up. If you post your location we forum rats will help you look, we enjoy that sort of thing.
I completely agree with you and am actually doing exactly that. As stated above, I am browsing CL and researching all the bikes I find a liking to. Reviewing the reviews left by others who purchased them, and looking up the parts on the bike itself.
Originally Posted by
corrado33
While I agree with you, it's hard for people with little bike "sense" to find a "good" bike to buy on craigslist without lots of effort. It's much simpler to buy a new, cheaper bike even though it's technically lesser quality. Now, if the OP would post his local craigslist I'm sure we could find some suitable bikes for him.
I wouldn't say I have "little bike sense" its more the fact I have "little money in the wallet" lol. I absolutely know what quality is, and am very good at using the interwebs. Its just, by buying through walmart, I could beat the sh*it out of it, and not care, while saving for a much better bike. But I am over the two bikes I posted in the OP, so I am now setting my sites on CL.
Oh, and local craigslist: allentown.craigslist.org, or reading.craigslist.org
Originally Posted by
Maelochs
Also, if he buys from a shop he can get the lifetime tune-ups and hopefully a good set-up. If he buys from Craigslist he might end up having to take the bike to a shop anyway, and ends up spending just as much---or finding out he bought a bike with a terminal illness.
I will be doing any of the work/maintenance myself. I work on my Saab by myself, as well as electronics, I think I can handle a bike
Plus I will be buying locally then moving, so the whole lifetime tune-ups won't be possible.
Originally Posted by
hig4s
Both of those are terrible rear shocks,, for the $525 of the Diamondback you would be better off with hardtail, something like a Giant ATX
ATX 27.5 2 (2016) | Giant Bicycles | United States And first time you are going down a hill with wet rim brakes and can't stop you will wish you had disc.
My current Walmart bike has "wet" rim pads on it. I tried it and it does help, but I completely understand what you are talking about.
Also, I am 6 feet tall, so I need a "large" bike frame.