SavageNerdz

Alright long story short, last year i had a mongoose *from walmart, yeah i know that's terrible already* After i failed i was forced to stop biking, and i didn't have the cash for a new one. So this summer rolls around and i more or less turned two bad bikes into a ride-able bike.. I don't expect it to last too long though. So here's what i'm looking for: I'm 285-290lbs that's my weight fluctuation, i know i'm a bit on the heavy side, but i need a mountain bike that can handle my weight, and go over 30+ miles a day without any huge mechanical issues.. I'm planning on trying to match my uncle who's up at 75 miles a day. Any tips or information would be amazing. also, if it's all possible i need the bike to not be stupidly expensive.

jsigone

what is stupidly expensive and what is doable w/o having to buy top raman?

SavageNerdz

$500+ is about my limit, since i'm going to be attending to college. At this rate i'll probably end up selling stuff to meet the financial requirements of a bike even at $500 as i'm currently jobless.

10 Wheels

What bike is your uncle riding?

SavageNerdz

That i'm not too sure of, he bought it from a local shop here in town. He also only plans on riding on paved surfaces *Roads etc* Where as i'm a bit more adventuress and usually end up coming off the pavement... So he didn't go for anything overly tough.

MRT2

Seems like you have two somewhat different goals. You want something that will take you on 75 mile road rides, and you want a mountain bike. (and all that at $500 or less). $500 retail is pretty entry level these days, and any mountain bike you get at this price is likely to be on the heavy side for long road rides. And most entry level road hybrids (Trek FX 7.2 etc...)probably won't be great for trails

I think what you are looking for is something like the Salsa Vaya. Unfortunately, that is way beyond your budget.https://salsacycles.com/bikes/vaya_3/

SavageNerdz

The only current goal is 30+ miles a day on/off trail.. Once i'm in a better physical state i'll attempt to advance to more mileage. Just need a decent entry level bike. I did 10 today messing around on a cheap 'NEXT' bike with some swapped mongoose parts. Going to attempt 20+ tomorrow.

MRT2

Maybe just get an old Trek 720 multitrack hybrid, or 800, or 900 mountain bike, or Specialized Rockhopper, and put a slick or semislick tire on, and put the rest of the money towards some future bike purchase. My son has been riding his early 2000s Trek 800 with me on road rides this summer. We have been riding every weekend anywhere from 20 to 35 miles. The only modification we did to the bike was an upgraded rear derailleur (originally it was an Altus, but since it needed replacing anyway when we got it, we went up to Acera) and installed Geax Street Runner tires on instead of the knobbies the previous owner had.https://www.rei.com/product/804426/ge...e-tire-26-x-16

skilsaw

For $500, I would look on Craig's List.
Go to the Local Bike Stores and test ride the mountain bikes and hybrids to find out what you like, and what works. Then use that information on your purchase of a second hand bike.

In the meantime, ride the life out of the bike you have.
It's not the bike. You are the engine.

SavageNerdz

True until the transmission gives and i end up in a field again.. Haha, but nah i plan on riding this bike till it dies. Only thing that's currently bothering me is the handlebars are not set in place right.. Basically they move any time force is put unto them.. May have one of my friends weld them in place.. I've tightened it as tight as i could and it still comes lose during a ride. :l

GeorgePaul

I think a Specialized Hardrock 26, which lists for $440, would meet your needs.

SavageNerdz

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look into it as soon as i have the cash.

squirtdad

please do not weld to fix....... go to https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help or take pics and post here or in mechanics.

ps as to original question..... depending on where you live you can probably get the most bang for the buck by looking on craigslist.

Look for a hard tail, no suspension steel frame mountain bike.

If you are looking at new, get the fewest things like rear and front suspension you can you will get better components which last longer. Simple is better

jsigone

honestly, I wouldn't get a MTB if you're looking to get 30miles in a day. Sheesh that would take forever going 8-12mph because of knobby/fat tires and 26" wheels.

I'd recommend a Hybrid or a Cross bike that you can run 34c knobbys on the dirt or slicks for the streets.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/ltcross_x.htm

or even SS if you are in a relatively flat area https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/uno.htm