Hello,

I'm looking to buy my first mountain bike for commuting to work through the trails . I've been riding the trails with my CX bike and I'm fed up not be able to keep up on descents. I put the CX bike on craigslist recently. I've been looking into mountain bikes lately. However, i'm not familiar with the components of a MTB.

Here are my questions:

My LBS has this bike Giant Talon 27.5 5 - Wheel World Bike Shops - Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Bicycle Parts and Accessories. Parts & Bike Closeouts! black and green for $510. Is it good price?

Are the components any good? They seem entry level... so, i'm assuming they would be comparable with Sora on a road bike.

How tough is it to climb in one of these? I know this MTB has to be heavier, although not sure by how much. In comparison, my CX bike weighs 25 lbs and it was pretty tough to climb.

It's entry level. And since it's new you get to eat the immediate depreciation. I have no idea if it's a good price or not. But If you are going to ride it every day it might not be as rugged or light as you'd like.

What I would suggest, FWIW, For a couple hundred more you could buy a fantastic used hard tail MTB on CL - Ebay or some other local used bike source. it will have a better frame, better components, it will be lighter, will last longer and will be far more worthy of upgrades. Especially if you are ok with 26" wheels. Everyone is 27.5" and 29er crazy these days and from what I'm seeing in the market around here the prices of used 26" wheel bikes has plummeted. Great deals are out there.

Thanks! I tired out a few 26" and I just felt it pretty small. 27.5 seems to feel better.

I'm using a 26" wheel mtb for commuting on streets and it is fine. However, if I were to do it over I'd go with 29 myself. They really have gotten away from the 26" size.

I ended up buying the Talon 27.5 5. It rides well - at least to me. The fork could be better. I can always upgrade as things break.

Nice, reminds me of a lot the trek wahoo I bought two years ago. That suntour fork wont break easily IME.

Thanks!! I just took her on the trail this morning. Pretty decent bike! Although the fork may need to be replaced down the road.

Nice bike! Any MTB from a major manufacturer will be a good ride IMO. Don't buy into the "crappy component" school of thought, unless you are a competitor- these bikes will get you from a to b for a LONG time.

have a couple 26" wheel bikes one when its Icy out , the other for the rest of the time.

Too cool.

No drivers to fear!!!

Exactly!

Thanks this helps!! I just feared that the components won't "last" but the ride seems really good so far!

Put worries aside, and ride the heck out of it. It'll take everything you throw at it.