So, i bought a bike from Walmart. it is Walmart so of course, the bike shot craps on me. I have been wanting to get into a little more biking, but I don't know what to get. I am looking into low- medium Treks, but I have a tight-ish budget. I don't know what size to get( I am 5' 6"ish, and around 200 lbs.) I ride sorta hard, mainly sidewalk, with a couple jumps here and there, but a mountain bike fits me best. So, if any one could help me figure this out, it would be great.
Thanks,
Eric Davinroy
ericdavinroy@gmail.com

please help

I really need some help here.
please

@Experteric
If you are mostly riding paved, I'd recommend a fitness bike over a mountain bike, much lighter and faster, and still upright and more comfortable than a road bike. They fit wider tires than a standard road bike and are ideal for bike paths and paved roads, but can handle a little gravel too. Have you looked at the Trek FX line? The lower end models start at around $500. I have owned (still own a couple) Treks and I think they remain a standout bike company with pretty well designed bikes.

You might also want to check out the Raleigh Cadent bikes and the Jamis Allegros.

[MENTION=382158]dandypony[/MENTION], I go airborne, and frankly, i am not gentle on my bikes. I am going into a LBS soon to check out soome Treks and Cannondales, but I will see about some fitness bikes too and ask the people at the shop for what i should do. I don't think 500 is in my range. I am 15 and unemployed, but my Birthday is coming up, that is why I am trying for this
Thanks for the help.

Buy a used MTB from Craigslist. $100 will get you a 1990s rigid bike and $150 a 1990s hardtail. Stick to recognizable, quality brands - no department store brands, no Huffy. These will be better quality than a $500 new bike.

Jumping and otherwise beating up bikes will usually lead to a broken bike, as you've discovered. Few bikes are designed for jumping, and a 200 lb rider doesn't help. If you're just talking about dropping off 6" curbs, then the MTB will tolerate it if you "ride light" - use your bent legs to absorb impacts, instead of slamming down stiff-legged. If you're talking anything bigger, then get a full suspension MTB (used, $300+) or a BMX bike.

Seriously suggest you get off the sidewalk. Riding there is dangerous, illegal, and inconsiderate. Ride on the road or on trails. You may find different ways to challenge yourself other than jumping curbs, and they may be easier on your bike as well.

i agree with jyl's advice to look at used bikes. In fact, I agree with all of his advice.

Thanks [MENTION=63590]jyl[/MENTION] , i really do try to absorb some inpact, but i will look into it. thanks also to [MENTION=152773]noglider[/MENTION] , i will do my best.

[MENTION=152773]noglider[/MENTION] , if I need to get off the sidewalk, would a hybrid be best? I don't know anything about hybrids or any thing but mtbs, but it would be nice for the input.
Thanks, Eric D.

I think you should try at least one of each to decide. And now hybrids are not just hybrids any more. There are sporty hybrids such as the Giant Escape which offers a semi-leaning position, and there are bikes such as the Giant Cypress which has you completely upright.

so, from the above text, how do you think I should go? I am kinda laid back, and I don't do a ton of fast, so, sporty or not in the hybrids? [MENTION=152773]noglider[/MENTION]

I think you should test ride a bunch of bikes. Ask friends, visit bike shops, and try some on craigslist. Then buy a bike. Don't be worried about making a mistake. You may buy a hybrid and discover your real passion is road bikes. Or you might discover that you bought a bike too big or small. But all of this is OK, if you don't spend too much. If you buy a used bike, you might be able to get back what you put into it.

Thanks, [MENTION=152773]noglider[/MENTION]

Wall Mart sells things that look like bicycles , but they are not well assembled and tuned up,
like a bike you get at a Bike Shop.

visit a 'brick and mortar' bike shop , they will show you different brands, models and sizes..

Eric,

Also read, read, read these forums to learn more about the various styles of bikes and related subjects. You may become a real expert.