First Time Mountain Bike Buyer
02-02-23, 04:39 PM
#51
Newbie
Originally Posted by Eric F
IMO, a significant factor is what the person expects out of the bike, and how they're going to use it. I could ride a $600 MTB on all the same roads and trails as I ride my current XX1/XTR-equipped hardtail. I would go slower, I might need to walk it more, and the parts would probably need to be replaced a lot sooner, but I could make it work. I don't really want to, but I could. If I stuck to milder off-road demands, and wasn't interested in performance improvements, it might be adequate for a little longer.
Personally, if $600 was the absolute limit of what I had to spend, I'd be looking at the used market. You're going to get a better bang for your buck, and might even find something that hits way above the price.
Personally, if $600 was the absolute limit of what I had to spend, I'd be looking at the used market. You're going to get a better bang for your buck, and might even find something that hits way above the price.
But having to buy 3 bikes up front, and recognizing that it may not stick as a hobby, limited the budget to what it is. That being said, there’s not a trail within 50 miles of me (eastern PA) that the GT didn't and the MB won’t do fine on, as skill/confidence, comes from the rider, not the bike. Sure it’s probably easier on $4k full squish, but it never stopped me before.
my only point in my first post on this thread was that the OP could find a usable bike, new, close to his budget to try it out. (But then VB and the other showed up and it devolved into purse swinging, lol)
02-02-23, 05:26 PM
#52
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Originally Posted by GTBecane
absolutely, I rode more then enough before my hiatus (kids, time), to recognize this. Now my boys are grown enough to enjoy it, that was my driving force to get back in.
But having to buy 3 bikes up front, and recognizing that it may not stick as a hobby, limited the budget to what it is. That being said, there’s not a trail within 50 miles of me (eastern PA) that the GT didn't and the MB won’t do fine on, as skill/confidence, comes from the rider, not the bike. Sure it’s probably easier on $4k full squish, but it never stopped me before.
my only point in my first post on this thread was that the OP could find a usable bike, new, close to his budget to try it out. (But then VB and the other showed up and it devolved into purse swinging, lol)
But having to buy 3 bikes up front, and recognizing that it may not stick as a hobby, limited the budget to what it is. That being said, there’s not a trail within 50 miles of me (eastern PA) that the GT didn't and the MB won’t do fine on, as skill/confidence, comes from the rider, not the bike. Sure it’s probably easier on $4k full squish, but it never stopped me before.
my only point in my first post on this thread was that the OP could find a usable bike, new, close to his budget to try it out. (But then VB and the other showed up and it devolved into purse swinging, lol)
I took a break from cycling for 15 years, also (family, kids' sports, etc). 3 years ago, I got back on the bike, and have worked hard to return to a reasonable level of fitness where I can ride with my ex-racer buddies who never stopped riding. During that time, I have added 3 bikes to my stable. All used, and all high-level machines, bought for 30-50% of their new price. That said, I understand that people's budgets for bikes vary significantly. I wish I had family that shared my hobby, but if they did, I probably wouldn't be able to have the bikes I have - LOL.
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02-02-23, 05:49 PM
#53
Newbie
Originally Posted by Eric F
veganbikes makes some valid points, and I think you're over-reacting a bit to what he's saying, but I get where you're coming from, as well.
I took a break from cycling for 15 years, also (family, kids' sports, etc). 3 years ago, I got back on the bike, and have worked hard to return to a reasonable level of fitness where I can ride with my ex-racer buddies who never stopped riding. During that time, I have added 3 bikes to my stable. All used, and all high-level machines, bought for 30-50% of their new price. That said, I understand that people's budgets for bikes vary significantly. I wish I had family that shared my hobby, but if they did, I probably wouldn't be able to have the bikes I have - LOL.
I took a break from cycling for 15 years, also (family, kids' sports, etc). 3 years ago, I got back on the bike, and have worked hard to return to a reasonable level of fitness where I can ride with my ex-racer buddies who never stopped riding. During that time, I have added 3 bikes to my stable. All used, and all high-level machines, bought for 30-50% of their new price. That said, I understand that people's budgets for bikes vary significantly. I wish I had family that shared my hobby, but if they did, I probably wouldn't be able to have the bikes I have - LOL.
yup outfitting 4 right out of the gate means I get a $600 bike, lol.
maybe I’ll start a thread for the $600 junkers journey.
02-02-23, 05:52 PM
#54
Clark W. Griswold
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Originally Posted by Eric F
IMO, a significant factor is what the person expects out of the bike, and how they're going to use it. I could ride a $600 MTB on all the same roads and trails as I ride my current XX1/XTR-equipped hardtail. I would go slower, I might need to walk it more, and the parts would probably need to be replaced a lot sooner, but I could make it work. I don't really want to, but I could. If I stuck to milder off-road demands, and wasn't interested in performance improvements, it might be adequate for a little longer.
Personally, if $600 was the absolute limit of what I had to spend, I'd be looking at the used market. You're going to get a better bang for your buck, and might even find something that hits way above the price.
Personally, if $600 was the absolute limit of what I had to spend, I'd be looking at the used market. You're going to get a better bang for your buck, and might even find something that hits way above the price.
For that price yes I would look at more used options but you do want to be careful and know what you are doing on that front as you can get screwed if not knowledgeable.
Originally Posted by GTBecane
absolutely, I rode more then enough before my hiatus (kids, time), to recognize this. Now my boys are grown enough to enjoy it, that was my driving force to get back in.
But having to buy 3 bikes up front, and recognizing that it may not stick as a hobby, limited the budget to what it is. That being said, there’s not a trail within 50 miles of me (eastern PA) that the GT didn't and the MB won’t do fine on, as skill/confidence, comes from the rider, not the bike. Sure it’s probably easier on $4k full squish, but it never stopped me before.
my only point in my first post on this thread was that the OP could find a usable bike, new, close to his budget to try it out. (But then VB and the other showed up and it devolved into purse swinging, lol)
But having to buy 3 bikes up front, and recognizing that it may not stick as a hobby, limited the budget to what it is. That being said, there’s not a trail within 50 miles of me (eastern PA) that the GT didn't and the MB won’t do fine on, as skill/confidence, comes from the rider, not the bike. Sure it’s probably easier on $4k full squish, but it never stopped me before.
my only point in my first post on this thread was that the OP could find a usable bike, new, close to his budget to try it out. (But then VB and the other showed up and it devolved into purse swinging, lol)
02-02-23, 05:54 PM
#55
Newbie
Originally Posted by veganbikes
On the road I would just stick with a hybrid and I can spend the same amount and get a little more out of that bike generally not great but for occasional riding fine.
For that price yes I would look at more used options but you do want to be careful and know what you are doing on that front as you can get screwed if not knowledgeable.
Again your 1998 GT is a $1400 in today's money (2023). Stop it! If you are going to go on about the GT then realize it is not a $600 bike in today's money. If you had a $330 bike from 1998 maybe you might have a bit more of a point (ish). Nobody is purse swinging here I am being realistic based on component quality. Not just going to the clouds and saying the absolute bottom end of components is good quality.
For that price yes I would look at more used options but you do want to be careful and know what you are doing on that front as you can get screwed if not knowledgeable.
Again your 1998 GT is a $1400 in today's money (2023). Stop it! If you are going to go on about the GT then realize it is not a $600 bike in today's money. If you had a $330 bike from 1998 maybe you might have a bit more of a point (ish). Nobody is purse swinging here I am being realistic based on component quality. Not just going to the clouds and saying the absolute bottom end of components is good quality.
02-02-23, 05:57 PM
#56
Newbie
Ohh, $330 bike from that era you say, 95’ GT Outpost I started with did all the same as the Backwoods for 3 years.
02-02-23, 05:58 PM
#57
Clark W. Griswold
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Originally Posted by GTBecane
you are correct, VB does have some validity in his statements, maybe it’s just the delivery, shrugs. for the record, veganbikes I hold no animosity, the internet is not serious bidness.
yup outfitting 4 right out of the gate means I get a $600 bike, lol.
maybe I’ll start a thread for the $600 junkers journey.
yup outfitting 4 right out of the gate means I get a $600 bike, lol.
maybe I’ll start a thread for the $600 junkers journey.
If you know what you are looking at or have a shop and a seller in the area willing to allow you to do "bidness" in the shop you can potentially get a decent used bike for $600. I got my Cilo with Dura Ace 7400 for $400 and I put about another $100 in parts in it mostly for looks and a little comfort but I could have skipped some of it.
02-02-23, 06:01 PM
#58
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Originally Posted by veganbikes
For that price yes I would look at more used options but you do want to be careful and know what you are doing on that front as you can get screwed if not knowledgeable.
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02-02-23, 06:05 PM
#59
Clark W. Griswold
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Originally Posted by GTBecane
Ohh, $330 bike from that era you say, 95’ GT Outpost I started with did all the same as the Backwoods for 3 years.
Originally Posted by GTBecane
lol, settle down.
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02-02-23, 06:14 PM
#60
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Originally Posted by veganbikes
... just had some delicious Thai red curry...
Curry Me Now sounds like the name of a Thai dish - LOL.
Time to go ride my bike. Curry later.
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02-02-23, 06:21 PM
#61
Clark W. Griswold
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Originally Posted by Eric F
My stomach just went, "Um...wut? Curry me now."
Curry Me Now sounds like the name of a Thai dish - LOL.
Time to go ride my bike. Curry later.
Curry Me Now sounds like the name of a Thai dish - LOL.
Time to go ride my bike. Curry later.
I had a nice ride earlier maybe I might get a really good one in Saturday if weather is decent.
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02-02-23, 06:21 PM
#62
Newbie
Cheers, my oldest daughter just walked in with our Syrian take out, the rest of us are watching old Seth’s Bike Hack videos. (The boys are enthralled).
still want to know what the OP ended up with.
unfortunately I wasn’t able to find anything but all out junk, or $2500 used stuff in a reasonable distance.
still want to know what the OP ended up with.
unfortunately I wasn’t able to find anything but all out junk, or $2500 used stuff in a reasonable distance.
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02-02-23, 06:36 PM
#63
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Originally Posted by GTBecane
Cheers, my oldest daughter just walked in with our Syrian take out, the rest of us are watching old Seth’s Bike Hack videos. (The boys are enthralled).
still want to know what the OP ended up with.
unfortunately I wasn’t able to find anything but all out junk, or $2500 used stuff in a reasonable distance.
still want to know what the OP ended up with.
unfortunately I wasn’t able to find anything but all out junk, or $2500 used stuff in a reasonable distance.
It could be tough depending on your local market or if you know what to look for.
Just out of curiosity I did pop over to Craigslist
https://allentown.craigslist.org/bik...584803933.html (totally vintage decent parts a nice steel frame back when Performance had some decent stuff I might consider it after looking at in person)
https://allentown.craigslist.org/bik...567614668.html (not great still a crap front fork but in that $600 range I still would say maybe overpriced but not sure of that market)
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02-02-23, 06:58 PM
#64
Newbie
Originally Posted by veganbikes
Love me some SBH (or Berm Peak) he is always fun.
It could be tough depending on your local market or if you know what to look for.
Just out of curiosity I did pop over to Craigslist
https://allentown.craigslist.org/bik...584803933.html (totally vintage decent parts a nice steel frame back when Performance had some decent stuff I might consider it after looking at in person)
https://allentown.craigslist.org/bik...567614668.html (not great still a crap front fork but in that $600 range I still would say maybe overpriced but not sure of that market)
It could be tough depending on your local market or if you know what to look for.
Just out of curiosity I did pop over to Craigslist
https://allentown.craigslist.org/bik...584803933.html (totally vintage decent parts a nice steel frame back when Performance had some decent stuff I might consider it after looking at in person)
https://allentown.craigslist.org/bik...567614668.html (not great still a crap front fork but in that $600 range I still would say maybe overpriced but not sure of that market)
as always with my luck a bunch will show up now, lol.
right now the plan is to run the MB until my 13 year old gains 5” or so (and upgrade it as needed/wanted), pass it to him, pass the GT down and so on. And wait for the 5 year old to loose her training wheels and be able to handle the 20” 7 speed “MTB”.
then lay out for a decent (snicker) full squish.
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02-03-23, 07:02 AM
#65
Senior Member
Originally Posted by GTBecane
absolutely, I rode more then enough before my hiatus (kids, time), to recognize this. Now my boys are grown enough to enjoy it, that was my driving force to get back in.
But having to buy 3 bikes up front, and recognizing that it may not stick as a hobby, limited the budget to what it is. That being said, there’s not a trail within 50 miles of me (eastern PA) that the GT didn't and the MB won’t do fine on, as skill/confidence, comes from the rider, not the bike. Sure it’s probably easier on $4k full squish, but it never stopped me before.
my only point in my first post on this thread was that the OP could find a usable bike, new, close to his budget to try it out. (But then VB and the other showed up and it devolved into purse swinging, lol)
But having to buy 3 bikes up front, and recognizing that it may not stick as a hobby, limited the budget to what it is. That being said, there’s not a trail within 50 miles of me (eastern PA) that the GT didn't and the MB won’t do fine on, as skill/confidence, comes from the rider, not the bike. Sure it’s probably easier on $4k full squish, but it never stopped me before.
my only point in my first post on this thread was that the OP could find a usable bike, new, close to his budget to try it out. (But then VB and the other showed up and it devolved into purse swinging, lol)
Last edited by prj71; 02-03-23 at 07:11 AM.
02-03-23, 07:06 AM
#66
Senior Member
Originally Posted by alicefuller
I'd recommend you to get a good brand, for mountain bikes, i recommend getting mongoose, it is my favorite bike brand. I still have my very first mongoose bike with me. If you are skeptical about it, then read reviews online, or check any marketplace.
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02-03-23, 07:57 AM
#67
Newbie
Originally Posted by prj71
But the OP isn't looking to buy 3 bikes up front. Just one bike. So how is your situation of money constraints like his? You are making a recommendation to the OP for a $600 bike based on your situation...Not his.
02-03-23, 08:39 AM
#68
Senior Member
Probably not the best budget for riding a mountain bike on trails in the Sequoia National Forest. This is where cheap mountain bikes fail. Since they are built to be cost effective and low quality, the parts wear out faster and are not as durable. This makes for an unsafe and uncomfortable ride on anything harder than most beginner trails.
