rear suspension or not
 

I'm new to the forums and would like some advice before buying a low end mountain bike. Is there a big difference between a bike with rear suspension and a bike that does not? I'd like to start riding beginner trails with hills, and basic obstacles. But mostly for biking paths and city cruising.

If you're going low-end, get a hardtail. The parts they strap on low-end FS are not worth it! Better to spend the same amount on a HT, and have better componants.

My 2-cents

Joe

Low-mid end hard-tails usually have threaded eyelets to fit a lugagge rack and fenders. You can use your MTB as a decent commuter/tourer/utility bikes as well as for of--road fun.
FS bikes are much harder to convert and are really specialist off-road fun machines.

There's a HUGE difference between full-suspension and hardtail mt bikes. Especially when you're looking at low-end equipment. I agree with mtbkanata. You're much better off to put your money on a decent hardtail. The rear suspension on a low-end bike can be more of detriment to your riding enjoyment. For the type of riding you mentioned, you really don't need rear suspension.

I guess I'm curious to know what you mean by low-end tho. Are we talking about a department store bike? Or maybe you're looking at low-price bikes from a catalog retailer like Nashbar or SuperGo?

I would suggest doing a little research at a real bike shop before dropping any cash. I'm not saying you have to buy from a bike shop, but you can learn a lot from these folks just by asking a few questions. If you come across a shop that is ONLY interested in pushing a bike on you, leave. Find a place that first takes an interest in what you want, and will allow you to ask questions and become familiar with your options.

My biggest concern when someone asks a question like the one you posted is that they will end up with a cheap, poorly made, poorly built bike, or they will end up with the wrong bike for their needs. The right bike will make all the difference.

If you have any specific questions about types of bikes or brands and models, this is a good place to ask them.

Good luck with your shopping.

There are many advantages buying from a shop though.. here are a few:

- Free Tune ups
- Right size bike
- Proper bike set up and construction
- Better quality.

In a bike shop, you may spend $60-100 more than a Dept store, but the value added for that money is well worth it!

What is your price range? Perhaps we can suggest a few bikes for you.

Joe

My price range isn't that high.... The most I could spend is $230.00 cdn.

I recently saw this bike at Sportchek. It's going for $199.00 cdn, Nakamura Vertical, althought it says Arashi on the bike. it has full suspension, y frame, 21 speeds, grip shift, and rst fork.

An heavy. I know the bike well as I used to work there as a bike specialist (which I wasn't btw I could just talke out my ass with the best of them and was the highest rated bike sales for two years and I never even rode a bike then). Sportchek does have some decent low end ht's in that range but don't buy a dually in that range ever from anyone :). Very low quality and sportchek doesn't have great warranty position after the 30 day mark.

I was going to try and suggest a couple but their website is programmed in Java and is super slow. They does have a couple of ht's in that range that would be worth looking at :)

At that price have you considered used. Check on ebay for example. It doesn't say where you are from but if you are in Vancouver look up Pathway cycles (604-987-9666). They sell consignment bikes and usually have some incredible deals.If you don't live in Vancouver there are lots ofplaces like this which would offer awesome deals. www.mec.ca even has a user sell section which is worth looking at. http://www.mec.ca/Apps/outdoorGearSw...=1054771508738

Just got a new bike, I went to the part this morning to try it out. Front and rear suspension feels great! I really notice a big difference and a way smoother ride. But when I tried to test all gears my chain went out twice!!! That kinda ruined my day. I'm not too sure why this happened. Does it need more greese? Or should I go back to the store and tell them my problem? It's a 21 speed, Indexed. I notice that the chain comes off when I'm on the 3rd gear (left side) and try to switch to 2nd, and 1st. Or is it that the parts just really suck?

Hard to tell, it's probably just tuned incorrectly. Didja buy it at a "Big Box" store (X-Marts)? Most do NOT have qualified mechanics assembling bikes. It sounds like your derailleur stop isn't properly set.

In addition, all bikes with NEW cables (Brakes/shift) will stretch. Actually what happens is due to them being a bunch of thin wire wound up to form the wire. After some use, the strands tighten and result in a longer length cable. Usually takes about a month of riding for them to stretch all the way and no longer need adjusting.

Are you mechanically inclined?

If so, go to www.parktool.com and there is a section there on DYI.

L8R

Even the cheapest Shimano gear shifters work well if they are properly adjusted.
Is your chain falling off the front chainrings or the rear cogs.
Is it falling off over the end cogs/rings or between the cogs?

You shouldnt use all your gear combos.
Middle chainring-> all the rear cogs
small chainring-> 4 largest cogs
large chainring-> 4 smallest cogs
You should avoid combos which cross the chain. These gears are replicated elsewhere, and cross-chaining causes excessive wear.
You chain should be lubed, but a light application of bike oil or a speciality bike lube wont hurt.

Thanks for the help!

The chain was falling of the front chainrings, but after a while things were okay. I think I was switching gears too fast. I think I'll take your advice on not using all my gear combos. It all makes sense now.

Has anyone heard of these forks? "Zoom 327 Escape Series" or "RST 156" I know they are both very cheap but would like to know which of the 2 is better. I think the bike technician put the wrong fork on my bike... the Zoom, but the RST 156 is advertised as being the front fork for the one i bought.