Hi Guys!

What do you guys think about mountain bikes for commuting?

I just bought an Avalanche All Terra GT 3.0, do you guys think 420 was a good price?

Thanks in advance.

[edit] I'm not sure whether its 2008 or 2007 or :hardtail" or anything, how do I know?

Well I actually plan on buying a mtn. bike for commuting as my road bike is far too harsh on the roads/paths/trails I ride in. As for the price on your bike, if it's a 2008 it seems to be about msrp which is all the better my bike shop would do either. Finally hardtail means it has no rear suspension, otherwise if it were a full suspension it would also have a shock/spring on the rear end of your bike.

I commute to my part timer after my real job with no problems. Its probably about a mile and a half away though so its not far at all. I also do not have agressive tread tires on my bike which helps. I got a front and rear light, they are tiny and are hald on by rubber band like straps, so i take them off when I ride the trails sometimes. I just throw a pair of shoes in my pack, lock out the fork and go on my way. Its nice just to get on my bike when I cant hit the trails.

I commute on a Spec'd Hardrock Comp Disc with these tires, I also have another wheelset with my mtb/knobby tires for when the weekend hits.

A wealth of information on this topic can be found in the Commuting section of the forums.

Thanks for your replies guys, is there a way to differentiate 2008 and 2007?

Does it matter? Is not knowing the exact date effecting the ride/performance of the bike?

Oh I just want to know if I payed a good price for the bike, if I can get it somewhere cheaper, I can try to price match it - where ever I can save a dime, I'll do it.

Didn't you already buy it? I consider myself the king of research/price finding, but once I make the purchase... done. You'll always manage to find something cheaper immediately after making a purchase, that's just the way it works out.

Enjoy.

Ah ha! after long deliberation, its a 2008 GT 3.0 Disc

So you formed a committee and had a discussion of the date of the bike based on its appearance or the private findings of the court? Or was it investigation rather than deliberation?

ahahaha, a debate between my multiple personalities, quick runs back and forth from the garage to the computer where I have a screenshot of a 2008 and 2006, and what gave it off were the tires, different tires from each year

Jim... You're as bad as I am. Welcome to the show... errr, sickness.

yeah, i'm an overthinker... AND stingy about spending 400$ lol, but I guess in the end it all works out. Now all I need is a lock and I'll be on my way, although, I am a bit hmm.. what's the word, anxious?, about riding on the roads for the first time, drivers can be ******bags, as I myself have been, nothing too stupid, bikers always had the right away in my mind, just when I pass one I think 'oh its okay to drive close, nothing will happen, why are these cars moving so far out for them', but that was silly thinking, and if I of all people thought silly thoughts such as those, think about how many drivers will think even sillier thoughts. :[

I used to commute on my hardrock, 2.3 tires. I now live a bit farther from campus now, so I make the 5 mile ride on a fixed gear road bike. I couldn't stand the knobbies on the pavement anymore, and after putting a good deal of money into parts I didn't feel comfortable leaving it locked up all day.

what's a knobbie?

Lock(s):

Krypto NY Fahgettaboudit chain/lock

Krypto Ny Fahgettaboudit U-lock

In my opinion, both are required.

Knobbies are the moderate/heavy treaded tires on mtbs.

If you follow the link that I provided above, you'll immediately see the difference between knobbies and non-knobbies.

Or, just take this link. Top tires are trail tires, and bottom tires are hardpack/street.

I used to commute with my mountain bike - they work fine.

Thanks guys;

Wrench:

Wow! these locks look massive and quite expensive, there's no pricing on the site, so I'll check prices, I was hoping craigslist would have some locks but alas, no luck...

Thanks.

The locks are massive and expensive in comparison to what you'll see on the rack at a department store, but they're bombproof and when used in combination, a thief will walk on by.

Here's some prices. Those are actually decent prices. The important issue here is to look at the guarantee provided with the locks. $3500.00 guaranteed replacement with the chain and $4500.00 when using the U-lock, if your bike is stolen while using the lock. I use both.

Keep in mind that it isn't a good idea to buy your parts through Amazon, just go to JensonUSA or wherever. I only used Amazon as a reference.

Hmm, what do you think of a normal U-Lock mixed with one of those wires with the combinations? About an inch thick I think? It'd make it harder right? and How easy are U-Locks to cut?

Never seen/heard of one of those locks being cut. I'm sure that it can be done with the right tools and time, but a bike thief isn't going to be carrying the required tools to remove that U-lock. As far as the cables go. I have used Kryptonite cables for everything from securing a bike, to securing items to my gangboxes. I own about 6 Krypto cables, I think. I'm sure that it will work for you. I just like removing as many needless portions from the equation as possible.

I mean a generic U-Lock from walmart or something, those are hard to cut i'd figure.

Oh... no idea. Maybe, maybe not. Not a chance that I am willing to take. I understand money being tight and having to make compromises, so, if that's what you can afford now, then by all means. A doubly secured bike will look like too much of a hassle anyway.

Why I use Krypto Ny Locks.

awesome, thanks wrench, you're beautiful.