I am looking for a bike just to get some exercise. I am planning on riding with my friend and his wife so riding on simple dirt trails and walking path type riding.

I am NOT wanting to spend a lot of money on a bike. 150-250 is the range I am looking at currently. I am willing to change this if you can show me that a 300 dollar bike is that much better of a bike over a 200 dollar bike. But I also don't want to over spend on a something that is going to be very casual. Don't want to spend $250 on a bike that is no different than a $150 dollar bike. I am not going to be riding serious at all. It is just something to get some exercise. Just some dirt roads, gravel roads, something similar to this type of riding.

https://www.suscondistrict.org/images/dirt_road.jpg

I know nothing about bikes. Not sure if weight or hight matters but I am roughly 6'1'' and 175lbs.

I am sure you get this all the time but help a newb out .

https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/525468-recommend-200-mountain-bike-friend.html

first of all read this https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/67259-please-read-before-asking-question-mtb-faq.html.

second of all, there are no new bikes at that price point that anyone around here would recommend. try craigslist for a used one or go to your LBS (that is local bike shop) and ask questions.

Stay away for department store bikes, YOU WILL NOT LOOSE WEIGHT. You will ride it for awhile then decide Ya don't like bikes that much, if you don't break it first.

Look on Craigslist for something like this~~ https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/1102586419.html

nice price here https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bik/1102234442.html

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bik/1101985123.html



These are much better options than going to wally world, and it took me 30 seconds to search CL.

The location I am in doesn't really have much for bikes on CL.

I went to my local bike shop like suggested and got a good feel for the bikes. I am roughly 6'1'' and got suggested a 19.5'' bike.

Trek 3900 https://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bike...3_series/3900/ with Disc breaks. It was right at 400 dollars.

The other one was a trek 5100 I think. It was almost solid black. He said it comes in black and burnt orange if that gives you any idea of what model it is. It was roughly 530 with the Disc breaks.


Are either of these bikes any good? Any others I should ask about or look at?

Also I am not really looking to "loose weight" I weigh 175lbs. I am just looking for something to do once or twice a week so I will get some exercise. I sit behind a computer all day and don't get any exercise.

Well if your looking at a $400 plus bike, get the Specialized Hardrock. If you can afford more I can make plenty more suggestions. I don't like the trek 3900's, I have one, and it never gets rode.

I like the Rockhopper ($520), gary fisher Marlin ($700) or Wahoo($550), and there is a few more at about $550+.

What is your reason for not liking the 3900? I will take a look into the Rockhopper, hardrock and the Wahoo but them are getting really close to much for a casual thing.

The other bike was a Trek 4300.

When there in the store, all shiney and new, they look good.

#1 I don't like the geometry
They are heavy
Fork is not any good.
Wheels
crank

I mean, if you like it, great. Alot of people are satisfied with'em. Some of it is a personal pref. I had to buy something in that range it would be the HR without a question. $380.........

Step up the Rock for $520.

I've have searched these things out over and over, but it boils down to what you like.

Honestly I don't know enough about the bikes to tell the difference. They probably will all feel the same to me haha.

I don't remember seeing any of the Specialized bikes but will check. They had Trek and Gary Fisher mostly.

They have the Wahoo so I will see about that as well.

Probably going to be between the

Trek 3900
Specialized Hardrock
Gary Fisher Wahoo
Specialized Rockhopper


He had the option of both Disc or Non Disc breaks. Are disc breaks that much better? Are they worth the extra cash?

Out of those 4
1)Without a doubt- Rockhopper
2)If you Love the Wahoo's G2 geometry (leaning forward) get it.


Those are the best bikes in that price range period. IMHO

Ended up getting the Gary Fisher Wahoo. I would have had to drive 200 miles round trip to even look at one of the specialized bikes so that was thrown out .

Didn't get it today as they didn't have any 19" ones left.

Awsome dude... Now post some pics of that new ride

Will do when I get it next week .

Hey, kur1j, I was reading your thread from last spring.. I was wondering how you like your Gary Fisher Wahoo Disc? You've prbably had it over 9 months now. What's your take on its performance, comfort, durability, value, etc. I've narrowed my choices to a couple of bikes: The GF Wahoo Disc, a Specialized Hardrock, and maybe one of the Trek models in the $600-700 range.

I welcome your thoughts and those of the rest of you who care to offer advice on my question.