What MT bike?
 

Hi. Well i think my current bike is a mountain bike, but i didn't buy it and years of not taking care of it and it's an all around bad bike is finally making me buy a new one.. as i just got into biking :]

I live in illinois and the closest places i can get bikes from is a Walmart, Sports Authority, Bass Pro, and this local? bike shop that i THINK is trekdg.

I want
- a mountain bike
- 26" wheels
- hardtail
- men's

I will be using this bike to ride sidewalks, bike paths, sometimes road, and bike trails. Soo i'd want it to preform well on all.

Where do you recommend getting my bike from and why? Also which kind. I probably have $200 right now.. How much difference would a bike say 400-600 make? I know it's about whats ON the bike but still.

Here are pre-searched bike links from the sites

http://trekdg.com/product-list/bicyc...suspension-49/ ok that's the only search i could get off, no details, there's also a sweet deal where if you bring in your bike you could get store credit for a new one.. ends july 31 :X
http://www.walmart.com/search/search...491+4293906723

http://www.sportsauthority.com/famil...Hardtail&fbx=0

Did you get your bikes from there? Or from an online sources ( i can't really do that so :X)

Anyways, what bikes do you recommend? Im obviously a beginner and im enjoying biking so far and doing more riding and trails especially is my next step.

Thanks a bunch.

get a bike from a bike shop. these are a few of the main reasons why:

- they will put it together correctly because they know how, it's what they do. can you build a bicycle? (based off you question, i'll guess no. i don't either by the way.) the guy working at walmart/target/sports authority/etc knows as much or less than you do about building a bike.
- usually you get a year or 3 or 6 months of free basic maintenance, or at least a free tuning check up after X months. the point is, when something is wrong, you can go back to the bike shop and they can and will fix it.
- the bicycles at a local bike shop are higher quality. the cheapest bike at a bike shop is better than the most expensive bike at walmart/etc. that means they perform better and last longer and in the long run are cheaper because the parts aren't breaking and you don't need to replace parts all the time.
- fit is the most important part of a bicycle. a bicycle shop will (usually) make sure you get a bike that fits you.
- cycling is a sub culture, a way of life, a fraternity, whatever. you don't have to join it, but if you ride a bike, you are in it. a bike shop is sort of like the local frat house/teamster hangout, whatever. you make friends there and are part of a "club."

so if money is an issue, (you can get a decent entry level bike for a few hundred.) and you can wait, save up the money and get a bike at the bike shop. ESPECIALLY if you intend on riding the bike on dirt trails.

trek is good, really, any bike sold at a bike shop is meant to be ridden and will be reliable and good. again, fit is everything. try all the brands of bikes and get one that fits you well. hardtails are great bikes and are relatively inexpensive.

good luck. rock on.

oh, and stay off the sidewalk. but that is another topic entirely.

yeah my friend did say to go to the local shop too. I guess i will to see if they have the thing im looking for. thanks :D