which mountain bike should i buy for a newbie ?
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which mountain bike should i buy for a newbie ?
I am planning on getting in to mountain biking and i have two bikes that i really like trek 3900 2010 and gary fisher advance 2010 but i am not sure which one to get they both seem kind of same but i really like the g2 geometry in GF but i am still not sure which one to get so i need some advice thx
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I am planning on getting in to mountain biking and i have two bikes that i really like trek 3900 2010 and gary fisher advance 2010 but i am not sure which one to get they both seem kind of same but i really like the g2 geometry in GF but i am still not sure which one to get so i need some advice thx
Here's a review on the 3900 (note the advice on the Haro):
Although it's not designed for rugged terrain, experts say the Trek 3900 is a great choice for beginning riders looking to ride smooth gravel or dirt trails. The Trek 3900 is a hardtail mountain bike, meaning there is no suspension in the rear, and it has 80 mm (3.15 inches) of travel in the front. The Trek 3900 gets high marks for its rigid frame and smooth shifting, but experts say you should really spend the extra $40 to upgrade to disc brakes on the Trek 3900 Disc (*MSRP: $480). Disc brakes offer more reliable braking in dirt and mud, and owner-written reviews say this upgrade is worth it. Overall, most owners are happy with the Trek 3900 and love the value. They caution, however, that you can't take this bike on rugged terrain or launch it off jumps -- it's not designed for these purposes. If you prefer a full-suspension mountain bike to a hardtail, experts say the Haro Shift R1 (*MSRP: $895) is a good choice. It's more expensive than the Trek 3900, but it can handle more rugged trails and offers a fork lockout to improve the ride on level trails.
Most budget mountain bikes don't receive much coverage in professional reviews, and the Trek 3900 is no exception. The best source of information on this bike comes from owner-written reviews on MTBR.com; most of these reviews are detailed and balanced. Buzzillions.com also compiles reviews from several different sites, but most of their reviews come from the Trek website. Although we normally don't give much weight to reviews posted on manufacturer websites, these seem relatively balanced. In addition, Bicycling magazine covers the Trek 3900 Disc, which is identical to the Trek 3900 except for the addition of disc brakes.
The Trek right now is probably a better deal than the Advance (although I think the Adavnce is cheaper).
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Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
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Just some information to keep in mind when buying any bike:
Comparison of Shimano and SRAM:
Shimano SRAM Quality level
XTR X.0 Pro: Lightest strongest most efficient
XT X.9 Expert: Light, strong, durable, efficient
LX X.7 Sport: Strong, durable reliable
Deore X.5 Sport: Strong reliable
Alivio X.4 Recreational
Acera X.3
Altus Entry level
Fork
One of the most important parts of a mountain bike. The fork can make or break a bike spec. You will need to understand what type of fork it is and find out where it fits into the brand range to understand how good or bad it is. Know what features it has like air assisted, rebound adjustment, lockout, stable platform valve, travel adjustment etc.
Wheels
These are made up of the rims, spokes, hubs and tyres. Tubed or tubeless rims will be your starting point for comparison and then strength, stiffness and weight are key factors in choosing wheels. A good set of wheels makes does make a difference to the performance, feel and handling of the bike.
Shock
This refers to the rear shock on a full suspension bike. Manufacturers have a variety of brands with different performance levels and with different features. Similar to the front shock there are things like lockout, air assisted and sensitivity settings.
Other Components
These include the bar, stem, headset, seat, seat post and pedals. These can round a bike off or leaving you with future upgrade options. On lower end bikes try to get the best ones that you can afford and on higher end bikes they become a matter of individual preference.
Sizes and fit are critical and can end up choosing your bike for you.
Comparison of Shimano and SRAM:
Shimano SRAM Quality level
XTR X.0 Pro: Lightest strongest most efficient
XT X.9 Expert: Light, strong, durable, efficient
LX X.7 Sport: Strong, durable reliable
Deore X.5 Sport: Strong reliable
Alivio X.4 Recreational
Acera X.3
Altus Entry level
Fork
One of the most important parts of a mountain bike. The fork can make or break a bike spec. You will need to understand what type of fork it is and find out where it fits into the brand range to understand how good or bad it is. Know what features it has like air assisted, rebound adjustment, lockout, stable platform valve, travel adjustment etc.
Wheels
These are made up of the rims, spokes, hubs and tyres. Tubed or tubeless rims will be your starting point for comparison and then strength, stiffness and weight are key factors in choosing wheels. A good set of wheels makes does make a difference to the performance, feel and handling of the bike.
Shock
This refers to the rear shock on a full suspension bike. Manufacturers have a variety of brands with different performance levels and with different features. Similar to the front shock there are things like lockout, air assisted and sensitivity settings.
Other Components
These include the bar, stem, headset, seat, seat post and pedals. These can round a bike off or leaving you with future upgrade options. On lower end bikes try to get the best ones that you can afford and on higher end bikes they become a matter of individual preference.
Sizes and fit are critical and can end up choosing your bike for you.
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Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
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Then buy the one that you like.
FWIW, I like G2 as well. Longer top-tube. Shorter stem. You're less likely to go over the bar.
But seriously, if you've test-ridden the bike and like the feel of G2, then stay with what you like and feel good about.
FWIW, I like G2 as well. Longer top-tube. Shorter stem. You're less likely to go over the bar.
But seriously, if you've test-ridden the bike and like the feel of G2, then stay with what you like and feel good about.
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Smart plan!
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Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.