Hi,
I have biked before, but only as a means to get to and from. Living near a fair number of bike paths, I find myself biking more and more as a recreation as well. I bike in the don valley watershed for anyone familiar with the area.

I have thus far biked on a department store bike (Supercycle 1800) and positively hated the bike.

I recently got $300 from my uncle. I was about to buy a tablet, but have decided to invest in a bike instead.

I really need help finding a good bike in my price range. My parents said that I should look for something no more than $300 not including taxes.

I heard Giant might be the best choice, but am not sure if that is true.

If anyone can help me find a solid bike, I would be really grateful.

My brother is also looking for a bike in the same budget. He bikes with me fair bit, but is more laid back.

I hope someone in this forum has some advice.

Note: My parents will never consider a used bike. I understand it is probably the best be, but will not be possible at all.

Thanks in advance,
The tablet kid.

A few questions:
Do you need gears? Or will you be riding mostly flat terrain?
Paved trails or dirt?
Do you know anyone with a lot of bike mechanic knowledge?

I definitely need gears. The trails are a mix of paved, and dirt. I do not know anyone with any bike mechanic knowledge.
Hope this helps

If you have any bikes in mind, please also let me know where I might find them. I live in Toronto.

I really would like some input from the community. I heard that Gears Toronto has a few bikes within my range, and will check them out next week. In the meantime, I am still open to suggestions and/or ideas.

Do you have a Craigslist up there? I think you can get something trail worthy for $300 from the used market. I would look into Hardtails if you are mixing paved and gravel. $300 won't buy much bike from the new market. If you find some options on the used market, post them here and we give some pretty good opinions.

In Canada Norco is always a good name, but there are tons of options in that price range.

Where would I be able to try a Norco Bike? also, are there any mtbs without suspension?

I don't see the problem with a used bike. This isn't like a car where there are thousands of parts that can break. I purchased a 15 year old cannondale that I still have today (4 years later) and I have never had to replace a single part. A used higher end bike is worth more to you than a cheaper bike. You said you want a mountain bike without suspension because you will be riding mostly gravel trails a cyclocross bike might be a good bet for that.

Also how tall are you? Bicycle fit is the most important factor in buying a bike (in my opinion at least).

https://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bid/3595910953.html

https://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/3618221265.html

Don't know if these are near you, but maybe they are an option.

atallen has a couple of great options to consider if the fit is right. You can still pick up a "Rigid" MTB. No suspension. You can pick up a quality bike for $150.

Another vote for a used bike. I'd recommend a 26incher. Right now used 29s are at a premium while 26ers are out of favor, therefore tend to sell for a better price.