DontKnowBikes

Hello,

So I' m one of those that wasted lots of money buying multiple crappy walmart (Mongoose) bikes over the years, double suspension BS that felt like I was jumping on the bike as I tried to ride it. I'm looking for a cheap decent bike but the times I have gone to LBS they keep trying to sell me a $900+ bike which is not going to happen.

I found so called good brand bikes for cheap, I was curious if they are worth it. The bikes are:

Diamondback Sorrento 2014 $200
Diamondback Outlook 2014 $180 (Frame is 16, my size should be 18, but read that smaller frame is not bad since with the seat it can be fixed and for trail it is more comfortable (?))

I'm only planning on doing some trail riding, I doubt it is any major stuff, on the weekends. Are any of these worth the money?

Any help is well appreciated it
Thanks

Roopull

Diamondback isn't a bad brand, but get a bike that fits you...

If the LBS can't seem to wrap their heads around your budget, go to a different one if possible. Ask them to keep an eye out for used bikes. If they're reputable, they'll tune the bike & make any needed repairs. Plus, they'll fit the bike for you when you purchase it.

If that doesn't work out, try Craigslist & eBay. If you're somewhat mechanically inclined and not impressed with brand names, try Nashbar and BikesDirect.com. Bike snobs will skewer me for that last suggestion, but if you want a $900 for half price... that's the place.

DontKnowBikes

Hey thanks for the answer. LEt me ask you what do you think about the "SE Adventure 24 Mountain Bike"

Thanks

Roopull

I'm no longer a mountain biker, and don't know that brand, so I'm not even close to being an expert. That disclaimer out of the way, that bike looks fine. The components are Shimano's cheaper stuff, but that should be just fine. I read up on the no-name Shimano shifters & the reviews I read sounded positive. The derailers look to be just fine, too.

For the exact same coin, though, you could get a Motobecane Elite Trail 29er with disc brakes and a replaceable rear derailer hanger at BD. Worth checking out.

In my humble little opinion, if you're doing a bit of research, you're not going to end up with garbage. Thankfully, cycling technology has trickled down so that it's very easy to find some very competent bikes for very little money.

DontKnowBikes

I found this bike on CL, I was wondering if this bike is worth $250, don't know year, just know it is a Specialized Hardrock sport
Thanks

roccobike

You didn't say what type of riding you're doing. Assuming its single track, the Sorrento is marginal. It won't leave you stranded like the WallyWorld bikes will, but it only has a 60mm fork. Plan on bottoming out. If you're heavy, like over 200lbs, plan on bottoming out a lot. Eventually, you'll wear out that fork. Otherwise, properly tuned and not abused, it should last much longer than the bottom end bikes you've been buying. I wouldn't even look at the Outlook. For $20, the Sorrento is better. Trigger shifters, Altus rear DR and 10mm more travel on the fork, no contest. However, the best advice would be to go to a LBS that listens to your needs to see if you can land a bike with 100mm travel or at least 80 and maybe 8 speed with better components.

DontKnowBikes

Ok so I think I found 2 possible bikes from your comments (Thank you).

I plan on doing some trail riding on the weekends, free days, for relax/exercise nothing too pro. Don't know the trails since I'll be moving to the area later next month

the 2 bikes I found on my budget are (new)
SE Adventure 24 Mountain bike with disk breaks $263
Montebacane 300HT 2014 $270

thanks!!

Daspydyr 

There are no HIGH end bikes for cheap. I have found that you get what you pay for. Once in a while someone gets a great bike on C-List or Ebay. Motobecane is possibly the best bike for the price range you are looking at.

I am a confirmed life long cheapskate. When I finally busted loose for a nice bike @$2000. I was shocked on what quality felt and rode like. I know where you are coming from and back your decision to stay inside your budget. Good luck.

DontKnowBikes

i also just found a Diamondback Adult Response 100mm front fork XE for $275. So I'm between the 3

the only one without disk breaks is the Motobecane

also I'm going around other LBS but the cheapest I found was $400, closer but not close bought to my budget

NyoGoat

I don't know a lot about the bikes you're looking at. I bought a raleigh mojave 8.0 used from my local bike shop, it was one of their rental bikes. I paid $300 for it (I think it was $650 new) and I have taken it through some pretty gnarly stuff. I bought it back in 2007 and it is still my daily commuter and weekend riding machine. You might try that route, asking the shop about their rental bikes.