Mountain Bike Shopping (1 Viewer)

[S.K.A.]

I would like to spend $999.99 or less.

I would be trail riding with the wife for exercise and I camp quite a bit. I would be off road and in the mountains about 50% of the time.

I have been recommended a hard tail. I would prefer lightweight and good components (therein lies the money right?).

Do you have any good recommendations?

 

[El Floppo]

I've got a 1988 Specialized Stumpjumper. It cost more than that back then and it comes in sweet 80's dayglow colors.

I've got nothing, sorry.

:(

 

[LordHusker]

Why get a hard tail? Full-suspension bikes are so much fun, and when you get a little older (30-plus), you will appreciate not having a sore lower back after aggressive singletrack rides. The most important thing is that the bike fits you correctly. Spend some time riding before you buy.

 

[S.K.A.]

Why get a hard tail? Full-suspension bikes are so much fun, and when you get a little older (30-plus), you will appreciate not having a sore lower back after aggressive singletrack rides. The most important thing is that the bike fits you correctly. Spend some time riding before you buy.

A couple of reasons:1. For a grand, I can only get into the introductory FS bikes. That means heavy weight, low-end componentry, and more things to maintain. 2. I am doing a lot of downhill riding.3. That rear shock absorbs a lot of energy when you are getting on the crank. When you get a little older (30-plus), I need as much energy efficiency as possible.

 

[Harris]

I've got a 2006 Cannondale Rush 800, and one of the biggest tips I would suggest is that you should buy used.

I got my bike in October from my roommate who is a bike fanatic (road and mountain) that likes to have the latest and greatest. He sold me this barely used bike for $800 when it retails for $2200. He gave me a deal because I'm his roommate (he wishes he hadn't of sold it now that spring is here), but bikes do drop in value once they are classified as used, that's my point.

I'll try and do some searching to see what I can come up with...

What size frame do you think you would need?

Any specific brands you are looking at?

Just looking around, here is a Cannondale Rush 600 (I'm partial to that bike ) that is selling for $1K. I'm also partial to all-mountain bikes. They may be heavier but it's worth the extra workout for the comfort in the long run. Just depends on the terrain you'll be riding on.

This Raleigh Mojave is a pretty nice bike for the price as well. You can lockout the fork, which is always a plus. I think it retails for around $600. Good starter bike but if you plan on getting into heavy mountain biking I would consider something else because you'll probably outgrow it quickly.

 

[Dreamer]

one of the biggest tips I would suggest is that you should buy used.

Check the local bike shops for their used stock, craigslist, your local newspaper ads and the Pennysaver type free newspaper are where you should start. Then post your options. Where are you located?

 

[S.K.A.]

I've got a 2006 Cannondale Rush 800, and one of the biggest tips I would suggest is that you should buy used.

I got my bike in October from my roommate who is a bike fanatic (road and mountain) that likes to have the latest and greatest. He sold me this barely used bike for $800 when it retails for $2200. He gave me a deal because I'm his roommate (he wishes he hadn't of sold it now that spring is here), but bikes do drop in value once they are classified as used, that's my point.

I'll try and do some searching to see what I can come up with...

What size frame do you think you would need?

Any specific brands you are looking at?

Just looking around, here is a Cannondale Rush 600 (I'm partial to that bike ) that is selling for $1K. I'm also partial to all-mountain bikes. They may be heavier but it's worth the extra workout for the comfort in the long run. Just depends on the terrain you'll be riding on.

This Raleigh Mojave is a pretty nice bike for the price as well. You can lockout the fork, which is always a plus. I think it retails for around $600. Good starter bike but if you plan on getting into heavy mountain biking I would consider something else because you'll probably outgrow it quickly.

The frame size I am looking at is a medium (~17" range).As far as brands, I don't have my heart set on any one in particular. I can pretty much find any brand here in PHX. I have heard good things about Norco and Kona, but I will probably go with what feels best to me.

 

[S.K.A.]

Bump for weekday crowd.

 

[sho nuff]

www.mtbr.com

Great info there.

Go out and ride to find what feels best to you. As all bike's geometry changes the feel of the bike.

That said, I love my Trek 6500, though I do less major trail riding than when I first started out.

 

[wharf rat]

I would like to spend $999.99 or less.

I would be trail riding with the wife for exercise and I camp quite a bit. I would be off road and in the mountains about 50% of the time.

I have been recommended a hard tail. I would prefer lightweight and good components (therein lies the money right?).

Do you have any good recommendations?

Tassajara

 

[S.K.A.]

www.mtbr.comGreat info there.Go out and ride to find what feels best to you. As all bike's geometry changes the feel of the bike.That said, I love my Trek 6500, though I do less major trail riding than when I first started out.

Thanks. I'll check it out.I will be test riding the Tassajara Wharf Rat recommended this week.

 

[ragincajun]

Bump for mtbr.com Amazing deals there sometimes. try craigslist also.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Looking to get into biking. My problem is that I am 6'6". Any suggestions?

 

[The Z Machine]

Look for a 29er if you're a tall guy. You can find some big framed bikes that will fit you better than a 26".

 

[Mad Cow]

Look for a 29er if you're a tall guy. You can find some big framed bikes that will fit you better than a 26".

Yep, 29er is a must.

What is your budget, GB BB2K3?

 

[Fritz Funk]

1 word

HUFFY

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Look for a 29er if you're a tall guy. You can find some big framed bikes that will fit you better than a 26".

Yep, 29er is a must.

What is your budget, GB BB2K3?

My budget is different than my wifes. I am now looking at fat tire bikes which look awesome and would allow me to use it up at our place in the mountains. I am hoping she wont beat my @#! when I tell her I want to spend $1-2K on a bike.

 

[Mad Cow]

Look for a 29er if you're a tall guy. You can find some big framed bikes that will fit you better than a 26".

Yep, 29er is a must.

What is your budget, GB BB2K3?

My budget is different than my wifes. I am now looking at fat tire bikes which look awesome and would allow me to use it up at our place in the mountains. I am hoping she wont beat my @#! when I tell her I want to spend $1-2K on a bike.

I got a great value bike in May - Rocky Mountain Soul. Great components right out of the box, 29er and under $1000.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Look for a 29er if you're a tall guy. You can find some big framed bikes that will fit you better than a 26".

Yep, 29er is a must.

What is your budget, GB BB2K3?

My budget is different than my wifes. I am now looking at fat tire bikes which look awesome and would allow me to use it up at our place in the mountains. I am hoping she wont beat my @#! when I tell her I want to spend $1-2K on a bike.

I got a great value bike in May - Rocky Mountain Soul. Great components right out of the box, 29er and under $1000.

Did some reading on this one, great reviews. Where did you get yours from? I would assume I would need an XL?

 

[matttyl]

Anyone else doing any serious mountain biking this spring? Got myself my first "real" mountain bike (Trek Stache) and I'm loving it, but still learning about mountain biking (I come from a road biking background). Everything on it is stock currently, but looking to start slowly upgrading it.

Anyone have experience with tubeless tires or an adjustable seatpost?

 

[NutterButter]

Anyone else doing any serious mountain biking this spring? Got myself my first "real" mountain bike (Trek Stache) and I'm loving it, but still learning about mountain biking (I come from a road biking background). Everything on it is stock currently, but looking to start slowly upgrading it.

Anyone have experience with tubeless tires or an adjustable seatpost?

No need for the seatpost. Tubeless tires are very nice to have.

 

[NutterButter]

Check out bikesdirect.com for some good deals.

 

[ditka...mike ditka]

Check out bikesdirect.com for some good deals.

I second this. Two years ago I had a buddy who worked for years at bike shops and is an avid mtb and road biker. He suggested this when I was just starting...I was originally looking to spend $600, he talked me into this at $1000 and I am really happy he did. http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_elite_xii.htm

eta: and at 999.95 it is 4 cent cheaper than you wanted to spend!!

 

[siffoin]

You might want to check into Craigslist or Ebay. Where in Wyoming do you live? If you live in Jackson...odds are you can pick up a sweet bike off craigslist for $.01 in the $. If you live in Cheyenne, look at Denver, Ft. Collins, Boulder for deals.

Last year I bought a 3 year old used 29" Carbon Gary Fisher Front Suspension Superfly with SRAM X0 Shifters, upgraded brakes, upgraded fork etc, carbon seat post, handle bars etc - for $1200 from a professional racer. (bike was a $5k bike so there is significant depreciation from a bike a few years old) Bike is super light and fun to ride, and is never in the shop.

I'm close to 50 years old and don't really have much problem riding a hard tail in Boise. However, in places where there are lots of rocks or I ride for a distance (15-25 miles on trails)...I do wish I had full suspension. I lived in Laramie and would think Veedauwoo/Happy Jack would be fine for a hard tail. In Western Wyo...the trails might be more rocky.

The geometry of a lot of bikes puts your torso more forward over the frame - towards the handle bars. The geometry of my bike is slightly more upright...which my back appreciates, so think about that when you test ride.

Would highly recommend a 29" frame over a 26" frame.

Most of the guys I ride with don't think twice about dropping $5-$8k on a bike. So Ibis and Niner bikes are pretty popular. Obviously out of your price range, but again maybe on Ebay or Craigslist you could find an entry level Ibis/Niner.

The best bike of them all without a doubt is the Niner. You'd be getting an very entry level bike if you could find one under $1500...but it would be worth a $3k bike off the rack from some store. The guys who ride Niners make the most dramatic improvement in riding ability and those bikes are seriously the best built...never in the shop...bikes.

The cost of the bike is relative. $1000 is a lot if you rarely ride the bike. $3000 isn't that much if you ride 3-5x per week. In addition if your $1000 bike is in the shop for $100 repairs all the time...well the costs adds up.

I ride often with a cardiologist. He told me the single cheapest thing I can do for the health of my heart and longevity of my life is to buy a bike I love...and ride it as frequently as possible.

Example from denver craigslist:

https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/4393782425.html

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/bik/4417049711.html

 

[crush304]

...

Anyone have experience with tubeless tires or an adjustable seatpost?

I am a huge fan of both

 

[Tick]

Another recommendation for bikesdirect.com. I was nervous since you can't be sure the geometry will be what you want if you haven't tested the bike, but I love mine. I've got 600 miles of single track on it so far and have loved every minute of it.

If I were to get one today, I'd change one thing: my gears. I've got a 3x9, but I would get either a 2x9, 2x10, or even a 1x10 with the super-big inner ring for hill climbs. There's no need for the largest front gear - all it does is catch on logs.

If I were starting from scratch with a plan to spend $1000, I would get:

-Camelbak or clone, ~$40

-Decent padded shorts, 2 pairs, ~$70

-Shoes plus clips, probably just Crank Brothers eggbeaters, ~$100

-Ergon grips, ~$40

I'd probably start off with some Wal-mart accessories like helmet, bag, gloves, maybe a multitool (though I really like my Alien brand one). Call that $50 total. I'd specifically avoid expensive gloves until you figure out what works for you - multiple people I ride with have bought very expensive gloves, only to realize that they're shaped wrong for their hands and cut off circulation. Figure out what padding shape works for you on cheapies before getting something better (if you ever decide to).

So, I'm down to about $700 for the bike. Given that, I'd buy this bike:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_comp_xii.htm

Later on, I'd look at a Park bike stand, a chain cleaner (I think mine is also Park brand and is fine), and maybe a phone case... I've got a bike computer thingy that isn't so great, I end up using my iPhone in my pocket instead.

Specifically, I like the apps Strava and Maprika. There's probably some magical app that has everything I want in a single app, but for now I use both of these. Maprika is awesome for linking a paper trail map to a GPS map, Strava's great for elevation and speed information.

 

[matttyl]

On gears, I'm currently sporting a 2x10, but may go 1x should I change it. Tubes and a dropper post first, though.

 

[NutterButter]

There's also the 1x11 set up from sram which will give you all the gears of a 2x10 without the need for a front derailleur. You just need to drop about $1800 to switch over.