Mountain bike advice

[Darrell]

Gorillas,

The doctor told me to help with my knee, I should get a mtn bike and do some riding, nothing hardcore - easy stuff. I was wondering if you could recommend a good starter bike. I'd like to spend no more than $500, but would like it from a respectable company i.e. not huffy.

Thanks,

Darrell

[ambientboy]

Specialized HardRock Sport


I love mine and beat the crap out of it. awesome bike. they also have two other models the XC and the disc breaks. Stellar.

I did a lot of research, ended up liking them better that Trek, and cheaper than cannondale.

[Alpedhuez55]

At that price point, you should be able to get a 27 speed hard tail with a Shimano Deore Drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes.

Something like this Marin will work nicely:

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/775003

Here is an Iron Horse:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

At that pricepoint, I would avoid brands like Trek, Cannondale or Specialized. Go for something like a Haro, Iron Horse, Marin, Fuji or other second tier brand. You still may find a leftover 07 bike if you shop around a little.

[sanfrantreat]

Im in the same market right now too, am looking at iron horse but hard to find ..

[Darrell]

Originally Posted by ambientboy

Specialized HardRock Sport


I love mine and beat the crap out of it. awesome bike. they also have two other models the XC and the disc breaks. Stellar.

I did a lot of research, ended up liking them better that Trek, and cheaper than cannondale.

That's a nice bike, thanks Dan. I'll see if a local shop has one I can try out.

[Opusfxd]

Why a mountain bike? Why not a road bike? So I'm partial, I'm a roadie by trade but played on the single track in the past.

Find a reputable bike shop and ask alot of questions, test a bunch and then ask more questions. When shopping for a bike, look at the important parts such as drivetrain. You can skimp on some other parts but the things that make you go are important. I wouldn't recommend you running out and getting Dura Ace or Diore either.

I remember back in the 80's there were several really good pros that were brought to the bike for knee rehab. My doc told me to stop running and ride more.

I'd try and find something used as well from Craigslist and the like.

Trek is good! </disassociated ramblings>

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by r-ice

Im in the same market right now too, am looking at iron horse but hard to find ..

Norco is a good make in Canada. And I love my Rocky Mountain Slayer, but that is in the $2000 price range.

Really until you get over $1000, there is not going to be much difference in most brands. 95% of the of the bikes are built on a basic 6061 robot welded Taiwanese hardtail frame or a full suspension bike that is nothing to write home about.

There is going to be little difference between a a bike like a Trek and a cheaper brand. From my experience in shops, Ironhorse, Marin, and Fuji are good out of the box with a decent quality wheel. I have seen Fuji and Jamis come in with wheels that needed tweaking more often, but at a good shop this should not be an issue.

Also under $500, look for something used. You will probably find several people who bought an $800 MTB that has been converted to a Coat Rack. You can probably take it off their hands for a few hundred.

[fizguy]

Originally Posted by Alpedhuez55

At that price point, you should be able to get a 27 speed hard tail with a Shimano Deore Drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes.

Something like this Marin will work nicely:

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/775003

Here is an Iron Horse:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

At that pricepoint, I would avoid brands like Trek, Cannondale or Specialized. Go for something like a Haro, Iron Horse, Marin, Fuji or other second tier brand. You still may find a leftover 07 bike if you shop around a little.

If it is not hardcore riding I don't think disc brakes are necessary. My first bike was a schwinn high sierra with shimano components and worked quite nicely. I rode it both on the road and on the trails.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Alpedhuez55

Also under $500, look for something used. You will probably find several people who bought an $800 MTB that has been converted to a Coat Rack. You can probably take it off their hands for a few hundred.

Go to Craigslist and buy something used. $500 new does not get you anything worthwhile. Mountain bikes take a beating, so as long as it's clean and serviced, don't worry about buying a show piece. Make sure it fits proper.

I am suprised your doctor mentioned mountain biking... I'd think road biking would be easier on your knees, be less likely to crash, and more efficent in time spent- from out the door to riding.

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by fizguy

If it is not hardcore riding I don't think disc brakes are necessary. My first bike was a schwinn high sierra with shimano components and worked quite nicely. I rode it both on the road and on the trails.

Discs are not just for hardcore riding. They are on just about every trail worthy mountain bike on the market. They stop well in any weather . If you hit something, break a spoke and knock your wheel out of round you have a better chance of riding out of the woods instead of hiking. In most cases, because the rim is not being used for breaking, you will get a stronger or lighter wheel. They pretty much self adjust. And most importantly, they are safer!!!

V brakes stop well, but on a mountain bike, they are old technology. The squeal like a pig when dirt gets in them. They can start tearing up the rim too.

In the $500 range, you should be able to find a new 2007 leftover 27 speed Deore equiped Hardtail with a decent fork made my Rock Shox, Manitou or if you are lucky, a Marzocchi. Anything less than that, is not truly trail worthy.

[AD720]

Originally Posted by Alpedhuez55

Marin, and Fuji

I love my Marin. GF loves her Fuji.

[Footbag]

There have been a lot of good suggestions here, but the best one is to go to a local bike shop and try every bike. Depending on your arm length and frame size, each bike will have advantages and disadvantages.
Personally, I ride a Trek Fuel 100. As for Disc Brakes, they are not necessary, but if you do plan on riding in the woods they could save your life.
Road biking is cool also, but depending on your local, it could be very tough dodging traffic.

[shaggy]

i dont think darrell is goin to go full on trail riding. judging that he has a bad knee i would think he will be riding on the road or groomed trails for all intents and purposes. for this reason i think just about any cheap quality bike will work for him. i have a trek 800 that works great for me to tool around town and ride to work on. the only thing i think he should stay away from is a full suspension bike as in this price range they are not all that good.

doesnt matter what you get darrell...just make sure u are comfortable on it and have fun

[BostonBull]

Check out some Konas in that price range as well!