Ok, so I want to buy a mountain bike so I can ride to school, it might be 8 to 10 miles, but it'll save me some cash(don't think I need to explain why). My wife gave me the go ahead. I'm thinking I'd like to spend $500 at most.
Does anyone here have a mountain bike they like?
Here's some I have been looking at: Schwinn Rocket, Diamondback XSL, Diamondback Topanga Comp, Specialized Hardrock.

One thing I have noticed after researching for about a week, this hobby is just like cars (Chevelles), bikes start at $125 for cheap Walmart crap and go up to the sky :clonk: ($4000), then it seems most everyone can't leave their bike alone. Upgrade the pedals, derailluers, brakes, crankset,wheels, front fork, etc,etc, and you have yourself a sweet ride....however, I will be mainly riding on the roads, so I have no need for this extra stuff, plus that would cut into my Chevelle budget.

A penny for your thoughts..... :)

Buy a hybrid. You don't really need a MTB and a hybrid will be a lot more comfortable to commute on. Trek makes good ones

And spend a LOT of time picking out a good backpack or you'll hate using it.

Edit: Stuff you don't need: Disk brakes, shocks, shock seat posts

Stuff you'll need: Helmet (commuting is more dangerous than you realize), glasses (lots of crap flying around), gloves, fenders if you plan to wear your regular clothing

Why buy an off-road oriented setup when your plan is use it mostly for riding on asphalt? IMO you should be looking for a comfortable road bike.

Ok guys, good points but I was going to have street tires put on it (hybrid tires, smooth center, traction on sides) and I thought it would be nice to able to off-road ocassionally,although there are no mountains in Illinois.

Kurt,
Whats a hybrid? I can see I have a long ways to go before buying......

Kurt,
Whats a hybrid? I can see I have a long ways to go before buying......

More of a commuter style bike. Basicly a MTB type frame, lighter components, and a more upright riding style

ie: Look at the 'comfort' bikes listed here

http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp

Not that a road or MTB wouldn't work well for you (I ride a road bike for my commute) but if you're new to biking and want to keep costs down, thats the way to go. You can't get a good roadbike for $500 and you'd be hard pressed to get a good MTB for that $. Plus you need consider all the other stuff you'll need, and if thats coming out of your $500, you're even more limited

But whatever you decide, make sure you do this 1 thing: Test ride it. And I don't mean some 2 min loop around the parking lot. Take it for a ride, a cpl miles at least. You wouldn't test drive a new car in the lot, would you?

And if the shop doesn't want to let you do that, walk away. When I was looking for my bikes, I went for 20-30 min rides on them. You need to test it as if you were actually using it

Go to an independent bike store. Now may be a good time to buy. Dealers will be trying to get rid of their 2005 inventory.

I bought a Giant in 1995 for about $500, and still use it for trail riding. Close to 2000 miles and it still goes strong. Good, basic bulletproof bike.

Edit: Stuff you'll need: Helmet (commuting is more dangerous than you realize), glasses (lots of crap flying around), gloves, fenders if you plan to wear your regular clothing

I agree with the above, as for the other stuff, I wouldn't know... when I commute by bike Im on my 8 inch travel front, 6 inch travel rear full on DH rig :D

why don't you get one of those two wheeled things that you lean and it goes, (ever watch arrested development?), weren't those meant for this exact thing? anybody ever get to ride one? looks like a blast. if i was more coordinated i'd get one, but you'd probably find me wraped around a fire hydrant, or planted in the side of a bus....i'd be the first guy arrested for hit and run but only because i can't figure out how to stop it. will you get tracks for winter?

...bikes start at $125 for cheap Walmart crap and go up to the sky :clonk: ($4000), then it seems most everyone can't leave their bike alone. Upgrade the pedals, derailluers, brakes, crankset,wheels, front fork, etc,etc, and you have yourself a sweet ride...

One thing I would keep in mind if I was you- mid-higher end bikes aren't what they were a few years ago. What I mean is A LOT of the companies that were selling in the 5-700 range back then were actually making frames in the US and Canada. Now, you guessed it- its CHiNa; and they are charging the same price!

If you want a quality bike that doesn't fall apart or get weak, maybe it would be wise to look at some nice used bikes. You spoke of upgrading, and if you get something used for under your budget with a GOOD FRAME, you can do what you want with it upgrade wise and still be under or around your budget. Sort of like buying a 6 banger Malibu and putting in a V8 later ;). Thats IMHO..Couldn't hurt to get a MTB mag or two, sometimes mail order places blow out NICE bikes for cheap.

If you want reviews to read to give you some ideas, knock yourself out! Even some neat trails listed on the site to give you somewhere to fool around when you aren't just using the bike just for transport.

http://www.mtbr.com/

I ride a Raleigh M-50, I've had it for a few years & have been really happy with it.. I think it was about $425.00 (if memory serves).. If you intend to use it for longer rides, I would make sure to get one with an alumineum (sp?) frame to keep the weight down..

Scott

Look at Trek, built in the USA. I ride a Trek 950 Singletrack and just bought an aluminum Trek 4900 used for $200. Check on www.craigslist.org for a good buy, that is where I found the 4900, aluminum really makes a noticable weight difference from the chrome-moly on the old 950.....have fun.....Mike

Whichever brand frame you chose, get the midgrade derailluer, cranks, and shifter. They will be most used component for a daily driver LOL. Dont get the cheap ones they fall out of adjustment constantly and dont last for crap.

The sale trend I noticed lately; decent frames with junk componets.

I just hauled my old '92 Trek 6000 down to the bike shop for a tune-up yesterday. I haven't rode it in a couple of years, and the thumb shifters are sticky, rear derailer is shot, etc. Getting a new Shimano LX derailer put on, as that's what was originally there. All LX bike, have to agree with the quality component stuff. Stay away from the lower priced stuff, find an LX or XT fitted bike, and it'll last years longer, and work better. It can get expensive down the line, too. I upgraded to a shock and XT v-brakes when they came out, and all tolled, I have about $1800 into the bike over the years. But it works great, if you keep it lubed up. ;)

litespeed, cannondale, Khc, giant, specialized, GT, the first 4 are expensive but nice, the last 2 are cheap ok bikes, i mostly did bmx riding and some trail riding, but those were custom mongooses.

why don't you get one of those two wheeled things that you lean and it goes, (ever watch arrested development?), weren't those meant for this exact thing? anybody ever get to ride one? looks like a blast. if i was more coordinated i'd get one, but you'd probably find me wraped around a fire hydrant, or planted in the side of a bus....i'd be the first guy arrested for hit and run but only because i can't figure out how to stop it. will you get tracks for winter?

They're called "Segways". They are supposed to be easy to ride. Even the president can ride it.."sort of" :eek: :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/starguard/segway-crash-bush.jpg

Dont worry about brand name. For the most part they are all made in the same place. Worry about component brand and quality. Even if you do street riding, shocks will make it more enjoyable. Plus, look at the rim quality. You want a double wall to avoid bending them on curbs or rocks. Again, component quality should be number 1. IMO buying a Trek or Specialized is a waste because your paying for a sticker on a frame that was welded in the same factory as some less expensive, not as well know companies.

I have been mountain biking for about 15 years, and the best advice that I can give you is to find a bike shop that you like and tell them what you budget is right up front. I just bought a new Trek 4500 Disk bike this summer and it is far and away the best bike I have ever ridden. It cost me $569, but you can save about 80 bucks by not getting the disc brakes, which you really do not need anyway, I just iked the way they looked. I bought my wife a Trek 3700 this summer also, and it's a nice bike, jut a little lower end shifters and dereuillers. Listen to Byfield and test ride any bike you are thinking of buying, you will be amazed at how the small things such as stem length and small changes in frame size will affect the comfort of your ride.
Since you will be commuting you will need a way to haul some stuff. My suggestion is to get a rack with a trunk pack on it, or else if you need a backpack you can strap the pack to your rack. I hate riding with a pack on my back, it does nothing but make you hotter, and sweat like a hog.
I also would suggest that for your first bike buy one with mid level components. You sure do not want to buy junk, and for most people there is no reason to spend 300 extra bucks on high end components. I would look for something with at least Deore, or LX components. For me a front shock is a must no matter what type of riding you are doing, even when I ride the concrete trails it's nice not to get beat around.
For tires, if you are going to ride only in town, then I would see if the bike shop will swap out the mudders for some smoother street tires. I bought an extra set of rims, and mounted some smoother tires for when I ride on the street, and then I switch back to my mudders when I am off road trail riding. If you ride with knobby tires on hard pavement for too long, the road buzz will not only drive you nuts, but will end up making you hands go numb.
In the end the most important thing is to stay away from department store bikes. The people there have no clue how to assemble bikes correctly, and you will get no service. I have been dealing with the same local sop since I was a little kid, and with the price of their bikes I get tune ups every year and adjustments all year long if needed.
Here is my list of things that you will need for sure. You will need a helmet, front and rear lights, a rear rack and pack, an MP3 player to keep you entertained, gloves, and even though you may not think so, you will need proper clothing will keep you cooler, dryer and much more happy.
Good luck with your hunt, and remember do not let the sales person tell you which bike is the best, only you giving it a test ride can tell if it's going to be comfortable for you.

http://www.trekbikes.com/

Everybody needs a Segway!

Great personal transportation idea!

BUT you ever price one??

He, He!!

pdq67

Look at Trek, built in the USA.

Only their upper end bikes. You'd be hard pressed to find a $500 bike made in the US these days

I got a cheap one and I'm glad I did. It's covered in cobwebs with dry rotted tires. :D

I just bought a Trek Navigator 300 which is a comfort hybrid bike. It is designed for commuting and pleasure riding. It has higher style handle bars, front suspension, suspension seat stem, smooth tread tires and a larger seat. The frame was made in China(maybe the whole bike! This bike retaled for $439.00. I think it is a good choice for an all round bike. There are several Trek dealers close to you in Illinois. I bought mine in Charleston.

I really like my Cannondale bike.I like the big tube look,and the CAD aluminum frame is very lite.The rock shox fork always performs great.I have this bike since about '98,and never had a single problem with it.I have a buddy that races them,and he said to stay away from the full suspension bikes for on the street because of the rear sagging,they are meant for downhill racing.I want to upgrade to another bike with disc brakes though,but it'll definately be a Cannondale.
http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/1941/bike12rv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

One thing I would keep in mind if I was you- mid-higher end bikes aren't what they were a few years ago. What I mean is A LOT of the companies that were selling in the 5-700 range back then were actually making frames in the US and Canada. Now, you guessed it- its CHiNa; and they are charging the same price!
http://www.mtbr.com/
This is actually interesting, Iwent to my local bike shop and asked if they could point me to the USA made bikes and the owner said, "everything is made in China, unless you want to step up to the $2500+ range, then you can get a bike that the FRAME is made in the USA, but the rest of the components are made in China and the nike is probably assembled in China as well. I think I have reached my tolerance for USA made prices, I dont have $2500 for a bike.

I also have been searching www.mtbr.com for the reviews of bikes I was looking at. Seems like they are all extreme riders, very few reviews of street riders, but maybe that's because I'm looking at the wong bikes...


Great info guys, keep it coming....... :beers:

This is actually interesting, Iwent to my local bike shop and asked if they could point me to the USA made bikes and the owner said, "everything is made in China, unless you want to step up to the $2500+ range, then you can get a bike that the FRAME is made in the USA, but the rest of the components are made in China and the nike is probably assembled in China as well. I think I have reached my tolerance for USA made prices, I dont have $2500 for a bike.

I also have been searching www.mtbr.com for the reviews of bikes I was looking at. Seems like they are all extreme riders, very few reviews of street riders, but maybe that's because I'm looking at the wong bikes...


Great info guys, keep it coming....... :beers:

Well, you could do it for a bit less, but it would still be well above your $500

Almost all bikes made in the US are hand made. The Carbon Treks, custome fit frames, etc.

The components are all made overseas, either in Asia or Italy

etc.

While I understand your desire to buy American, you may as well set that aside in this case as it's not going to happen.

You'e going to have a tough time finding many people with comments on commuter style bikes as most to them are not part of the 'cycling community'. They're average people who have a bike they ride, vs being 'cyclists'. They treat it like they treat a commuter car. Kinda like how you don't really find many people gathering to discuss the merits of your average Buick.

Your best bet is this: Take a Saturday or 2 and go testing. Tell them your price point, refuse to budge from that if it's important and then start to ride bikes. At $500, ther's not going to be a whole lot of difference between the major brands so I would suggest your spend your time looking for a bike that fits well, feels good, and that you enjoy riding.

Important: Make sure you're wearing what you plan to commute in. And since yu mentioned it was 8 miles (?), I would strongly suggest you get padded shorts. They look stupid, they feel weird, but they save your ass, literally. You can get regular looking shorts so that you don't have to wear the tight road style. You can also get liners with pads so that you can wear them under a normal pair of shorts/pants

Scott, I've got a 5 year old Giant Yukon. I have upgraded it with a Manitou fork, pedals, a nice seat, and some cheap road tires. I've done commuting with it, then for the dirt, get out some decent tires, and in 15 minutes, I've got a good dirt mtb. I bought my bike from a small mom and pop store. Service is fantastic, and very helpful. When I replaced the fork, they just charged me the cost of the fork, no labour. I would recommend going to a small store and get to know them, then check out what you like in the price range you want. You can always purchase upgrades along the way. Seats, handlebar grips, and tires make a huge difference, with just small cash outlay. Daren

Look at Trek, built in the USA. The only Trek frames that are made in the USA still are their 100% Carbon Fiber frames. Other that that they are all made in China. Someone here also said not to worry about brand bacause they are all made in the same factory. That is true except I have found that with the Trek line you seem to get better components all the way around for the same money than with some others. I believe that Trek owns Giant, and Gary Fisher also. What I also like about the Trek line is they seem to have the most choices in all of the price ranges.

Dig a little deeper into the MTBR site, the bikes are there from average riders..

Byfield is right about PROBABLY not being able to find a new AMerican made bike in your price range. That is why I suggested buying a nice used bike from a few years ago. ONe other suggestion I would give is to listen to another poster in this thread and take a look at Raleigh. They are actually a nice bike for the money, and USED to be made in the US. Not sure if they still are but...

Do yourself a favor and make the 5.00 investment in a magazine at the grocery store. Like I said, there are some places that blow out nice bikes for cheap prices just because they are last years models! Look at the ads in the back.

Since you ARE a hot-rodder and obvioulsy mechanically inclined, you could ALSO buy a frame and BUILD your own bike for the same or LESS money than you could buy one! Once again, we come to the supergos and pricepoints. If you look in the clearances and stuff, you can score KILLER deals on stems, rims, tires, cranks, etc.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14185-135_SETJD5_KIT-3-Parts-60-Frames/Sette-Reken-Hardtail-Frame-w_-Rock-Judy-XC-Fork.htm

*edit* Here's another neat deal for a frame to build your own.* Check the reviews for the frame at the bottom of the page.

http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?LPROD_ID=26065&lsubcat_id=1818&lcat_id=7604&referpage=

A bike is NOT tough to build at all. What you would wind up with for 500 building it yourself would be MUCH better than what you buy for 500. It would be awesome, IMHO. That Sette at pricepoint is their shop brand, but in reality its probably a better frame than the other manu's low end bikes. Kind of like shop brand skateboard decks...The wood is the same, just doesn't have the fancy graphics.

I mean, you put that frame together with a pair $25 SUn rims, get some IRC Mythos XC Racing Tires for $30 for the PAIR, and you have $280 for 3/4 of a bike that already is better than what you could buy! (Pricepoint)....We're talking you already HAVE a nice bike that just needs a drive train/stem handlebars. You can pick up handlebars and stems for CHEAP at Pricepoint or Supergo too!

team cannondale here. made in th usa.

Since my Dr scolded me again for not having an exercise regimen when I went for my last physical I decided to try bicycling. I used to love it when I was a kid and there's an excellent bike path near here.

I went to a couple of bike shops and tried a variety of models to see what I liked. Being 6'5" 350lb I had reservations about the skinny tires and wheels they have. I was assured that would not be a problem, so I finally decided on a bike called a "Townie", made by Electra Bicycle. It features so called "flat foot technology", which means you don't have to stand on your tippy toes to get the seat hieght set. The down side to that is I've found standing up to pedal like I did on my old bikes when I was a kid is not an option. With 21 speeds though I can pedal sitting down plenty good enough.

I think the bike is made in the USA. It was pricey at about $400 out the door but I've really enjoyed riding it. The paved bike path I use is a 5mi round trip which is just right for me at this early stage of my exercise thing. I get a much better work out riding the bike than walking/running. My body doesn't take as much of a beating.

Anyway, here's a link info on the bike I have
http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/05bikes/twn/05_twn_15.html
:waving:

A bunch of us fat old boys get together and ride the Katy Trail here in Central Missouri around Jefferson City and Columbia.

A couple of them have 27" tall, smooth tread, tire "TRAIL" bikes.

They have high handle-bars, a big sprung seat like an old time Hog and a sprung seat socket, front shocks and springs as well as canti-levered rear springs and a shock. 21 speeds if not mistaken?

The guys swear by them!!

They ask me why I'm riding the 12 year old "3/4 sized" one that was SOTA back then that belongs to my now grown Son.

I would get one but don't have the about $750 or so one costs is all...........

Plus, I am really not a hardcore bike rider like some guys I know that have 20 pound road bikes that cost as much as a decent stock motor overhaul!!

pdq67