Recommendations for entry level mountain bike...

Big Ed · 01-30-2008, 05:36 AM

It's winter here in New England, so I have some time to plan this out.

Last fall, some health issues became the inspiration for a healthier lifestyle. I have taken on cardio & weight training in earnest and my results have been very good -- 40 pounds lost since Nov 1 and feeling better.

Come springtime and better weather, I'll want to spend less time indoors and more out. I live in a pretty rural area and have access to some great wooded trails. I am planning to take advantage of these for mountain biking. I haven't ridden a bike much at all in the past 15 years, and my goal is specifically enjoyable exercise -- not competition.

So my question is, what should I look for in a bike & how much do I need to spend? I don't even know where to start, so can those in the know educate me?

Thanks!

KFC911 · 01-30-2008, 05:45 AM

I was in the same boat a couple years ago, and picked up a Gary Fisher mtn. bike from a local bicycle shop (approx $500). This would be VERY entry level for some, but it's more than adequate for my usage, and I can't believe how far technology has come since I wore out my Schwinn back in college.

85eurocarrera · 85eurocarrera's Garage

http://www.mtbr.com/

Surf around in here. Then when you know what you want check for used stuff in your area. You can find lots of slightly used bikes at your price point that are nicer than what you will spend the same money on new. I am a believer in lighter is better when it comes to (trail) mt bikes.

Picked up this 29er last fall. For the tight, fast and relatively flat single track I ride around here, this bike rocks. Now I need to get in shape enough to loose the gears.

NICKG · 01-30-2008, 08:19 AM

i got a k2..they are nice and can be inexpensive. decide if you want fully suspended or hardtail.
www.rscycle.com is your friend

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

Full suspension is the only way to go if you are not a young racer. Us old guys need all the help we can get.

Entry level suspension is entry level. The good stuff is awesome. Entry level brakes and shifting while on the trail will be mediocre at best.

If you want to be a mountain biker than bite the bullet and get a nice bike. If you are unsure then try a cheap one and see if you like the sport.

I would avoid a used bike unless the person never rode it. A used bike from someone who rode a lot will be pretty worn out. The good parts are light, work great but are used up quickly.

CurtEgerer · CurtEgerer's Garage

Wow! Some good deals at RS Cycle. Thanks.

j8tg · 01-30-2008, 08:31 AM

Great looking Salsa 29er. Finally bought into the big wheel concept and built up a Niner Air9 last fall. Best bike I've ever had -----just under 23 lbs---but not neccesarily a good choice for entry level.

NICKG · 01-30-2008, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

Wow! Some good deals at RS Cycle. Thanks.

especially if you check the close out deals...

alf · 01-30-2008, 08:40 AM

Craigslist. Do a search on Deore which is Shimano's high end component group.

CurtEgerer · CurtEgerer's Garage

That single-speed 'track' bike for $399 is unbelievable.

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

I'd go for light as possible, aluminum frame and full suspension. You should be able to get a good bike $1000 - $2000, but obviously there are cheaper ones too!

Like anything you tend to get what you pay for. I second looking at http://www.mtbr.com/ - they have great forums and review sections.

I've started riding again after a 10 year break and now ride about two 10 mile rides a week. I'm fortunate with a good area for trails in the area. I noticed my level of fitness increased dramtically after about a month, right now I seem to be on a bit of a plateau. But I've only been riding for about 6 months, many riders I meet on the trails say it's taken them about 2 years of riding to reach peak fitness!!!!

Matt

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

This is what I'd really like to get, had a demo in bike store last week

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_full_suspension/remedy/remedy9/

But I think I'll be staying with my 10 year old Cannondale.

Good luck with your search and I hope you get as much enjoyment riding the trails as I do.

Matt

TyFenn · 01-30-2008, 10:02 AM

Salsa...

must resist....must resist....

quick, someone take my wallet....

85eurocarrera · 85eurocarrera's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by j8tg

Great looking Salsa 29er. Finally bought into the big wheel concept and built up a Niner Air9 last fall. Best bike I've ever had -----just under 23 lbs---but not neccesarily a good choice for entry level.

Thanks. Sounds like you have a very nice ride as well.

As far as full suspension goes, what are your trails like? Before I purchased my 29er I was looking at full suspended stuff. 4" or more travel in the rear is nice on some of the sketchy downhill stuff but then you have to haul that heavy (relatively) suspension up the hills. More moving parts ect... on an entry level bike I say nice light hard tail. Make that a hard tail in a 29er, run 20-25 psi and you would be amazed at how smooth of a ride you have.

Also, Matt made a good point. DEMO as many as you can.

Whats your price point?

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

2 best options:

- get a used one

- buy last year's model

also, think about what is easiest to upgrade - I'd say the forks.

then there is the type of riding you do. a hard tail will be cheaper than a fully susp. bike and just about as good for many uses

OTOH, if you plan to spend a lot of time riding a ski lift uphil and then just going down, you gotta go full susp.

jhynesrockmtn · 06:32 AM

If you're just starting out I'd recommend finding a good local bike store and getting their advice on a bike that will work for your usage, build, etc. Make sure you find someone who knows their stuff and is willing to spend time with you and then buy from them. You can get really nice bikes today for well under $1,000 that will last forever if cared for. Small local bike stores are a great resource that the community needs to support before the large national chains squish them.

When I started 10+ years ago the mountain bike was just getting started and there were little options. Bikes today are so varied from hard core full suspension to hybrid to commuter to weekend road racer. If you really get into it you'll end up buying more or different later. I've now got a full suspension santa cruz, two road bikes and one I use to commute to work on when I'm not driving a Porsche.

The biggest thing is the changes in your life you've decided to make. That is awesome. I hadn't ridden a bike in 20+ years when I started due to a bad knee that made me quit running. Last year I completed multiple 100 mile plus rides and an ultramarathon 145 mile ride around Mount Rainier shortly after turning 44. I'm in the best shape of my life right now. Keep it up!

SLO-BOB · 01-31-2008, 06:42 AM

I bought this last December.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/1280/29354/

They were trying to clear out the bikes from that year. Cost me about $300. I've always had good quality bikes and I was impressed with how much bang for the buck the Giant provides - especially on drastic clearance. The Yukon is perfectly suited to 9 out 10 riders out there. I have a Fat City Yo Eddy that cost quite a bit more that I ride on occassion, but I feel less guilty about beating on the Giant. I will say, it's a bit heavy, but mine is an XL. I have one of their Ultegra road bikes too. Overall nice stuff. Look for klast years model on anything you buy.