Best bang for the buck mountain bike?

carnutzzz · 06-03-2008, 07:56 AM

I was at REI eyeballing the new Cannondale Caffeine- looked pretty cool, but don't know a ton about it. It's also a little pricey at $1k.

What is the best hardtail for around $600? I'll be using this on N. Georgia trails so figure hard packed clay, hilly, with a fair share of roots and rocks.

I'm 5' 10", 180 pounds and 34 y/o.

Thanks!

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

buy a used one

Porsche_monkey · 06-03-2008, 08:06 AM

Ditto. I got a nice $1,000 bike for $150. Craigslist.

Dantilla · 06-03-2008, 08:13 AM

My first Cannondale was a used one. Great value. Good choice, as long as it's the proper size.

The current one is a different story- Bought a new full-suspension bike with top line components. After riding a couple bikes back to back, I couldn't resist the expensive one.

VincentVega · 06-03-2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

buy a used one

Great advice

Or, wait until sept/oct when the current models are 'old'. I've bought a few used bikes, each looked new and was obviously rarely used and was half price.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

I think a $1K bike for $150 is a tad optimistic

PBH got one of those rare super deals. Definitely go used and stick with name brands. Avoid a bike with frame damage (more than simple paint scrapes) and look for name brand components.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I bought a full-suspension Cannondale Super-V 900 back in 1998 (when full-suspensions were new technology and just coming into their own). Still have it, I've beaten the snot out of it regularly and it still looks/rides great.

My only gripe is the components - it came with a mish-mash of CODA stuff (Cannondale's own, which are pretty decent actually), LX and DX. I'll probably upgrade all that eventually, but if you buy new you can probably spec out what you want.

C-dale makes a great bike. And they're still made here in the U.S. AFAIK.

CORNICE6 · 06-03-2008, 08:38 AM

Definitely a used one.
Here's a single speed Klein for $600 @ craigs.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/703052065.html

m21sniper · 06-03-2008, 08:44 AM

Anyone that would pay $1000 for a bike, that doesn't use it professionally, has too much money for his own good.

I agree with everyone else- definitely go used.

VincentVega · 06-03-2008, 08:46 AM

That's funny. You obviously know nothing about bikes.

mikeferg75 · mikeferg75's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by m21sniper

Anyone that would pay $1000 for a bike, that doesn't use it professionally, has too much money for his own good.

I agree with everyone else- definitely go used.

Anyhow, like stated above, check out craigslist ect. Buy a "almost new" 1500 bike for 600 you will be much happier.

Ferg

m21sniper · 06-03-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Martin

That's funny. You obviously know nothing about bikes.

I know that any $1000 dollar bike can be had for 1/2 price used. Just like virtually all items. Seriously- $1000 for a pedal bike? Does it come with a blowjob?

The last bike i bought was a 10 speed, back in the mid 90s, i got it used in perfect condition for $75.00

What i know about is deals.

creaturecat · 06-03-2008, 09:15 AM

Cannondale = Crack and Fail

NICKG · 06-03-2008, 09:17 AM

if you are looking for a mountain bike..this is the place to go. K2 makes NICE bikes, i have one

www.rscycle.com

HardDrive · 06-03-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creaturecat

Cannondale = Crack and Fail

I had a Cannondale mountain bike. It was light, but rear chain stays were out of alignment from the factory. The rear wheel would pull out of the chainstays. The material used in the chainstays did not help. Could be a fluke, but I was not a happy camper.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by m21sniper

Anyone that would pay $1000 for a bike, that doesn't use it professionally, has too much money for his own good.

.

one can say that about pretty much any hobby or enthusiast past time.

I can go buy a saturday night special that fires bullets for $50...why should I buy a decent gun?

MickeyD's fill me up...why should I spend $100 on omikase at The Hump?

A Kia will get me to and from work...why should I buy a Porsche?

I can buy an acoustic guitar for $50...why should I buy a Martin?

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I've heard that "crack-n-fail" thing about Cannondale too, although I can say from first-hand experience I've had a few hits on mine that I thought MIGHT crack the frame and never did. It's been a very, very good bike.

Maybe the newer ones are a different (more brittle) alloy? Dunno.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by m21sniper

What i know about is deals.

now that is comedy gold!

71T Targa · 06-03-2008, 09:25 AM

I caught the rear derailleur of my Cannondale on a stick and pulled it right out of the chain stay. The alu. threads from the frame were still in the steel threads of the derailleur. I think they have replaceable derailleur hangers now though.

gchappel · 06-03-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m21sniper

Anyone that would pay $1000 for a bike, that doesn't use it professionally, has too much money for his own good.

I agree with everyone else- definitely go used.

And you own a porsche?? I must have WAY too much money.
For a first bike I would agree used is a good way to go. Make sure the bike fits well, and is safe. If you can wait a couple of months you can also get good deals on last years bikes- usually about August. Check around at the shops, a good shop will often have good used bikes- tradeins, etc.
Broke my leg- bad- mountain bike 17 weeks ago. Be careful out there.
Gary