Yoter

Is this Mtn Bike a POS?http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...674784780&rd=1

shazaam

absolute crap .. don't buy it.

Tacoma Dude

Not bad considering how much it's going for but if you factor shipping you'd be better off going local.

Depends on how "into" the biking you want to get. You can go to your local Costco and/or Walmart and get a bike that will last you a couple years for about that much.

Just stay away from the cheap bikes with the full suspension. You'll waste your energy by bouncing up and down instead of using it on forward momentum.

shazaam

I know some of these guys spend $1K+ on some of these bikes .. and their pretty sweet .. but I'm just a beginner/light off road biker .. mostly just urban and light trails .. I got myself a Trek for around $300, and it serves my purposes. This weekend I got my sis a Specialized Hard Rocks ... very nice bike for about $265.

I figured if I stick to it for 2-3 yrs then I'll spend the big bucks on it

Tacoma Dude

Ben,

If you're looking into some serious biking you can do a search and find all sorts of really good info (but you already know that). If you're looking just to get from place to place at minimal cost your answer would be the cheap crap brands. Then again, $265 for a Specialized Hard Rock is an awesome deal!

shazaam

I don't know if you guys have this store .. its called Hudson trail outfitters. They had the 2004 models reduced .. which is surprizing for this time of year. Plus they give free lifetime tune-ups. They even had those yellow gary fishers for like $475

Yoter

I am wanting to get a MB for both urban rides & cross country riding. I had a cheap WalMart Diamondback but traded it for wheels for the 4runner. In the past I was always use to riding non suspension bikes like Ralieghs & Sekais. I would be happy with a good MB that just has a front shock, 21+spd., and large framed (im 6 foot). I hate riding a bike where I feel squished onto it. I dont want to spend over $300 though being I need to have some funding for a move within the next month or so.

Tacoma Dude

Stay away from the Raleighs.
Our bike fleet at work here used to be Raleighs and we broke the frame in the exact same spot on two different bikes.

Components are one thing, frames are another - I'm never buying Raleigh as a personal bike.

midiwall

I've had a Specialized Rockhopper for about 10 years now and it's all original. No complaints what-so-ever. I keep it clean, oil it and it just keeps on running.

Specialized:
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkFami...d=04Rockhopper

(side note... again, my bike's 10 years old, I have no idea what the quality is these days)

Yoter

What did the force go to. Our local force has the S&W's & the Specialized bikes.

Scofco

I'd say looking the Trek bikes, I have a Renegade (if I recall they are the same) and I think it's great. Not the best, but great for what I paid.

Yoter

Is that a new word?

Scofco

That would make a good alias/handle for someone.

http://www.ci.mooresville.nc.us/docu...aterreport.htm

Look at the very top of the window, on the titlebar. Common mistake

jacksonpt

Look for a used Giant Warp. Great bike, good price, and there are good deals to be had with used bikes if you are patient.

KevyWevy

looks like im in the same boat as good old Ben here!!! i was just thinking about going to costco and getting a bike there and if i really get into it like i have skiing, then i'll buy something better.

midiwall

oops.. (fixed above)

Tacoma Dude

Our dept. went with the S&W bikes. Not that S&W makes them but they do have quality Shimano components and have endured a lot of wear and tear.

MTL_4runner

If you aren't going to do any serious riding, then get a brand name used one off ebay. There are tons of good brands: giant, trek, gary fisher, kona, specialized, GT, etc... Most people who buy in the lower price (say 300-700) range barely use it, so it just sits there collecting dust. Then you pick it up in almost new condition for less than half of what they paid. You should be able to get a decent hardtail for (150-300) used then if you don't want it anymore, you can unload it for little or no loss on your part.

Bennito

To take it a step further, check your local outdoor stores (not necessarily bike stores) for 1 year old rentals, 2+ year old closeouts, and most of all the bulletin board of used equipment for sale. The newspaper and ebay can be a good route. If you doln't have someone local to go look at the bikes with you, go with name brands.

ruizs

Also, be sure to check reviews of your purchase at:

www.mtbr.com

Of course, a sub $300 bike isn't gonna get 5 star reviews, but atleast you can check if it breaks things often, etc.