Bike Advice

[myuva2]

I am looking to buy my first new mountain bike. There are so many choices out there I am having trouble with making a decision. I currently am riding a bike that was my brothers. Gary Fishers Marlin, I love it but need a bike of my own. Looking to spend no more than $600 or so. I am an intermediate rider but love taking it to the edge so need something durable. Any suggestions?

[bikerRob]

I am looking to buy my first new mountain bike. There are so many choices out there I am having trouble with making a decision. I currently am riding a bike that was my brothers. Gary Fishers Marlin, I love it but need a bike of my own. Looking to spend no more than $600 or so. I am an intermediate rider but love taking it to the edge so need something durable. Any suggestions?

5/07/05 >> You might want to check around with your local bike shops, sometimes they will have some year-end-close-outs that will help you snag a good price on a decent bike. Another option is a used bike. Lots of people out there with used bikes for sale at bargain prices. If you know what you're looking for you might be able to talk someone down in price....that goes for the LBS's too. You didn't say on your post but you might want to tell us what size frame you are looking for...you might get some offers right here. (*note, if you are a smaller rider, you should be able to pick and choose what bike you want because I have seen lots of posts for smaller size frames)

[myuva2]

I need about an 18' frame. thanks

[bigbadbrad]

Hey there, "myuva2"--I presume you went/go to UVA? So did I (a long time ago-- I was shocked to start receiving mail this spring about my class reunion--20 yrs! :eek: Have no idea how that happened.)

Anyway, one of the former posts was a good suggestion. My son (15, aka themonkeyman herein) needed a new mountain bike a couple years ago, and we looked around at several stores. Of course he was jonesin' for the first one he saw, at REI (currently having a big sale, throu 5/15, by the way, worth checking). We wound up snagging a great deal on a previous year's model (this time of year, in fact). Specialized; got it at HTO (Hudson Trail Outfitters) for <$200! It's a great, solid bike, (lifetime frame guarantee from the manufacturer). He's still riding it, but has upgraded nearly everything, tweaking it to his preferences along the way. (He rides it pretty hard, although his entry-level Shimano front derailleur is still original).

From what you describe in your riding style, I'd go with a good quality hardtail. As you move up in price, you can generally improve on component groups, and front fork quality. I'd say try to get one with at least mid-level components (i.e. Shimano LX or --even better, SRAM 5.0 or higher) and a good suspension fork.

Anyway, check the aforementioned shops, plus whatever else is local to you. If you go to UVA, I'd try Blue Wheel Bikes if they're still around. I used to refer to them as the "coolest bike shop on the planet" back in the day. :cool:

Ride on!
--Brad

[bigbadbrad]

Just wanted to 2nd BikerRob's suggestion. May take a little work building one up, buying parts, etc., but see MarketPlace herein, there's a listing for:

Fisher Sugar 4+ Frame ... 17.5 in.

For which the seller only wants $200, plus he's got a shock he'll sell you. Point is, you could build yourself up a really sweet ride, high-end bike for about same cost as a good mid-level new bike.

And, while we're on the subject....if you need any help building said bike, send a PM to themonkeyman; he does some freelance bike mechanic work, reasonable rates. He's upgraded his Specialized (as mentioned), built up his own full suspension freeride bike, my Trek Fuel (full susp. XC), then built my old hardtail up as a singlespeed, does tune-ups for friends, etc. etc. :) He'll hook you up. ;)

Ride on!
--Brad

[jks9199]

I need about an 18' frame. thanks

You're looking for an 18 FOOT frame? Are we able to watch you play for the Wizards?

Sorry -- couldn't resist!

I'd encourage you to go to a bike shop (there are several good ones around) and try a few out. They'll help you figure out what size you really want... And as I've seen others mention -- they might even help you find a deal. For one example, Bikes@Vienna will let you rent a bike as a try out -- and then credit the rental costs to the purchase price if you decide to buy it. (Confirm the details; I don't work there, so things might have changed without notice.)

Jim