Mountain bikes

[ashes2beauty]

I'm going to start mountain biking... there's a place locally thats great for that (and there's actually hills, and its in Florida!). Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew of any decent mountain bikes under $250... I don't want to (nor can I) spend that much money on something I don't know if I'll stick with. hough if I continue with it, I'd upgrade to one of the best bikes on the market...

 

[vandeda]

ashes2beauty,

Have you thought about used? You could get a decent bike for a good price used. If you don't like it, you can turn around and re-sell it without much of a loss, if any loss at all.

And if you like it buy the best, you willing to spend 5+ grand? You'll be surprised how fast the price can go up

Dan

 

[ashes2beauty]

ashes2beauty,

Have you thought about used? You could get a decent bike for a good price used. If you don't like it, you can turn around and re-sell it without much of a loss, if any loss at all.

And if you like it buy the best, you willing to spend 5+ grand? You'll be surprised how fast the price can go up

Dan

LOL. If I liked mountain biking enough, and did it enough... I WOULD buy the best... because I'm a spoiled princess... and only the best will do for me.

 

[fallen^sparrow]

You can get a decent ride for $300 with an entry level bike from Gary Fisher ... the "Tarpon." Stay away from the temptation to buy from factory outlets like Costco/Walmart/SportChek etc ... the bike(s) have nice and colorful sticker/paint jobs but they are cheap in all the wrong places. Buying used is a great option and one I've used several times in the past. Most shops however have good sales on this time of year with 2006 models on the way; support your local LBS and they'll happily make sure your bike works well for years to come.

fallen^sparrow

 

[Oblivious]

I have an 18 speed Schwinn mountain bike I've had for almost 10 years. It has been a great bike, plus it's cool "looking" . Now is actually a great time to buy a bike. Biking season is winding down, and the bike stores are starting to liquidate their 2005 models.

Good luck.

 

[Jer]

If you're going for a bike in that price range it's best to avoid full suspension bikes. They don't do much for stopping the jolts and it adds loads of weight. I'm actually looking at getting one myself soon, as my old one broke. As Vandeda said it would probably be best to get a second hand one at first. You can see if you like it and then take it from there. Not to mention if the person took care of it then it would be a better one than a new one for the same price.

 

[ian90]

I have a Trek 3500

It's light, has nice rims/tyres and quality components all round. Even got pedals with sealed bearings. Cost me £200, so should be well within your budget.