recommend a mountain bike

[JeepKiller]

[MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] So I've found a few candidates.
2 genesis mountain bikes
Specialized Rockhopper
IBEX Ignition mountain bike
2010 DiamondBack Sorrento
http://greenville.craigslist.org/bik/5201749291.html

 

[1engineer]

I know there are some that say don't go online but I disagree.

I bought a Trek Road bike from my local shop a few years ago but when it came time to look at Mtn bikes I bought a 29R Hard Tail from BikesDirect (last year) for $1500 and its awesome.

Save Up To 60% Off Road Bikes, Bicycles, Mountain Bikes and Bicycles with Bikesdirect.com, New with full warranties

Easily a $2500 bike at your local bike shop.

The parts alone retail at $1200-$1500 on the bike I got. It is very light and was even simple to setup. I took it down to my local shop to have them tweak it out and they were very friendly. The guy working on it was blown away by what was on the bike.

Yes if you are an enthusiast then maybe online isn't for you but if you want a decent bike for the best that $1000 or $1500 can get then do it.

Some here aren't on a budget at all. OP - are you the kind of guy who would buy a $3,000 watch? Maybe online isn't for you. Online can give great deals, even on bikes. For those who are cost conscious it is great.

BTW, your local bike shop makes enormous profits on those bikes. They sell you $750 (their price) in bike parts for $1500. Why not get $1200 worth of bike for your $1,500.

Lastly I also bought a beach cruiser for my lady, $350 from BikesDirect. Had it assembled (it comes half assembled) locally for $50, bought a basket and some upgraded pedals. I got multiple compliments on the bike. I looked around at local Beach Cruisers and they were nearly double the price for similar quality.

Look at BikesDirect, look at the parts. On my Mtn I've got XTR, Avid brakes, a light frame, and a fork that even my local shop guy called very good.

Understood. But what if the guy wanting to buy a bike has no clue what $1200 worth of parts should be? No clue about geometry of the bike or if a RockShox is a good front shock or not?

Sometimes the parts might be better but not be the best for the application.:wink2:

 

[ret42]

Gotcha. You have to remember that in the mountain bike world one really nice rim can cost $900! If you are on a budget then Craigslist or similar is the way to go. Remember you don't need full suspension to have a good bike. A lot of my friends are riding carbon fork NO suspension single speed bikes now. Tell you what: Look on Craigslist in your respective areas, find something in your price range and tag me (@1engineer) in this thread with a link. I will look at it and tell you if it is a decent bike for your needs. There are many here like [MENTION=96581]hikenbike[/MENTION] or [MENTION=113771]AudiTech[/MENTION] and several others that are knowledgable and would be glad to help you get started. You really can't go wrong and most people who have good bikes take care of them. I know down in the Charlotte area there are a lot of "wannabees" who go out and spend several grand on a bike, buy the latest and greatest, ride it a few times and figure out it's too much work and sell them a few years later on Craigslist. Good luck!

Awesome, I appreciate it. I found a few Specialized bikes that could be pretty promising, I'll look around a bit and post back with my findings.

I know there are some that say don't go online but I disagree.

I bought a Trek Road bike from my local shop a few years ago but when it came time to look at Mtn bikes I bought a 29R Hard Tail from BikesDirect (last year) for $1500 and its awesome.

Save Up To 60% Off Road Bikes, Bicycles, Mountain Bikes and Bicycles with Bikesdirect.com, New with full warranties

Easily a $2500 bike at your local bike shop.

The parts alone retail at $1200-$1500 on the bike I got. It is very light and was even simple to setup. I took it down to my local shop to have them tweak it out and they were very friendly. The guy working on it was blown away by what was on the bike.

Yes if you are an enthusiast then maybe online isn't for you but if you want a decent bike for the best that $1000 or $1500 can get then do it.

Some here aren't on a budget at all. OP - are you the kind of guy who would buy a $3,000 watch? Maybe online isn't for you. Online can give great deals, even on bikes. For those who are cost conscious it is great.

BTW, your local bike shop makes enormous profits on those bikes. They sell you $750 (their price) in bike parts for $1500. Why not get $1200 worth of bike for your $1,500.

Lastly I also bought a beach cruiser for my lady, $350 from BikesDirect. Had it assembled (it comes half assembled) locally for $50, bought a basket and some upgraded pedals. I got multiple compliments on the bike. I looked around at local Beach Cruisers and they were nearly double the price for similar quality.

Look at BikesDirect, look at the parts. On my Mtn I've got XTR, Avid brakes, a light frame, and a fork that even my local shop guy called very good.

I agree and disagree. If someone were to ask me what it would look like to get set up in Archery, the first place I would refer them would be their local pro shop, just due to their lack of knowledge. There is a genuine need to make sure the draw length is right for you, have someone coach you through proper form, and put some arrows through various bows to get a feel for the draw cycle. Further, each bow manufacturer has vastly different goals. Want a smooth draw cycle? Go with Mathews or Elite. Speed? PSE. Solid back wall? Pick up a Hoyt. I would assume the same general concept applies to bikes. You can research this all day, but until you actually shoot one, you won't know the feel. Same with bikes. Until you get on one, get a feel for the geometry and run it through the gears, you won't know what you like.

That said, you can't deny that you get more for your money shopping online. I would say start at a local shop with knowledgeable people for your first and maybe second. Once you learn the ropes and know what you like and know what to look for to get it, then start shopping online.

 

[1engineer]

[MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] So I've found a few candidates.
2 genesis mountain bikes
Specialized Rockhopper
IBEX Ignition mountain bike
2010 DiamondBack Sorrento
like new mountain bike for 150

If I had to choose it would be between the Specialized and the Ibex. If the Specialized fit you then that would be my choice.

When you sit on either bike, put your feet on the pedal with the crank arms parallel with the ground. Place your foot on the pedal as if you were pedaling. Now turn the front wheel. Does the front tire rub your foot? If so that is not good.

Normal seat height should be adjusted so that when you are riding, your leg is almost straight when you reach the bottom of the pedal stroke. Your feet should not touch the ground when sitting on the seat. Adjust the seat up to that height and ride it around a bit. How does it feel?

Stand over height. With your feet on the ground you should be able to stand flat footed over the bar between the seat post and head tube without any parts of your body in contact with the tube. Should be really close though.

Good luck and the price is not bad on either but you should be able to talk them down a bit on either bike.

 

[JeepKiller]

If I had to choose it would be between the Specialized and the Ibex. If the Specialized fit you then that would be my choice.

When you sit on either bike, put your feet on the pedal with the crank arms parallel with the ground. Place your foot on the pedal as if you were pedaling. Now turn the front wheel. Does the front tire rub your foot? If so that is not good.

Normal seat height should be adjusted so that when you are riding, your leg is almost straight when you reach the bottom of the pedal stroke. Your feet should not touch the ground when sitting on the seat. Adjust the seat up to that height and ride it around a bit. How does it feel?

Stand over height. With your feet on the ground you should be able to stand flat footed over the bar between the seat post and head tube without any parts of your body in contact with the tube. Should be really close though.

Good luck and the price is not bad on either but you should be able to talk them down a bit on either bike.

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. If I buy either I'll let you know!

 

[BrianSD_42]

Understood. But what if the guy wanting to buy a bike has no clue what $1200 worth of parts should be? No clue about geometry of the bike or if a RockShox is a good front shock or not?

I was able to cross check the part types against the parts in the catalog (online) for Giant, Santa Cruz Bikes, Trek etc.

You can see the fork type, brakes, all those details.

I think the big risk with online (might not be that big, wasn't for me) is that it won't be a great fit for your body type. Of course there are sizes but sometimes a bike just isn't a good fit for a person. They do accept returns.

BTW in my experience most local bike shops only sell certain brands of bikes (like I listed above) , don't assemble their own brand and are basically the equivalent of a Best Buy from a business perspective. They don't create, patent, manufacture, assemble or have special rights over the brand they sell. The product comes in from a vendor and it is sold to a customer.

 

[Bigshankhank]

BTW in my experience most local bike shops only sell certain brands of bikes (like I listed above) , don't assemble their own brand and are basically the equivalent of a Best Buy from a business perspective. They don't create, patent, manufacture, assemble or have special rights over the brand they sell. The product comes in from a vendor and it is sold to a customer.

I don't see that being any different from an online retailer either, unless one were to buy direct from a manufacturer in which case, well then clearly the brand selection would be limited.

I think the big risk with online (might not be that big, wasn't for me) is that it won't be a great fit for your body type. Of course there are sizes but sometimes a bike just isn't a good fit for a person. They do accept returns.

Yeah that return is not quite as convenient as hauling it back to a local bike shop to swap with a better fitting one, though.

As others have said, buy from a local shop and get advice on what works and what fits you. Personally I ride a bike with a frame that is, on paper, too small for me but when I tested out bikes from numerous shops I was able to test out multiple brands depending on what each shop offered, then multiple sizes of the same model and made my selection of what worked best for me. For my casual and weekend warrior type stuff I preferred a smaller chassis, YMMV. Also, and something I have found invaluable from local shops, is knowledge of local trails and clubs. This is especially helpful if you are new to an area and looking for places to go.

That being said, check prices online and be wary of any significant overcharging, but ultimately I have found that you do get value for spending a little more money when you shop locally, its not always just about the bottom line.

 

[ben550]

I have bought from a shop and online. I much prefer the shop. Although buying online will save you a few dollars the relationship you build with your local bike shop (Not the bike department in sports authority, but a real bike shop) will be invaluable. Many times if you buy from them you get free tuneups, you meet other riders in the area, get recommendations on trails in the area etc... The best part of the shop experience is that you can test ride each bike you are interested in and compare them all while making new friends and supporting a local small business.

 

[1engineer]

I was able to cross check the part types against the parts in the catalog (online) for Giant, Santa Cruz Bikes, Trek etc.

You can see the fork type, brakes, all those details.

I think the big risk with online (might not be that big, wasn't for me) is that it won't be a great fit for your body type. Of course there are sizes but sometimes a bike just isn't a good fit for a person. They do accept returns.

BTW in my experience most local bike shops only sell certain brands of bikes (like I listed above) , don't assemble their own brand and are basically the equivalent of a Best Buy from a business perspective. They don't create, patent, manufacture, assemble or have special rights over the brand they sell. The product comes in from a vendor and it is sold to a customer.

Brian you are missing the point. If you are a novice, how do you know what bike you need? Sure, you want to ride trails but what type of trails? Fast or slow? Are you fit or a big fat slob? I can take two bikes that look identical to the casual user but are totally different in their function and they are both "mountain" bikes.

Again, it's fine that you bought online and glad it worked out for you with the fit and all. Here's the catch: For a newbie, they get a bike and they don't have a clue that there are other bikes out there that they would be much more comfortable on and have a much better riding experience if they would have just sat down with someone knowledgeable beforehand!

Components only make part of the bike. Expensive components are worthless unless you need expensive components. I weigh 250 and at 6'4" I could probably lose a whole bike worth of weight if I wanted to. Do I want to spend $500 to shave a few ounces off my derailleur? Nope.

What makes a bike is the fit and comfort and that is what makes for an enjoyable ride. That's tough to get without A) Knowing what you need and B) Being able to try it out to begin with. How much is that worth? Sure, decent components are nice, but unless it fits you and your application then they are useless.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I think everything you are saying is valid. They definitely need to decide what type of bike.

I would go to a store to check these out. Go to a Trek store. They are not some Mom and Pop shop. Try out the different bikes, decide which one, which style which size.

Decide all those factors before buying, either online or in-store.

When you are ready to buy look at the local bikes and compare online. Be aware of what you are getting.

If Trek or ________ can offer you a fair bike at a good deal and you choose to buy it instead of online then fine. Great.

But if you are shocked (as I was) at the difference for the same money then at least consider online.

Biking is not some special type of business model or product where it can only be bought local. In some ways I feel like this debate is kind of like the Tesla vs. local car dealerships debate.

 

[Bigshankhank]

I get the whole "shocked at the price difference" thing, but few shops I have bought from have really gouged me once I compared brick and mortar vs online. The difference has certainly never been enough to cause me to question their business model. Again you get value for the small amount of extra you spend at a local shop.
Where I do spend money online is for component upgrades. I review online the parts I am looking at, compare them side by side from various manufacturers online, then price shop various online retailers. A set of Bontragers is the same wherever it is from, if user and 'zine reviews indicate a particular model will meet my needs better than what is available from Michelin then I feel no qualms about saving money online.

 

[Bigshankhank]

All this being said, I would NEVER shop local stores, find out exactly what I want, then buy online. The salesmen did their job helping you, they deserve to make the sale.

 

[AudiTech]

One of the biggest things people leave out of the online vs local bike shop debate is the service you get from local bike shops. Every time I've bought local the shop has given free lifetime brake and gear adjustments which great for someone new to the sport.

While fit is very important in all honesty if you're new to biking you can pick a size based off of generic height guidelines at it's going to work. At that point you don't have enough experience to have a preference for stem length, bar width, wheel size, if you're just getting into it you will learn to ride whatever you have available.

If I were to buy an entry level bike I'd probably go with an Airborne Guardian online or find a clearance from last year 9 speed hardtail at local bike shop

 

[AudiTech]

This is deal Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2015 - REI.com 2x10, 15mm thru axle, air fork, hydraulic discs.

plus it's REI- you can ride it, try it, and still return it, no questions asked.

 

[hikenbike]

I think everything you are saying is valid. They definitely need to decide what type of bike.



I would go to a store to check these out. Go to a Trek store. They are not some Mom and Pop shop. Try out the different bikes, decide which one, which style which size.



Decide all those factors before buying, either online or in-store.



When you are ready to buy look at the local bikes and compare online. Be aware of what you are getting.



If Trek or ________ can offer you a fair bike at a good deal and you choose to buy it instead of online then fine. Great.



But if you are shocked (as I was) at the difference for the same money then at least consider online.



Biking is not some special type of business model or product where it can only be bought local. In some ways I feel like this debate is kind of like the Tesla vs. local car dealerships debate.

The only thing I'll add to this debate is the safety factor. For a cruiser or recreational around-the-town bike, I'd be more comfortable with an online bike I can learn to tweak myself. For some of the mountain bike step downs and black trails I've learned to ride the past two years, I often thank God I had a professional build and maintain my bike because it's no joke on some of those trails. Bad things can happen real quick and properly maintained gear is a high priority.

 

[ret42]

[MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] and whoever else, I've only found 2 bikes in my area on Craigslist that look to be about my size and are something I'd be interested in (there are a lot more bikes, but a lot that I've seen are too small for me). They're both more than I would want to pay for a used bike, but here they are anyways:
Specialized FSR XC Expert $749
Cannondale Trail 5 $600

So first regarding the Specialized, I know a full sus isn't necessary around here, and I doubt I would keep that bike long enough to the point that I would need the suspension. The main reason I am posting it is the cost. The bike looks to be in pretty good shape, but it's a 2008 model best that I can tell, and he's asking $750? Surely the technology has advanced enough in the past 7-8 years that a lot of those components are outdated, right? Or am I still in the archery mindset? Do bikes typically hold their value that well?

Similar story for the Cannondale, although it's hard to tell what year it is (I think maybe 2013?), but he's asking 75% of it's new value and, while he says he's only used it 5 times, he also admits that it has some scuffs and scrapes.

I'll keep my eyes open, but I may be sticking with my Raleigh for a while to save up for a new bike.

 

[AudiTech]

Home - Used Bicycles for Sale - BicycleBlueBook.com

 

[1engineer]

[MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] and whoever else, I've only found 2 bikes in my area on Craigslist that look to be about my size and are something I'd be interested in (there are a lot more bikes, but a lot that I've seen are too small for me). They're both more than I would want to pay for a used bike, but here they are anyways:
Specialized FSR XC Expert $749
Cannondale Trail 5 $600

So first regarding the Specialized, I know a full sus isn't necessary around here, and I doubt I would keep that bike long enough to the point that I would need the suspension. The main reason I am posting it is the cost. The bike looks to be in pretty good shape, but it's a 2008 model best that I can tell, and he's asking $750? Surely the technology has advanced enough in the past 7-8 years that a lot of those components are outdated, right? Or am I still in the archery mindset? Do bikes typically hold their value that well?

Similar story for the Cannondale, although it's hard to tell what year it is (I think maybe 2013?), but he's asking 75% of it's new value and, while he says he's only used it 5 times, he also admits that it has some scuffs and scrapes.

I'll keep my eyes open, but I may be sticking with my Raleigh for a while to save up for a new bike.

I would offer $500 for the Cannondale and $550 for the Specialized. Walk if they don't take it as there are more out there every day. Make sure you spend some time on each bike even if it's just on the street or in a yard. Make sure you fit and feel comfortable with the seat at the proper height.