Any Bikers??

[hiddengamer7]

Go to your local bike shop and test out a few models. There are a huge number of bikes in that $800-$1000 range that are rock stars. I'm with Eric, mountain biking is where it's at. So much more fun, way more intense and the people are nicer. When I say intense, I mean challenging you as a rider, you will always want to learn more. When you're riding on the road the only thing you can do is go faster in a straight line, when you're on a trail, it's more technical and engaging. I personally ride a 29'er and love it, but there aren't any bad choices from the big name bike manufacturers in that price range. The big brands to look at would be Specialized, Trek, Giant or Fuji. Each of those manufacturers owns a few other companies too. Like I said though, test ride a few different models and decide what you like!

 

[fastflyinaccord]

I have a Cannondale F8 and would recommend it to anyone. When buying a bike, try to get one that is on the lighter side. The weight of a bike can effect the quality of your riding experience

 

[hiddengamer7]

And to answer your question about the $600-$900 price. Yes, there is a big difference in componentry. The biggest difference you will find will be in suspension quality, wheels and brakes. These components are some of the most expensive on a bike and also the heaviest.

Do some research to find out what the trails around your area are like and what bikes would be best suited to tackle those areas. Again, the best place to go would be a local bike shop. They can give you advice on where to ride as a beginner and what to expect. If you are up front with them about your budget and experience level, they will be able to guide you to a proper choice. Don't be swayed by looks or brand name, pick what feels right to you (and anyways, all the major brands are on the same quality level anyways and if you go to a reputable shop, they will take care of you).

Good luck!

 

[turbo_911]

Hmm, I've been researching all day (Saturday) and still there are soooo many choices to pic from. I will go to bike shop this week to check out some in person.

Btw did anyone buy a bike from online and got it shipped? How do they ship a bike? All pieced together or it comes in boxes and you have to collect it? lol

I found Cannondale Trail SL 3 on sale for $600, seems like a good deal to me since it's going rate is $900. I am not sure if I should jump on that deal or want some more and find something better/cheaper?

 

[hiddengamer7]

Bikes that you buy online don't come assembled. You could have a shop assemble it for a minimal fee, but it's better to buy from a local shop so you get warranty and service support. Bikes need to be serviced every so often and if you buy a bike from a local store, generally they will provide free service for a certain amount of time.

 

[00Accord4cyl]

Like Will pointed to, I would avoid buying online. I have heard way 2 many horror stories of people buying bikes online only to find problems down the road. The warranty you get from a new bike, plus the info/help a local bike shop provides will be worth the extra cost.

Also, I am guessing you do not know what size frame you should ride. All brands are different, so a large in one brand could be different than another. So you run more risks online. But a bike shop will make sure you are dialed in on the right size.

 

[turbo_911]

I looked at sizes, in average it was 56 for me with medium size. Min was 55 max was 58 to large size.

I am opting for 56 with medium (whatever that means) lol

Tomorrow I'm going to a bike shop to check some out and talk to guys there. I heard the prices in our bike shop are outrageous.

Thanks for the help guys, will let you know how that went, the bike shop visit.

Edit: Looks like I was looking at metric frame sizes? lol

18 inch/ Medium I think.

 

[hiddengamer7]

Road bike frames are sized in centimeters and mountain bikes are sized in inches. Usually. Some bike manufacturers are using small, medium, large etc to size their frames but most people stick with the actual measurement to compare between manufacturers.

 

[turbo_911]

Stopped by LSB on Tuesday and got to test ride 2012 Specialized Rockhopper 29er $1400 bike and didn't like it. Then went for 2011 Giant Talon 29er 1 $1000 bike and they told me they can do $900 for it, and it was softer, like the seat better and steering wheel on Giant. I loved the gear changes on Specialized a lot more and same with brakes even though they were making some kind of noise.

Specialized was 19" frame and Giant was 20" both were Large, and I felt a lot more comfortable on Giant as it was a bit longer.

They didn't have Cannondale SL 3 in stock but will get one in 3 weeks and it's price will be $900 while Cannondale SL 5 price will be $550 I think (that's they told me).

I really want to try SL 3 so I guess I will wait once they have it in stock. I love hydralic disc brakes more than mechanical ones. The adjustable front fork on Giant was nice too as it was softer compare to Specialized. Not sure how I will benefit from lockout feature on the fork.

Also they don't have many choices in bikes in $600-$900 price range, they had only 3 bikes. They offer 30 day free tune-up and they assemble bikes and test ride them before selling to you. If I were to buy online, they told me it will cost me $50 for them to assemble and $50 for tune-up (not sure if I'll need it or if I can do it myself (tune-up)). I might try to assemble it though.

I also looked at Niner MCR 9 29er for $850 online and Niner Air 9 same price, and they seem like a nice bikes too. Too bad they don't carry any Trek, Niner, Gary Fisher bikes.

They have only Specialized, Cannondale (not in stock), and Giant.

 

[hiddengamer7]

My friend has that Talon 1 29er and loves it. It's a great bike and can handle a variety of trails, just like any 29er. Are there any bike shops in the area?