Any Bikers??

[hiddengamer7]

We have a few that are gated within state parks but most of them are just "closed" by our trail association, Earth Riders, and most people within the city respect that. Every once in a while we get some damage from people riding when its too wet but since people are working on the trails so often, its kept to a minimum.

 

[BadgerType]

got this bike a week or so ago, pretty good so far. alot better than the old one

 

[hiddengamer7]

6:45 in the morning at my favorite trail, on my favorite bike, watching the sun rise. No better feeling in the world.

 

[00Accord4cyl]

wow that is an early ride! It has rained on pretty much all of my days off the past month. Yesterday was no exception. I have not been on a good ride in a long time....depressing

 

[hiddengamer7]

Yea, for whatever reason, I woke up at 3 that morning and couldnt sleep anymore, so I decided to be productive and went for a ride when the sun was coming up. It was a great decision.

 

[turbo_911]

Ok, I've read like 30 pages (starting from page 45) and have a question.

Anyone want to help me choose a bike?

Here's a little background. When I was younger, I used to love riding a bike everywhere and rode a lot. When I got older, I bought a cheap walmart mountain bike, rode for like 2-3 years and then it's been hanging in my garage for almost 4 years now.

Here's a dilemma. Where I live, there are a lot of nice mountain bike trails. We also have some nice roads for regular street bikes. I want to get back into riding a bike and don't know what I want, to ride just on street and get sports bike or ride everywhere and get a mountain bike. As for budget, I haven't decided yet but of course the cheaper, the better for me lol but maybe looking to spend around a $1000.

I did some research and not sure with what brakes to go, either disk brakes or cantilever brakes? For street I know most people prefer cantilever and for mountain biking disk. Right now my old bike has v-brake system and I hate it lol.

Can you guys point me to the right direction?

Thanks.

 

[fastflyinaccord]

Honestly, I bought a cheap cannondale (around 600 bucks) and I use it for everything. I ride on the backwoods trails around here and also use it for relaxed riding on our local rail trails and bike paths. It has been nothing but reliable and I have just had to replace the deraileur after more than 2 years of regular riding

 

[turbo_911]

^^^ What model do you have?

Also forgot to ask, should I look at 26 or 29 inch wheels?

 

[00Accord4cyl]

I will say $1000 can get you a decent hardtail mountain bike, but the same money will not give you a good road bike. Like you mentioned you can ride the mountain everywhere, but it will be much harder to ride long distance on paved roads on the mtn bike. I personally have both but mountain biking is my favorite because of the adrenaline rush of riding trails. Road biking has been great for endurance, but it gets boring for me sometimes.

I would say go with a mtn bike. They have dual sports that are good for both, but if you plan on riding actual singletrack trails then you need to stick with a mountain bike. I would also recommend going with disc brakes, but most mtn bikes for around a grand are going to have disc brakes anyways. 26/29" wheel base is going to be personal preference. I have never been on a 29" on a trail, so I can not really give my opinion on that.

 

[turbo_911]

Thank for the input Eric.

I did some more research too and seems like I am leaning more to mtn bike. Any other tips on how to choose one or what to look for? What are good companies, what to expect from them and what to avoid?
Does it have to be brand new or what's your opinion on used one?

I seem to like Cannondale Trail SL 3 any opinions on it?

Or can you suggest any bikes that I can take a look at?

Btw, is there much of a difference between a $600 vs $900 bike?