Mountain Bikes - need help

[Slurppie]

I'm looking to buy a new mountain bike but need help on what to get. I don't plan on doing any hardcore riding but want something that will last. I've been looking at the Trek models starting off with the base model 820. I don't want to spend a fortune but when talking with a local salesman they of course point me at the top of the line models with suspension systems that mimic my old sport bike. What are your suggestions????

[culbrze]

Hey Slurpie, I got a Trek 3700 and I love it, I think it is just above the 800 series.

[PHOEBISIS]

Slurrpie,why don't you try used on Ebay.Soon the weather will get cool,and folks will be selling that bike they barely used.You can easily save $400 on a $1000 bike.
You can get a used Trek carbon fiber framed Y-bike 11 22 33 50 for maybe $450-or so with good components.The rear suspension is very low tech-you lose a bit of energy from rear suspension movement while peddling,but they are very light(bobbing).
There are the NRS framed series of bikes ;forget the manu,but just search NRS and they will turn up.NRS-no resonance system- is an anti bob rear suspension.You can get a good used on for ~$600.Trek also makes knockoffs of the NRS they call it the Fuel 80 90 100.TheseNRS type bikes have a higher tech rear suspension-anti bob-,but are generally 2 lbs or so heavier than the carbon framed Y-bikes.Luck,Charlie

[ski_freak]

I have a Gary Fisher Tassajara (now owned by Trek) and the cost was near $600.
Even though I have owned it a couple of months I have put it through a lot and it has held up great.

[Sammy Sandbag]

Perhaps build your own, although it probably will be more expensive unless you have parts lying around. I built my current bike, based off of a hard tail GT frame, and I love it. You get to piece together all the components you like without making compromises.

[Boone-Titan]

Slurrpie,
I've been a fan of Specialized bikes for a long time. Good quality frames and components. As stated by others, use the internet and save. Found mine in Colorado for 1/2 of what the local bike shop wanted. Shipping isn't bad I think around $25 to Ky. If you go looking on the internet just make sure you know size needed as different manufacters vary slightly. Good luck!

[PHOEBISIS]

Sammy has a good point,if you like to tinker,think about rolling your own.On the same idea, you might keep in mind is that if the frame is a good frame,you might want to upgrade components as you go.The NRS Giant series cost $1000-$2200 new,but the frame is essentially the same.It might pay to get the cheapest model-used-and upgrade as you go and decide what you want.The latest,greatest stuff this year,is old hat in 18 months..
I would definitely go used,not new-from Ebay..The bikeshop guys will warn you not to,but you can get a great bike for a great price.The better the bike,the easier it is to work on.
There are 3 general types of MTB-hardtail,like Sammies-no rear suspension but always lighter-2-4 lbs-generally thought to be faster on most surfaces,since there is essentially no bob.
Full suspension with Low tech rear suspension-like the old trek Y's.There is plenty of bob,unless you dial the preload waaaay way up,and then you lose some comfort.They are usually a little lighter than the antibob bikes.
Full suspension antibob rear.NRS,Trek Fuel,and a whole bunch of others.Heaviest,but more efficient peddling than the Y's,and more comfortable than the hardtails.
Shop around,then try Ebay.Luck,Charlie

[Mike H.]

I had a 2001 Marin full-suspension that I really liked. Sold it when starting to go through my divorce. Really liked it. No bob.

[Bayou Titan]

A lot of metropolitan police departments have bike sales at the end of the year to get rid of unclaimed bikes. Usually there are a few high end carbon fiber bikes that go for cheap. You might want to check this out. Try Goodwill and garage sales also.

[ski_freak]

Boone-Titan, I just got back from KY today and did one of the trails at Mammoth Cave National Park yesterday. Got a nasty bruise on my hip trying to cross a stream bed. I am still trying to get used to clipless pedals.



Slurppie, If you find a bike you like look on the review section here http://www.mtbr.com/

This will also help you narrow down a selection.

[Slurppie]

All great posts guys, thanks for the info. I've been researching so much lately that I think I've hit the point to where I'm beginning to confuse myself so it was time to call on everyone for some guidance. Over the weekend I looked at two brands that I've never heard of, Giant and Specialized - Rockhopper. Overall I like the feel of a hardtail. And what's with all the freaking brands out there now? Can anyone list some good brands to look at?

[Sammy Sandbag]

Specialized, Trek, Garry Fisher are all very good. I myself am partial to GT.

[Boone-Titan]

[quote=ski_freak]Boone-Titan, I just got back from KY today and did one of the trails at Mammoth Cave National Park yesterday. Got a nasty bruise on my hip trying to cross a stream bed. I am still trying to get used to clipless pedals.
QUOTE]

Ski_freak, I'll never forget the first time I rode with clip in shoes. I was all excited about trying them out so I rushed to install put on the shoes and off I went clipped in. Made it to the end of the driveway where I promptly stopped tried to put my foot down and fell over. Wife said it looked like the old guy on the tricycle on Laughin. In my haste I had not adjusted the release spring tension on the pedals.

[Optimist]

Just a suggestion, “I have very little bike knowledge” but have you considered a hybrid? A little both street & trail with friendly ergonomics.
A few examples.

Jamis has a really cool lineup & the Coda line is nice.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_coda_elite.html

Kona is just cool, you will need to click on “Dew” under asphalt.
http://www.konaworld.com/kw_index.cfm

You may like Specialized, look for the Sirrus Sport.
http://www.specialized.com/

I ride an F900 so I’m a bit partial here. The Warrior looks like a versatile bike.
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/c...del-4HS1Y.html

[FourMoBro]

I own a specialized. Works great. If you are not into the hardcore stuff, buy the hardtail. All the above suggestions are good ones. I do recommend disc brakes if you do alot of wet/mud riding, same with the clip"less" pedals. I'd consider buying a lower series bike, and upgrade to Avid mechanical disc brakes, and Crank Brothers Egg Beater pedals. www.jensonusa.com has the best prices ive seen on bike components.