Mountian bike ?

[jcat]

What brand names are the ones to look for?

I was going to just pick one up from Wal-Mart but after reading some of the reviews I think I will expand my search, lol.. I been looking on craigslist but not sure really what to be looking for and I really don’t really wanna spend 200+ on a bike.

[SexualChocolate]

www.mtbr.com

Search craigslist also.

For reference use www.bikepedia.com

Brands are somewhat subjective. Many have come and gone, some have sold out, etc. It depends on what you are going to use it for, if you are seriously going to use it on the trails then it would be best to get something a little better than even the expensive store bought Iron Horse you can find at Sport Authority.

In that price range I would look for these used:
Motobecane
Trek
Cannondale
Haro
Raleigh
GT
Gary Fisher
Iron Horse
Marin
KHS
Jamis
Ibex

Here is one....
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1204484654.html
It's basic but pretty decent for the price and it's pretty much new. Make sure you get an idea of fit though.


There are a lot more, but that will give you a little to start with.

[SexualChocolate]

Here might be an ok one...

The FS Motobecanes aren't really all that but it'll last for a while.
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1202585703.html

Here is a nice one...but it is a big frame.
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1201316393.html

[GABRIEL]

Here might be an ok one...

The FS Motobecanes aren't really all that but it'll last for a while.
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1202585703.html
Crap....
Here is a nice one...but it is a big frame.
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1201316393.html

This one is good enough.
Also look at specialized.

[Princess]

You're probably not going to find anything great for $200 and under. You MAY get lucky, but the odds are against you.

[RACER X]

for $200 try craigslist used.

[skmart2]

i personally like Haro and have owned 2....go to Sun and Ski Sports or a good reputable bike shop and get "fitted". sounds crazy i know but it made all the difference in the world for me (i'm 5'2" and have short limbs - no i'm not a midget :keke:).
plus shops like this usually offer good maintenance plans or free adjustments.

good luck :thumb:

[bioGuru]

Don't get a WalMart bike.

Go to a bike shop and get fitted for your bike. Or go and get an idea of the size you need (yes they come in sizes) and start looking on craigslist.

$200 is not likely to get you something new but could get a used one for that amount.

[Solracer]

Ill play devils advocate here (josh302 would as well)


Wal mart bikes are fine for the everyday user....

[gunshotwound]

Huffy Sting Ray, with red line slick on the rear. FTW!

[jcat]

Ill play devils advocate here (josh302 would as well)


Wal mart bikes are fine for the everyday user....

yeah remember you said posted that before but when I started looking at the reviews for some of them it wasnt very encouraging.

[gsxrjai]

I saw a Mongoose at walmart for 169 and 189
189 had front and rear shock disc brake...

[Princess]

Ill play devils advocate here (josh302 would as well)


Wal mart bikes are fine for the everyday user....

Last time I was with you downtown I do remember your WalMart bike having all sorts of problems.

[Princess]

I saw a Mongoose at walmart for 169 and 189
189 had front and rear shock disc brake...

They're crap for ANY kind of actual trail riding. If ALL you're doing is sloooowly cruising flat paved roads they're fine. Beyond that they suck really

I personally would NOT take one of those bikes on a trail I ride. I would be in constant fear of breaking it and risking serious injury.

[Solracer]

Last time I was with you downtown I do remember your WalMart bike having all sorts of problems.

only problem was no brakes... lol

[Solracer]

oh and that one bolt came loose. lol

[LunchBox]

This one is good enough.
Also look at specialized.

I have a '95 Specialized HardRock that I love.........new one will run you about $400 and will have front susp. and disc breaks....I dig Specialized

[HoustonGixxer]

Ill play devils advocate here (josh302 would as well)


Wal mart bikes are fine for the everyday user....

+1

My target bought schwinn holds up great

[Tumper]

What brand names are the ones to look for?

I was going to just pick one up from Wal-Mart but after reading some of the reviews I think I will expand my search, lol.. I been looking on craigslist but not sure really what to be looking for and I really don’t really wanna spend 200+ on a bike.


Well your budget of under 200$ will not get you onto a "Brand Name" Bike. You may need to adjust your expectations or your budget....

[SexualChocolate]

Here is another one. Fuji makes some awesome roadies. MTBs are ok...but upgradeable!

http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1205964325.html

Above your budget but a solid beginner bike

http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1205757231.html

[Princess]

only problem was no brakes... lol

You have to adjust the brakes on it everytime because they quit working halfway through. :keke:


And that one bolt was connected to the handlebars. Not a good one to come loose. :nod:

[SexualChocolate]

You have to adjust the brakes on it everytime because they quit working halfway through. :keke:


And that one bolt was connected to the handlebars. Not a good one to come loose. :nod:

Yeah I don't really want to get into a Big Store Bike vs Brand Name Ones. But IMO and Davids it's not worth paying the money for the big store bike.

The components are junk. They are put together by some 17 year old kid who I am sure is very careful and concerned about your safety. Most have "not intended for offroad use" stickers attached to them (fine for on road, but what is the point of a MTB anyway). You constantly need to adjust. Replacement parts cost more than the bike.

So you say wow that full suspension looks the same. Well is that shock adjustable? Sag is supposed to be set at or around 10mm (depending on shock model), so hop on it...how much does it move? Those disk brakes...they feel much better than the other bikes in the store right? Go to an LBS or Sun and Ski Sports and try out their lowest model with disc brakes on it....OMG this is much better. And we can go on and on and on...

Keep looking and you will an awesome deal on a used brand name bike. In the meantime keep saving also.

p.s this post isn't meant to hurt feelings. It is based on countless hours of research which I am just passing along.

[skmart2]

well, i didn't pay more than $250 for either of my Haro's and they've held up like champs :thumb:

i don't ride any serious trails but my ex used my bike ALL the time and hit the trails at mem. park and some place down south - i think it's the place Princess and Solracer posted pics from before :shrug:

[CATFISH]

Check this site out!!!! Free shipping!!!!!! New Bikes!!!!!:thumb:


http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mountain_bikes.htm

[SexualChocolate]

well, i didn't pay more than $250 for either of my Haro's and they've held up like champs :thumb:

i don't ride any serious trails but my ex used my bike ALL the time and hit the trails at mem. park and some place down south - i think it's the place Princess and Solracer posted pics from before :shrug:

This isn't price based. It's big store brand (walmart, kmart, target) vs. known brands. I bought a couple of mine used. Paid under 200 for a Marin Palisades Trail and it was fine, but then again it was never on the trails.

Check this site out!!!! Free shipping!!!!!! New Bikes!!!!!:thumb:


http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mountain_bikes.htm

Yep and they are quasi local also as Cycle Spectrum. Owned by the same guy.

[jcat]

What brand names are the ones to look for?

I was going to just pick one up from Wal-Mart but after reading some of the reviews I think I will expand my search, lol.. I been looking on craigslist but not sure really what to be looking for and I really don’t really wanna spend 200+ on a bike.

Well your budget of under 200$ will not get you onto a "Brand Name" Bike. You may need to adjust your expectations or your budget....

thanks even though I never said I wanted to buy a new brand name bike :thumb:

[jcat]

Yeah I don't really want to get into a Big Store Bike vs Brand Name Ones. But IMO and Davids it's not worth paying the money for the big store bike.

The components are junk. They are put together by some 17 year old kid who I am sure is very careful and concerned about your safety. Most have "not intended for offroad use" stickers attached to them (fine for on road, but what is the point of a MTB anyway). You constantly need to adjust. Replacement parts cost more than the bike.

So you say wow that full suspension looks the same. Well is that shock adjustable? Sag is supposed to be set at or around 10mm (depending on shock model), so hop on it...how much does it move? Those disk brakes...they feel much better than the other bikes in the store right? Go to an LBS or Sun and Ski Sports and try out their lowest model with disc brakes on it....OMG this is much better. And we can go on and on and on...

Keep looking and you will an awesome deal on a used brand name bike. In the meantime keep saving also.

p.s this post isn't meant to hurt feelings. It is based on countless hours of research which I am just passing along.


I have been hearing on the radio that sun and ski is having a huge sale on bikes, I need to roll over there and see what they got.

[ducoop]

Good luck finding something in your price range at sun and ski

[GABRIEL]

I have been hearing on the radio that sun and ski is having a huge sale on bikes, I need to roll over there and see what they got.

Try to haggle with them. They sould sell older models a lot cheaper to.

[skmart2]

Try to haggle with them. They sould sell older models a lot cheaper to.

+1! that's how i got mine so cheap :D

[bdubb]

I doubt you'll see anything at Sun and Ski for $200 outside of a little kids bike.

[IndyRC]

I started mtn biking on trails on a walmart special. I thought it was ok until I got a $300 Trek. It was a world of difference. Then I bought a $1200 Gary Fisher and wow its awesome and well worth the money

[bdubb]

I started mtn biking on trails on a walmart special. I thought it was ok until I got a $300 Trek. It was a world of difference. Then I bought a $1200 Gary Fisher and wow its awesome and well worth the money

I agree. You get what you pay for, but it still doesn't "make" the rider.

[GABRIEL]

I agree. You get what you pay for, but it still doesn't "make" the rider.

And sometimes you get a good deal.
Shit, I could out ride alot of people on here with a walmart bike and them on there 5K bike that they probaly financed.

[IndyRC]

I agree. You get what you pay for, but it still doesn't "make" the rider.

Oh I agree. I'm not saying buy the best from the get go. I improved my bikes as my ability, knowledge, and amount of riding grew. I just feel like I shoulda skipped the Walmart bike. IMO the problems I had with it compared to even my Trek would be enough to keep some people from riding more...kinda like a bad first impression

[Speed4Rider]

What brand names are the ones to look for?

I was going to just pick one up from Wal-Mart but after reading some of the reviews I think I will expand my search, lol.. I been looking on craigslist but not sure really what to be looking for and I really don’t really wanna spend 200+ on a bike.

This thread is quite funny. I have not seen anyone ask, what do you plan to use the bike for? Pit bike, yes, buy a $50 Walmart special. You want to ride trails? Up your budget or don't waste your money. If you are serious about riding trails then for a low budget setup, get a single speed name brand and go with that. I can ride circles around most people on any setup here in houston or even rocky hill ranch on my rigid(no suspension) single speed MTB. It's very low maintenance and they don't cost that much. SS also makes for a great mountain bike experience, ask anyone that knows...

Best of luck and if you want more help with trails and riding, PM me. BTW, full suspension is not worth it unless you spend over 1K, hardtails are great for everything here in houston and out west until you hit some really big dropoffs.

[GABRIEL]

This thread is quite funny. I have not seen anyone ask, what do you plan to use the bike for? Pit bike, yes, buy a $50 Walmart special. You want to ride trails? Up your budget or don't waste your money. If you are serious about riding trails then for a low budget setup, get a single speed name brand and go with that. I can ride circles around most people on any setup here in houston or even rocky hill ranch on my rigid(no suspension) single speed MTB. It's very low maintenance and they don't cost that much. SS also makes for a great mountain bike experience, ask anyone that knows...

Best of luck and if you want more help with trails and riding, PM me. BTW, full suspension is not worth it unless you spend over 1K, hardtails are great for everything here in houston and out west until you hit some really big dropoffs.
Single speed hard tail.:thumb:
If you cant make it up the hill pedal harder.

[RACER X]

well SS is cool and all , but it's pretty hardcore and an oddity vs multi speed bikes, sounds like dudes a noob. a good named used bike is the way to go. or maybe left over stock.


from an old NORBA USCF Kinda guy.

[bdubb]

Best of luck and if you want more help with trails and riding, PM me. BTW, full suspension is not worth it unless you spend over 1K, hardtails are great for everything here in houston and out west until you hit some really big dropoffs.

Not just the drop-offs, but the rough downhill sections as well. It will make you appreciate having full suspension after riding for hours getting beat to hell. Not that we have that in Houston really, but if you make any trips it can come into play.


If I was buying a second bike to the one I just got recently I'd go with a 29er hardtail.


...and Sun and Ski has their big tent set up with everything for the big bike sale this weekend if anyone is still looking to buy a bike from what was mentioned in this thread.

[Speed4Rider]

well SS is cool and all , but it's pretty hardcore and an oddity vs multi speed bikes, sounds like dudes a noob. a good named used bike is the way to go. or maybe left over stock.


from an old NORBA USCF Kinda guy.

Many people think so but SS isn't that hardcore, its actually easier... But your right, my opinion is coming from years of riding and now a couple years of MTB racing.... I still think SS is one of the best ways to get into mountain biking, that is what I did.... I have three single speed bikes now... I have had friend's tell me that I am faster on the rigid SS at the anthills than the deck'd out Ellsworth.

[Pachuco]

I have a rocky mountain, hand built in British colombia, but thats 2200, far from your walmart specials, but well worth if you into downhill with full suspension

[bdubb]

Regardless of whatever bike anyone owns, if you enjoy riding I suggest somehow finding a way to make a trip to Moab.

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs007.snc1/4171_109513356410_743926410_3343001_5313099_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs007.snc1/4171_109513371410_743926410_3343002_8083880_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs007.snc1/4171_109513376410_743926410_3343003_1587093_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs007.snc1/4171_109513391410_743926410_3343004_1603275_n.jpg

[Pachuco]

for sho, slick rock is great and fast

[bdubb]

for sho, slick rock is great and fast

:notworthy:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs007.snc1/4171_109512466410_743926410_3342995_5215611_n.jpg

I was too tired from my travel and too out of shape to really enjoy slickrock all that much, but it was still impressive. Some very steep climbs that I couldn't muster up enough energy or skill to make it up at Slickrock.

The rim was much more fun by having 20 something miles and about 5,000' drop in elevation to ride. Saw guys on full rigid bikes coming off of Porcupine Rim. I don't suggest a full rigid at all, but regardless it's worth the trip.

[Pachuco]

NIce pics, I've been there a couple of times, I used to race mt bikes when I lived in crested butte. Bike has pretty much collected dust since I moved here. Trails are pretty wack around here

[90 5.0]

Ill play devils advocate here (josh302 would as well)


Wal mart bikes are fine for the everyday user....

yeah remember you said posted that before but when I started looking at the reviews for some of them it wasnt very encouraging.

I saw a Mongoose at walmart for 169 and 189
189 had front and rear shock disc brake...

:no:


I bought one of those a few years ago, bought two bikes for me and my ex to ride around the neighborhood on etc.

First bike made it to the secound ride, pedal ripped out of the threads on the crank, took it back exchanged it made it halfway throught one ride and the bar clamp broke, took it back and then on that one the deraillier broke.
This was just tooling around on the street.

I got a refund and bought a used haro for 250, have never had a problem with it and I've taken it to hershey park and ho chi men etc without fail.

Look at the austin craigslist, it might be worth the trip especially if you have friends ou there etc or want to get away and see austin for a day to make the trip more worth it. They have a ton more mountain bike stuff on there than the houston c-list.

[gsxrjai]

how about this one... ps:if its a good buy dont co_k block and get for yourself (anyone)
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Schwinn-26-SX2000-Mens-21-Speed-Mountain-Bike_W0QQitemZ390007561398QQcategoryZ98083QQcmdZVi ewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m215QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%2 6its%3DI%252BC%252BS%252BIA%26itu%3DIT%252BUA%252B UCC%252BUCI%252BUS-BWR%26otn%3D12%26ps%3D33

[90 5.0]

how about this one... ps:if its a good buy dont co_k block and get for yourself (anyone)
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Schwinn-26-SX2000-Mens-21-Speed-Mountain-Bike_W0QQitemZ390007561398QQcategoryZ98083QQcmdZVi ewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m215QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%2 6its%3DI%252BC%252BS%252BIA%26itu%3DIT%252BUA%252B UCC%252BUCI%252BUS-BWR%26otn%3D12%26ps%3D33

local pick-up only in Maine :keke:

[gsxrjai]

lol
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1220912405.html

[90 5.0]

lol
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1220912405.html

"Posting has been deleted by author" ???


You're on a roll :keke:

[gsxrjai]

WTF... I just viewed it

Men's Schwinn Mountain Bike - $50 (Katy - Cinco Ranch)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-8xhjn-1220912405@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-06-14, 10:15AM CDT



Great condition men's mountain bike
Includes helmet
Black and red color
SX2000 model
Exactly like this one: http://tiny.cc/L53U3



Location: Katy - Cinco Ranch
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

[morvegil]

I have a Giant (Makes Specialized). I got that fro 700 at a sale at PLanetary cycles and it rocks!