Whats up metro mountain bikers

I've asked some salesman and done some research online, but I feel like the salesman just wants my money and I'm still confused about which bike suits me best from reading online.

I was wondering if anyone knows of a decent mountain bike that I can start on. Are there any that I can buy for around $300-$400? I'm a pretty decent rider, I would say intermediate level. I'm not trying to go crazy and jump off cliffs, I just wanna ride some trails, bike paths, and occasionally ride on the more challenging dirt trails.

Also, are there any good trails and bike paths in long island?

The only one I know is the Jones Beach ocean parkway bike path

Thanks in advance

 

Im no expert but it all depends how good of a bike your looking for, Honestly thats the cheap end of mnt bikes you CAN get a bike for that cost, but your looking at more entry level bikes almost like high end sports authority bikes or the lower end bike shop bikes. You should probably keep an eye out on craigslist for used you can prob get more bang for your buck going with a used bike. Also need to decide if you want a full suspension if not.

 

Thanks for the info. I forgot about craigslist. Are there things I should look out for specifically when buying a used bike? I know what to look out for in motorcycles, I'm sure its pretty much the same for bikes?

I would prefer something that can handle bumpy trails and 2-3 foot drops. I guess I need full suspension and a lot more money.

 

Moved this into off topic and there are a few cycling thread on here.

To be honest 300 to 400 doesn't get you anything worth keeping in the mountain bike world. If you plan on hitting trails you must go somewhere in the 500 and up range. Sure you can buy something off of CL but it may not fit you right. Rust, worn sprokets, cracks and badly maintained bikes is some of what you will find on CL. I don't recommend buying from a major store chain either (Sports Authority, Modells .. ) The guys who usually put those bikes together don't have a clue about bikes. Going to your local mom and pop store gets you more true honest help in picking a bike as well as a quality assembled product. I have a guy in Queens that I go to and he was offering 3 years unlimited adjustments (not tunes) with purchase.

Out in LI there is Greenbelt and Stillwell. They have different levels to bike on with a ski slope type marking of black diamond and the sorts. I haven't been in some time but have driven by the entrance and it looks like it's better maintained now than back when I used to ride.



Here is what you should look for when buying a bike.

Price - bikes with cheaper components cost less. In other words heavier and cheaper materials. You will not enjoy ridding if you go cheap because they will not handle the abuse of trails. If your looking for just basic paths and beach cruising you can go in your price range.

Fit and comfort - buying a bike that is too small or too large will make the ride bad on your back/neck or legs and you will once again not enjoy the ride.

I had at one point 5 mountain bikes. Rode tons back in the day from city to trails, upstate carraige ways and LI single track technical x-country. Never did downhill because I liked the work out and challenge of hill climbing to much. I have rode with guys at all skill levels and the noobs who go cheap with bikes never last more than a few rides because they get discouraged from buying less expensive bikes and having to work ten times as hard to ride and keep the bikes tuned.

Example of bike failure was a guy I knew that picked something up from a chain store and it was such garbage that we had to pull over every 10 to 15 min to adjust his breaks from locking up. After the 5th or so time we just started leaving him behind and we would hear the pads squeeling far behind us

 

^Thanks again. I'm gonna take the advice and just save up for a better bike.

 

sounds good man. Biking is so much fun. Wish I had more time to hit the trails. Spring and Fall are the best seasons to do it. Summer you can suffer heat exhaustion real easily. What you can also do if your on a budget is put a bike on lay away. I did that with my Specialized Epic. That way I knew I was commited to the 1800 I spend on it.

 

I hang at Cunningham park in queens. Lots of fun.

I got my mountain bike from Craigslist. Find a buddy that is familiar with bikes and go shopping.

I do agree though, you should raise your budget if this is a serious investment.

 

Cunningham is cool for Queens and beats getting chased out of the trials in Forest Park by the Horse back riders and perverts lol. You should try heading out to the Syosset LI if you think Cunningham is fun .. you will love Stillwell and Greenbelt. Much longer and way more technical. I miss those trails more now than ever.

 

Here is a link to the mtn bike organization on Long Island:

http://climbonline.org/

on their web site you can find links to a lot of the trails on the island. directions and trail maps are provided. i ride a good amount in late winter spring and fall.

 

I don't yet mountain bike but I do road bike. I have had on many occasion thought about buying an entry level mountain bike that would be in the range you're looking at. That means it would be a hard tail bike with at least disc brakes. Disc brakes will be better when you ride in the mud. If and when you buy a bike, pick a good local bike store. Usually when you buy a bike, you get a life time service from them and a free fitting. Some more popular and good brands to look at would be specialized, cannondale and fuji.
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...hardrockdisc26