im looking to start riding.

no flames please. i want a cheap bike since i dont know what im getting into, so does anyone know a decent cheap bike to be had from target, walmart, kmart, etc?

and what the hell is the deal with bikes these days? like cars i guess. but it's a FRIGGIN BIKE. 2 wheels and some light metal for $3000 bucks!?

 

I think you'll need to give more info about the types of surfaces you want to use it on, any street use, all rough terrain, rocky vs sandy off-roading, etc.

Any idea on that? I have minimal knowledge in this area but like like cars and most others, decent starter bikes can be had for relatively inexpensive with the best performing 10% of the options costing 200-1000% more than the rest.

 

It all depends on what your using the bike for. If your just going to ride some flat smooth trails, then a walmart bike will do just fine. When you start to get into rougher/steeper trails, I'd suggest looking into a name brand bike.

I own an expensive bike, but what I use it for, I need it. I ride freeride/downhill so I need a bike that can take the abuse.

 

i spent about 500 (cannondale f6) on mine. during the week i use it to ride around campus...on the weekend it serves it purpose well as a cross country bike. i would stay away from kmart bikes and such, even for a beginner. you will outgrow them in about two weeks with even moderate 'mountain' riding.

ems sells some decent bikes for cheap...as a quick story. the kid i ride with and i bought new bikes at the same time. i bought my cannondale an he bought a cheaper bike from ems...maybe 100 cheaper or so. there was a noticable difference. his bike had more stuff on it...disk brakes, fancier tires, bright paint. mine was lighter, more responsive, and more agile. you get what you pay for...but its possible to get a lot if you spend wisely.

 

You can find a good quality hardtail mtb for about $400 to $450. If you're just going to be on paved bike paths most of the time, $200 to $250 will get you a good one without front suspension.

 

giant xtc comp. I have it. Pure sex under 20 lbs.

 

You don't want a Wal-Mart special - that thing will break in half and impale you on the trails, but you don't have to spend $5k either.

Go find a local bike shop and tell them you are looking for a starter bike and that you're looking around $500. There are plenty of decent bikes for under $1000, and maybe you'll see one on sale.

Two important things - get a bike thats the right size, and get at a front suspension, hard-tail bike. Then you'll be happy.

 

Price Point

 

if you are new, then you can thank me later for this

- get proper (or more than proper) safety gears (helmet, gloves, elbow and shin guards)
- learn how to ride clipless pedals and spin the crank (not just apply pressure on the downward stroke, with clipless you can pull up as well, and it will keep your shoe to the pedal when it gets rough)
- get used to shifting A LOT
- learn how to shift your body weight (uphill, downhill, braking and cornering)

and learn how to ride on hardtail + front shock, and get mechanical disc brake if you can afford them.

 

Ask your local shops, go to 3-4 and see if they have something that fits you and your style. Don't get crap or you will regret it in a week. Plenty of great bikes out there for less than a grand. Just for grins I built a hardtail with a supergo frame, everything else xt of better for less than 800.