I would like to get an inexpensive, reliable and decent looking MTB. I'm 6"1 and I will be riding this bike on the road and by the beach. I don't think I will be jumping rocks and stuff. I'm considering used ones, since so many people buying it as a garage furniture. Here are my questions:
- What size frame ?
- Which brands to stay away, which ones to look for ?
- What to look for when buying a used bicycle?

thanks a lot guys...
If it helps I like to stay under $300-350
Matt.

 

Save money and get a used bike - 2004 or later. You don't want too old imo.

Make sure there's no frame damage - dents, cracks, paint cracks (as opposed to chips - they are okay) are signs of frame damage. Everything on a bike can be swapped if it brakes, so you want a good frame.

A mountain bike should at the least have a front suspension - makes life a lot easier on your body. Rears aren't necessary for your level of riding. Wheels need to be round - they can bend if the rims are cheap or abused, so you need to have them looked at. Other than that, it should shift between gears normally.

Size - generally, if you straddle the bike, you should have about 2" of clearance between the frame and your pelvis. You'll have to size the seat and handlebars to you and you may want to goto a bike shop for that.

I love my GT, but its about eight years old now and GT was bought out a while ago, so I'm not really up on the latest in bikes. I don't think I'd buy a GT today - I heard the quality is down.

With a bike, you want some kind of storage like an under the seat pouch. When you go out you also want a flat kit to patch a puncture and a small bike pump.

My baby:

 

Stay away from the typical store brands like Mongoose. GT has actually gone low end now as well. If you're getting used, I stick with Specialized (Rockhopper, Stumpjumper etc). Shimano components (my Giant has Deore XT, not sure if those are still the higher end ones or not).

Good Brand Names-

Specialized
Klein
Gary Fisher

 

Cannondale makes good bikes too.

Most important though... buy a helmet. I used to ride without a helmet until I fell off one day. I didn't hit my head but the point is that I could have... really scary... so please buy a helmet.

Just make sure the gears are shifting nice a crisp. If they lag or anything like that, it could be adjustable or they just plain suck. The Shimano Deore XT are really good shifters (I have it on my TREK). If you could find Shimano 105 or Ultegra... great... but they are pricey.

I would highly, highly recommend saving some more cash to get a good bike, even if used. As you mentioned... most bikes become old furniture in the garage and that's because that person didn't buy a good bike and instead of being enjoyable, it's a hassle. I spent good money on mine and well worth it because I don't run into annoying problems like a rattling chain... just keep that in mind.

Andre

 

Oh... another thing... if you plan on mostly riding on roads... I highly recommend buying what they call a "Hybrid" bike. They are like mountain bikes but no suspension and have thin tires for less resistance. They are amazing if you only plan on roads. If you plan on off-road as well, then yes get suspension, if not, suspension will just be a waste of energy because some of your pedaling energy will be wasted in compression the spring... not cool.

Andre

 

go to a real bike store and buy a used or entry level ~20"/L

 

Hey there..

I work as a bike technician/builder at Trek of Pittsburgh in PA.

I wouldnt really go buying a used bike. I would save and get a decent bike. Itll be worth your while in the end. Trust me.

If you buy a used bike, find out all these different things do not work properly and you do not know how to fix/repair a bike, the cost of parts + labor will kill you. Its not that expensive, but after you add it all up it could be a nice new bike vs a used one.

At 6'1 I would recommend a 19.5in frame. at 5'11 I run a 17.5in frame.

Good bikes for mountain are:
Gary Fisher(pricey)
Trek
Cannondale(pricey)
Specialized


Anything NOT used from these companies will have reliable shifting components at your level.

I suggest that you take a trip to a reputable local bike shop and take a look at what they have to offer.

At this point, I have to whore that I just ordered a Trek Top Fuel 98 with a Project One custom paint job!! Coming around Sept 10th!!

BTW - If you have any questions, dont be afraid to ask.. I can tell you everything and anything that you need to know, I do it everyday...

 

Go to Craigslist.org baby!!!

 

Good move, I've heard the standard paint job isn't up to par for the price level. Any other mods? I've got a bud who says he hates the tires it came with, too loose. He was also critical of the pop-lock mechanism.

Gotta love the lightness of the carbon frame though...

 

I just sold my Cannondale road bike tonight through Craigslist!