I'm looking to pick up a hobby that'll give me a reason to get out of the city.

My budget is $1K-2K.

-What's a good mountain bike that'll last, but isn't too costly?
-Where do the bike savy shoppers shop to avoid paying retail markups at local stores (e.g., Gregg's Greenlake Cycle, REI)?

 

I used to be a x-country biker few years ago though I'm not that hardcore.

I like GT, Specialized and Trek's bike. It's a good idea to get one w/ aluminum frame nowadays. With front suspension fork(ones w/ not too long travel by Rock Shox, Manitou or Mazzochi) that's good for road & x-country riding. V-brakes design will be fine in most cases u don't need front and rear vented discs on your bike. So does carbon fibre seat post, they'll break. Somone tried to fool my friend before and said they're so strong blah blah blah.

And then spend a bit money on safety gears like a good helmet, gloves, bike/hiking shoes, a camelbak, etc.

Make sure u go shop around more, compare the prices and find the frame with right size. Read some magazines like Mountain Bike Action & Mountain Biking. They have buyer guides every year and u may want to search for their website online.

Also it maybe a good idea to go to reliable bike shop to build up your own bike, instead of buying one off the rack. Same idea as computers.

Hope these will help.

 

Dude, maybe you and Brant need to hook up on this one :ROFLMAO:

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RT
[B]Dude, maybe you and Brant need to hook up on this one

 

OK, here's my take on bikes and getting a good one cheap.

1. Since I've got a sense that you're into "quality" products, you'll probably be looking at Shimano XT or XTR components. If you're building your bike from scratch, my ballpark figures for the components are: XT w/V-brakes ~$800, or XT w/disc brakes ~$950, or XTR (only comes with V-brakes) ~$1200. Figure your fork is $400 to $500 and add another $1000 for a quality frameset. Frame prices increase depending on the type and quality of the tubing as well as if it is a production or custom size. I'm guessing you're looking at the low $2K for a bike you build yourself.

2. Value comes when you look at production bikes from larger bike manufacturers. Price one out and you find that for the price of just the components and fork, you end up with a complete bike. It's like getting the frame for free. Guess there's something to be said about mass production and the assembly line process, huh? And the frames that come with the bike are pretty decent anyway.

I'm partial to Treks even though they're probably the Camrys and Accords to the bike industry. The value is there along with quality and innovation. So my take is to go buy a production bike, you'll get more than your money's worth.

3. Um, what do I know about bikes? Maybe nothing but currently I have 5. One road, one cyclocross and three mountain bikes. Oh yeah, I bought the road bike off the rack and the other 4 I built up.

 

RT, you bastard.

Scooby2, thanks so much for your input.

Spoon, thanks man.

You guys rock.

**** Brant. Just kidding. I don't even know the guy.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by scooby2
[B]OK, here's my take on bikes and getting a good one cheap.

1. Since I've got a sense that you're into "quality" products, you'll probably be looking at Shimano XT or XTR components. If you're building your bike from scratch, my ballpark figures for the components are: XT w/V-brakes ~$800, or XT w/disc brakes ~$950, or XTR (only comes with V-brakes) ~$1200. Figure your fork is $400 to $500 and add another $1000 for a quality frameset. Frame prices increase depending on the type and quality of the tubing as well as if it is a production or custom size.

 

Dude, I just had a thought (and it hurt my brain), get a dirt bike, serious "out of the city" fun to be had and you'll get that S2000 like acceleration I know you're fiending for ..... seriously.

 

More comments:

In my opinion the big decision when buying a bike is front suspension only vs. full suspension. Full suspension will add cost and weight to the bike, but will give you a much softer ride. It's also better for bombing down hills. Read what the mtn biking magazines have to say about it.

The rest of your equipment is as important or more so than the bike in enjoying the ride. Particularly in the NW given that you'll be riding in wet/cool conditions much of the time. The following are necessities: helmet, gloves, bike shorts, camelbak, tube patch, tool set, shoes that lock onto the pedals. You should also get lightweight rain/wind proof jacket/pants you can take with you.

Enjoy.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RT
[B]Dude, maybe you and Brant need to hook up on this one