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Mt Bike Time

Another reason to shop at a LBS is they usually offer free tune-ups for the first year. The cheapest LBS bike is still way better than the most expensive Department store bike.
It's already been said, but fit is one of the most critical things, not only for comfort but to avoid injury(like knees from not getting proper leg extension, etc....)
The only time I'd recommend a Department store bike is for kids who will outgrow them rather quickly, then it makes sense to go the cheaper route, besides the fact they usually bash the snot out of them.;-)
 
Wow. That listing - 23" is a pretty tall frame. I actually ride a 19" but with a strong seat post LOL. And I'm 6'5" hahhaa. I like the low center of gravity. Top tube length is the most important anyway!

This was after an epic trail ride in Tsali.
Tsali01.jpg


Of course my road bike (61cm) is sized closer to my height requirements!
 
For a guy your size, and the intended use of the bike, save yourself some headaches (and backaches) and get a good quality bike that is fitted to your body. Wal-Mart won't do that.
 
I went through this a few months ago. A cheap bike just plain sucks. I ended up selling my comp rig to buy my bike:shock: Ended up with a Trek GF signature series Mamba 29er. All I can say is I love this bike and I have been beating the snot out of it. Some may say this bike sucks, but it works great for me. No issues what so ever and my bike shop maintains it for 3 years and warranties everything except rubber and pads. Can't go wrong getting a bike from a good bike shop. Good luck"thumbsup"

Later,
Farmer
 
Went to the "local" shop this a.m., they are a Giant dealer mainly. Entry level Boulder was $340 and the guy basically told me Id probably end up breaking stuff if I went offroad with it. Next model up (there were like 4 different models of the Boulder) was $390 and he suggested that one if I wasnt looking to upgrade it down the road. The enxt one up from that had disc's and better shifters but was $500.

Im sure if a "Giant" (never heard of) starts out at almost $400 the couple of shops across town that sell Specialized/Trek arent going to be any cheaper.


Anyone have any info/thoughts on that Haro Flightline CL add I posted on the 1st page??
 
I haven't seen you post it here, but what sort of mountain biking are you thinking of doing? If it's riding the gravel trails, the lower end Giant would probably work just fine. If you're looking at riding more singletrack technical stuff, then yes, you'll need something stronger. Giant isn't a no-name brand though, they have a wide range of bikes just like Specialized and Trek.

Few sources for used/cheaper bikes:

e-bay
craigslist
pinkbike.com
mtbreview.com
bikesdirect.com

Also, at this time of year the lbs's start clearing out last years models. You can sometimes pick up a bike for fairly cheap.

Haro's are decent bikes. From what I've seen, they span quite a range from lower end to high end bikes.

My suggestion if you're really serious about getting a mountain bike, is to save up at least $1000 and go from there. Really, any bike you get in the $200 range, whether a decent used bike or cheapo new one is not going to be the greatest bike overall.
 
Get a job at a giant dealer.. I paid $375 for my Talon 2"thumbsup"

2011's are going for cheap and '10s are not wanted on the floor of any sporting goods store.

If you decide to buy from walmart expect to add $45+ to the price tag for it to be setup by a reputable dealer.
 
If you can find a Trek dealer, the 3700 disc is a great starter bike and is leaps and bounds better than a walmart bike. Most bike shops have some last years models on the floor that usually have a hefty discount.

I was in my LBS the other day and found a 2010 3700 disc for 399! Smoking good deal!
 
Go on local MTB forums. Even better than CL.

I got a Azonic framed DJ bike (mainly because I'm short and MTB's don't feel right even when properly sized). I paid $200 for a used bike, but its original build cost was near $2K
 
I've been thinking about selling this....

1992 Trek 8000, has some XT and LX components, has many miles of use(about 2K), needs a tune up, derailers need adjustment, overall good shape for it's age. Don't remember size, want to say 17". I'm about 5'10", feels good for my body size. The seat is an anal plugger though, needs to be replaced. I just never ride it. I want to ride my old school '80s Haro BMX more.

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Giants are pretty good bikes. I had a used one I fixed up and rode around town for a while.

Looks like some good options are popping up here! Take that WALLYWORLD! :flipoff:
 
not worth paying $200, when you can pay a 100 more, generally with free tuning, service, and maintance from people who HAVE experience.

You can get a Diamond Back Response 2011 for about $300 at my local performance bikes. If i were you, try and buy a bike from Performace. In my experience, they are very good and inexpensive with the price of their bikes.

My friend rode his Wally bike to school, and the Brakes failed, right before a major intersection. He had to slam into the light pole or else he would get run over by a car. After 5-10 stiches, he is back to normal, but vows to just buy high end bikes. He is a biking "techy" and he has a $2000+ invested specialized bike. He got the wally bike since he thought it was okay for just commuting short distances.. His house is about 1mile from the school.
 
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