[12dargernswearf]

So, I was going to get a $600 to $700 TV, but I went to ****'s today and have changed my mind. Instead, I am going to get a bike. I used to be a hard core biker and biked everyday usually 20 miles total. Been 3 years or so now since I have done that I really miss it after checking out their stock.

So, for any cycilists, throw out some suggestions. Really open up to anything. $600 tops on a bike.
.
Mountain bike, street bike, any in betweens, doesn't matter. Still debating on what to get. I think that I might end up getting a Mountain bike that can also be used for street work, so nothing major for off the road.

I am most familiar with Diamondback's and Mongoose's though. I might want to stick with Diamondback since my last experience with them was superb. But still open up to anything.

[steansathtpos]

Put a few more bucks on that and get a GT Avalance 2.0 Disc ($629.99).

http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/Products/Mountain/All-Mountain/Hard-Tail/#5597

Or if you want to spend less ($440.00) and still have a good bike there's the Jamis Trail X3

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...08trailx3.html

Although if you are just going to do light trail and mostly on the street, you should look into 700C bikes. Tires are 29" but are not as skinny as road bike tires so its not as prone to blowouts.

[iuopyra]

Put a few more bucks on that and get a GT Avalance 2.0 Disc ($629.99).

http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/Products/Mountain/All-Mountain/Hard-Tail/#5597

Or if you want to spend less ($440.00) and still have a good bike there's the Jamis Trail X3

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...08trailx3.html

Although if you are just going to do light trail and mostly on the street, you should look into 700C bikes. Tires are 29" but are not as skinny as road bike tires so its not as prone to blowouts.

700c tires are 28" dude. What I would suggest is just go to some bike stores and see a bike you like and try it out and check prices. Just so you know you can also find sweet deals, my store right now has the bikes at 50% off and is actually less than cost[surrender] you can get a 900$ bike for 450$[yes].

[GtmFeqJJ]

I'd also stick to a hard tail if you are wanting more dual purpose.

That Jamis looks pretty sweet, and cheap too! I'm in the market for a bike too, but I need a full suspension trail bike, that Jamis company might have one in my price range!

[steansathtpos]

I'd also stick to a hard tail if you are wanting more dual purpose.

That Jamis looks pretty sweet, and cheap too! I'm in the market for a bike too, but I need a full suspension trail bike, that Jamis company might have one in my price range!

well their cheapest full suspended is I think this one for $895.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...08dakarxc.html

I think I'm going to buy the 2008 Jamis Trail X3 above once the shop decides to start clearing out the models for discount.

[Crazykz]

i know nothing about bikes .. my brother used to be downhill champ. in 97 or some some late 90's in turkey and he used everything specialized brand .. i mean the brands name is specialized, but then again it was his sponsor who got all those things for him and the adds for some stores etc. so i know specialized is a good brand :-P i know this isnt help at all but at least bumps the thread .. :-D [thumbup] good choice that you decided to get a bike over tv. at least much healthier.

[Pinkman]

Sounds like a basic mountain bike or a dual-sport would be good for you. Go to your local bike shops and try out a bunch. Trek, Gary Fisher, and Giant are good brands to look into. Try out a Giant Yukon and a Gary Fisher Wahoo, both of which are decent entry-level mtn bikes. GF also makes several bikes that are mainly meant for road-riding but can handle some off-roading, too, but not as well as a mountain bike can. Make sure the store associate assists you in finding a bike that fits you, and don't be afraid to negotiate the price or persuade them to throw in some free accessories.

[barsikjal]

Try to find yourself a cyclocross bike. Best of both worlds. Light weight bikes, stiff fast ride and drop bars with STI shifters like a road bike but thicker tires and sturdy wheels to handle off-road riding. They do everything pretty well.

[Anydayhybeall]

Here is what i got for $500 and i love it. If you don't want fixed you can run it as a single speed, but fixed i recommend, unless you have monster hills where you are, in that case go for a geared bike. Don't get a mountain bike unless you'll be doing lots of trails.
http://www.2404.org/smull/fuji/4.jpg

[aburva.org]

I had economic stimulus money to spend, so I blew it all on a bike. So far I like it very much. I feels a lot faster on the dirt than on paved areas, though. I decided to invest in my fitness and mountain biking is fun.

Also the bike shop is always lots cheaper than the Specialized website... at least around here it is. Even my helmet was cheaper at the store than on the website.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32233


Specialized Rockhopper Disc

________
Paxil Classaction

[diemeareendup]

I'm admittedly not the most avid or knowledgeable biker, but if I had the money to spend, I'd definitely go for a cyclo-cross style bike.

Lightweight and stiff enough for on road biking, but rugged enough for off road excursions.

[Pinkman]

Here is what i got for $500 and i love it. If you don't want fixed you can run it as a single speed, but fixed i recommend, unless you have monster hills where you are, in that case go for a geared bike. Don't get a mountain bike unless you'll be doing anything off a paved road.
http://www.2404.org/smull/fuji/4.jpg

Fixed that sentence for you

He should get something that can at least handle basic trails. Whether that would be cyclo-cross, mountain, whatever. He would probably regret getting something that can only be ridden on pavement.

[Anydayhybeall]

He would probably regret getting something that can only be ridden on pavement.

Then i suggest he gets two bikes, for both off and on road

[nanyaHgoc]

You can ride any cross countrybike (trails etc) on the road fine.

[UJRonald]

You can ride any cross countrybike (trails etc) on the road fine.

Yes you can. I do. If you're going to use it on the road a lot I recommend getting some slick road tyres for your MTB. Then when you want to ride trails swap them over for knobblies.

[singleGirl]

Yes you can. I do. If you're going to use it on the road a lot I recommend getting some slick road tyres for your MTB. Then when you want to ride trails swap them over for knobblies.

Ya these are the best

continental sport contact

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticy...0contact.shtml

Ive been running a set for around a year now 26x1.3s, fastest mtb road tyre available...alittle of the pace of a 700c but not by much

[12dargernswearf]

Diamondback Response Sport and Diamondback Menona

Both same price at $425 roughly. How are these you think?


Mountain Hardtrail (Reponse Sport)




Hybrid (Menona)





Do you think that the hybrid would be able to handle trails pretty decent?

[GtmFeqJJ]

I like the hybrid of those two.

You should check out ****'s Sporting Goods they have a good selection of DB bikes. I went to try out the Mission bikes today and sadly I was very very unimpressed by them all. I test road their Mission 2 full susser ($1800) and my current 7 year old bike feels better built and not as cheap feeling. Plus I have the same amount of travel in front and rear. [thumbdown] Set of disk brakes for my bike and a tune up and I have a bike just as good.

Their 29er (the Overdrive is what they call it i think) is pretty decent, upgrade the front shock, and derailleurs and it could be a pretty good hard tail. I think its around $450

[AdobeCreativeSuite]

We just got this bike at work. I haven't rode it yet but it seems like it's constructed strong.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ries/4300disc/

[Pinkman]

Diamondback Response Sport and Diamondback Menona

Both same price at $425 roughly. How are these you think?


Mountain Hardtrail (Reponse Sport)




Hybrid (Menona)





Do you think that the hybrid would be able to handle trails pretty decent?

Both of those bikes seem ok.

As for your question, it depends on what kind of trails we're talking about. If your trails look like this:

http://www.about-minneapolismn.com/w.../07/image4.png

you'll probably be fine.

If your trails look like this:

http://www.solarnavigator.net/sport/...ocky_trail.jpg

you won't be fine.

Even then that Menona is mainly meant for the road and really not designed for off-road.


And I would recommend to buy a bike from a bicycle shop rather than a place like ****'s Sporting Goods. I wouldn't trust a place like ****'s.