Entry level Bicycle

gharmon
Posts
2737
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Valley, AL US
Edited Date/Time 3/7/2015 6:48am
I know this is a motorcycle site but lots of you guys ride bikes. I'm looking to get something to ride and don't have a clue. Other than buying my boys a couple bmx bikes everything I have ever owned came from Walmart of the like.

I don't know want to spend a fortune but if I sink in more money I'll be inclined to take better care of it. I want be leaving an expensive bike out in the rain (like a Walmart bike). I'm thinking more along the lines of a mountain bike (I can still ride it on the street if I want. Not so much vice-versa). I'm looking to spend as little as possible but still have a quality bike. I am looking for something between $500-$1000 if possible. I'm fine with used bikes also.

I've had two moto wrecks since aug and have been out of work all of that but three weeks. I'm not saying I wont ride again but I can't put my home in this type of strain again. Financially, I just can't take the chance with moto for awhile (i'm still not sure if I'll even fully recover from this wreck now). Bicycle's should be safer and I've found that there are a few MTB trails in my area. I never would have though it.

Also, how about a decent female bike. My wife would probably ride with me some.

Thanks guys,
|
hvaughn88
Posts
8361
Joined
6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR US
3/6/2015 11:37am
gharmon wrote:
I know this is a motorcycle site but lots of you guys ride bikes. I'm looking to get something to ride and don't have a clue...
I know this is a motorcycle site but lots of you guys ride bikes. I'm looking to get something to ride and don't have a clue. Other than buying my boys a couple bmx bikes everything I have ever owned came from Walmart of the like.

I don't know want to spend a fortune but if I sink in more money I'll be inclined to take better care of it. I want be leaving an expensive bike out in the rain (like a Walmart bike). I'm thinking more along the lines of a mountain bike (I can still ride it on the street if I want. Not so much vice-versa). I'm looking to spend as little as possible but still have a quality bike. I am looking for something between $500-$1000 if possible. I'm fine with used bikes also.

I've had two moto wrecks since aug and have been out of work all of that but three weeks. I'm not saying I wont ride again but I can't put my home in this type of strain again. Financially, I just can't take the chance with moto for awhile (i'm still not sure if I'll even fully recover from this wreck now). Bicycle's should be safer and I've found that there are a few MTB trails in my area. I never would have though it.

Also, how about a decent female bike. My wife would probably ride with me some.

Thanks guys,
Here's my take on it (there's a lot of different thoughts on this), but I would figure out what bike shop you want to use and then determine which bike you want based on what they carry or can get. Similar to a motorcycle, the details are in the components. Most all the frames at that price point will be comparable, so pick something that has good front and rear derailleurs (if you're gonna skimp, at least get the best rear derailleur you can find). Be sure to get something that will fit you really well too, which is where a good bike shop comes into play. I realize not everyone has access to a good shop, so that may be hard. It's pretty common now, but if you get a mountain bike that you are also gonna be riding occasionally on the street, then a lockout on your fork is nice to have. Now from a personal opinion, I really think KHS gives you a good bang for your bike for bikes in that price range.
Team Ideal
Posts
1157
Joined
9/22/2008
Location
Ste. Marie, IL US
3/6/2015 11:48am
hvaughn88 wrote:
Here's my take on it (there's a lot of different thoughts on this), but I would figure out what bike shop you want to use and...
Here's my take on it (there's a lot of different thoughts on this), but I would figure out what bike shop you want to use and then determine which bike you want based on what they carry or can get. Similar to a motorcycle, the details are in the components. Most all the frames at that price point will be comparable, so pick something that has good front and rear derailleurs (if you're gonna skimp, at least get the best rear derailleur you can find). Be sure to get something that will fit you really well too, which is where a good bike shop comes into play. I realize not everyone has access to a good shop, so that may be hard. It's pretty common now, but if you get a mountain bike that you are also gonna be riding occasionally on the street, then a lockout on your fork is nice to have. Now from a personal opinion, I really think KHS gives you a good bang for your bike for bikes in that price range.
^^^ this, I don't have a personal preference on what bike to buy, but definitely go to a near by dealer and talk with them. a good dealer will take good care of you, explain everything and make sure it fits you correctly.
IWreckALot
Posts
8678
Joined
3/12/2011
Location
Fort Worth, TX US
3/6/2015 11:52am Edited Date/Time 3/6/2015 11:55am
You can get great entry level bicycles for less than $1,000.

I wouldn't consider anything with a single wall rim. They taco too easily. Coming from MOTO, you won't know how to take it easy enough to keep from folding a single wall wheel in half. Double wall is great and feasible in your price range.

On most bikes, be prepared to replace the pedals and probably the seat almost immediately.

Most importantly of all, get a bike that fits you.

The great debate is 26" or 29". You'll find guys that argue non stop about what is better like 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke. I rode a 26" for awhile and switched to a 29" and I wouldn't go back to 26" at this point. The 29" will carry momentum better, roll over obstacles without slowing you down as much as a 26" and I love doing drops on my 29". 26" are supposed to corner better and accelerate faster. The components on my 29" are better than they were on my 26" so I didn't notice a complication with cornering or accelerating. If you plan on riding on paved roads as well as off road, the 29" is my personal opinion.

GT makes good entry level bikes for rather cheap. I have a 29" Cannondale Trail SL3. I like it a lot but I'm also not racing and don't have a lot to compare it to. It ran me $1,100 I believe. You can get the Trail SL4 and 5 for less than $1,000 I believe. Some guys don't like Cannondale because they do a few things differently and it makes it difficult to upgrade components down the road. All of the bigger names like Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, and Giant will have good options.

Here is a great place to get some reviews. http://www.mtbr.com/reviewscrx.aspx

Edited to remove some redundant stuff from HVaughn. Shop support is a big deal like he mentioned. I have an AWESOME local shop. Anyone in the Fort Worth area, I highly recommend Fort Worth Cycling and Fitness on Cherry lane. Those guys know how to take care of their customers.
mxpro252
Posts
459
Joined
11/15/2013
Location
WA US
3/6/2015 11:52am
You can get a very capable mtn bike for $500-1000 that will be way more fun to ride than the crap sold at Walmart. Look into the hardtails Specialized offers for both you and the lady. They sell a good womens bike for about $500. And i say good and capable relative to the skill and need of someone just getting into the sport and not taking it to a crazy level. There are plenty of guys out there with $5000 bikes that have the skill better matched with a $500 bike.

At the end of the day, there are countless options in the mtb world. Just make sure you are properly fitted to the right sized bike (very important) and its built to do the type of riding you plan to do.

The Shop

Samuel
Posts
388
Joined
6/30/2014
Location
Independence, OR US
3/6/2015 11:52am
If you're just going to cruise trails, get something like a Specialized Rockhopper. You can pedal easier uphill with a hard-tail and really pick up speed pumping on the downhills. You could jump it a little too if you wanted. I've always liked jumping, and I used to jump a hardrock, which is similar to the rockhopper, but cheaper and not as nice. It's a versitile bike and if you really like the hobby, you can upgrade later to a stumpjumper or something. Personally, I love having 8 inches of travel, but I also dislike spandex and pedaling.
TailSoHard
Posts
1656
Joined
10/18/2014
Location
Beer City, MI US
3/6/2015 11:54am
Find a used 29" wheel hardtail (front suspension only). Personally, I tell all my friends to start on a single speed and add gears later. It will get you used to mountain biking before complicating it with things like shifting, maintenance, and high prices. Hell, you can go buy a Redline or a Raleigh 29" single speed for dirt cheap. Your terrain will dictate what gearing to run, but don't ever let anyone tell you that it's "too hard" to ride single speeds or that you're "too old" for it. It's easier than you think.

But if you must have gears, find a decent used bike with Shimano XT components or SRAM x7/x9 shifters and derailleurs. Plan on spending closer to that $1000 mark though for decent stuff. You'll be happier in the long run with a nicer bike and you'll be able to recoup some of the money spent when you go to sell it a couple years down the road.

Like Vaughn said, it's just like dirt bikes. The more you pay, the better the bike.

Check with your local bike shop also, and see if they do any weekly group rides where you could demo a bike with them. Bike shops are usually pretty laid back and they should have a lot of good info for you.
GrapeApe
Posts
8753
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
3/6/2015 11:56am
This is such a hard question to answer without knowing your local trails. In that price range, and in general, you are going to get a lot more bang for your buck with a hard tail vs. full suspension, but if you trails are really rocky and technical you might hate the hard tail at first. I'd hit up your local shops and pick their brain for what works best in your area. Hard tail vs. full suspension, 26" vs. 27.5" vs. 29", 100mm vs. 120mm vs. 140mm, etc.

Also I will say I have seen a lot of riders buy low end starter bikes, get hooked, and then start upgrading components like crazy, usually starting with the fork. 18 months later they have a bike that cost twice what it would have cost if they just spent a little more on the front end. Just food for thought.
IWreckALot
Posts
8678
Joined
3/12/2011
Location
Fort Worth, TX US
3/6/2015 11:58am
TailSoHard wrote:
Find a used 29" wheel hardtail (front suspension only). Personally, I tell all my friends to start on a single speed and add gears later. It...
Find a used 29" wheel hardtail (front suspension only). Personally, I tell all my friends to start on a single speed and add gears later. It will get you used to mountain biking before complicating it with things like shifting, maintenance, and high prices. Hell, you can go buy a Redline or a Raleigh 29" single speed for dirt cheap. Your terrain will dictate what gearing to run, but don't ever let anyone tell you that it's "too hard" to ride single speeds or that you're "too old" for it. It's easier than you think.

But if you must have gears, find a decent used bike with Shimano XT components or SRAM x7/x9 shifters and derailleurs. Plan on spending closer to that $1000 mark though for decent stuff. You'll be happier in the long run with a nicer bike and you'll be able to recoup some of the money spent when you go to sell it a couple years down the road.

Like Vaughn said, it's just like dirt bikes. The more you pay, the better the bike.

Check with your local bike shop also, and see if they do any weekly group rides where you could demo a bike with them. Bike shops are usually pretty laid back and they should have a lot of good info for you.
Lol. I would hate to pedal some of my local trails on a single speed. I see what you're getting at though. Maybe a single chainring up front with 9 or 10 speeds in the back would be a good compromise.

Oh and I really like the Shimano hydraulic brakes that came on my bike. Coming from mechanical disc brakes, they're night and day difference. But the mechanical disc brakes aren't terrible if you don't know any better.
Motodave15
Posts
4252
Joined
8/7/2010
Location
Temple City, CA US
3/6/2015 12:05pm Edited Date/Time 3/6/2015 12:06pm
Go used and let the other guys take the hit. (price wise)

Use this site,www.pinkbike.com (all mtn/bmx/xc) riders selling there stuff and its all legit

i just bought my 2013 DJBMX bike which retails for 1200$ for 300$ because the dude wanted to put new brakes on his downhill mtn bike. (He races them)

anyway the componets are what really matter, when it comes to technical stuff.

Here is the link. www.pinkbike.com if you have any questions let me know
GrapeApe
Posts
8753
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
3/6/2015 12:28pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
Here's my take on it (there's a lot of different thoughts on this), but I would figure out what bike shop you want to use and...
Here's my take on it (there's a lot of different thoughts on this), but I would figure out what bike shop you want to use and then determine which bike you want based on what they carry or can get. Similar to a motorcycle, the details are in the components. Most all the frames at that price point will be comparable, so pick something that has good front and rear derailleurs (if you're gonna skimp, at least get the best rear derailleur you can find). Be sure to get something that will fit you really well too, which is where a good bike shop comes into play. I realize not everyone has access to a good shop, so that may be hard. It's pretty common now, but if you get a mountain bike that you are also gonna be riding occasionally on the street, then a lockout on your fork is nice to have. Now from a personal opinion, I really think KHS gives you a good bang for your bike for bikes in that price range.
Speaking of cycling, check your PM's, or email, or pony express, or however messages get delivered here.
hvaughn88
Posts
8361
Joined
6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR US
3/6/2015 12:32pm
GrapeApe wrote:
Speaking of cycling, check your PM's, or email, or pony express, or however messages get delivered here.
haha, I checked it. I guess you didn't get my response?
radialone
Posts
254
Joined
10/12/2010
Location
Yorba Linda, CA US
3/6/2015 12:36pm
It doesn't look like they're still making it, but I bought a Giant Yukon FX a couple of years ago.

I wanted something full suspension under $1000 to do some all-mountain type riding. It has entry level components, but they're good enough for what I do and the bike is actually pretty capable from my experience. Good for xc training, but still capable on rocky single track and I've even done some decent downhill runs on it (I can't bomb down like you would on a DH rig or even an all-mountain bike with better components, but I can still pick my way through and tackle all the sections).

You can probably pick one up used in great shape for $500-$600. I got mine new from the shop for $700 or $800.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/yukon.fx/7326/44104/
GrapeApe
Posts
8753
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
3/6/2015 12:37pm
GrapeApe wrote:
Speaking of cycling, check your PM's, or email, or pony express, or however messages get delivered here.
hvaughn88 wrote:
haha, I checked it. I guess you didn't get my response?
I guess the pigeon hasn't made it back to Dallas, yet Smile
hvaughn88
Posts
8361
Joined
6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR US
3/6/2015 12:40pm
GrapeApe wrote:
Speaking of cycling, check your PM's, or email, or pony express, or however messages get delivered here.
hvaughn88 wrote:
haha, I checked it. I guess you didn't get my response?
GrapeApe wrote:
I guess the pigeon hasn't made it back to Dallas, yet Smile
I wonder if it may be an issue on my side of things. I responded to a PM on here the other day and the conversation it was one where a response was expected but never got it. I'm wondering if maybe my responses aren't making it through or something. I don't know, I'm kinda technologically illiterate sometimes, haha
disbanded
Posts
6867
Joined
8/26/2007
Location
Evergreen, CO US
3/6/2015 12:46pm
I hear these are gaining popularity, but you have to turn the seat up to get the full effect.



3/6/2015 12:53pm
Craig's list of eBay. See what kind of bikes are offered in your price range.
mattmatt300
Posts
1457
Joined
3/30/2009
Location
Rockmart, GA US
3/6/2015 12:56pm
I tell anyone that asks to buy a used Trek Fuel EX8.
hvaughn88
Posts
8361
Joined
6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR US
3/6/2015 1:56pm
GrapeApe wrote:
Speaking of cycling, check your PM's, or email, or pony express, or however messages get delivered here.
hvaughn88 wrote:
haha, I checked it. I guess you didn't get my response?
GrapeApe wrote:
I guess the pigeon hasn't made it back to Dallas, yet Smile
check your email and see if that worked. If not, I'm gonna bash my computer, Office Space style
IWreckALot
Posts
8678
Joined
3/12/2011
Location
Fort Worth, TX US
3/6/2015 1:59pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
haha, I checked it. I guess you didn't get my response?
GrapeApe wrote:
I guess the pigeon hasn't made it back to Dallas, yet Smile
hvaughn88 wrote:
check your email and see if that worked. If not, I'm gonna bash my computer, Office Space style
Check your spam folders too.
GrapeApe
Posts
8753
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
3/6/2015 2:05pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
haha, I checked it. I guess you didn't get my response?
GrapeApe wrote:
I guess the pigeon hasn't made it back to Dallas, yet Smile
hvaughn88 wrote:
check your email and see if that worked. If not, I'm gonna bash my computer, Office Space style
The pigeon has landed!
hvaughn88
Posts
8361
Joined
6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR US
3/6/2015 2:10pm
GrapeApe wrote:
I guess the pigeon hasn't made it back to Dallas, yet Smile
hvaughn88 wrote:
check your email and see if that worked. If not, I'm gonna bash my computer, Office Space style
GrapeApe wrote:
The pigeon has landed!
Yes, I feel like this now:

Rdubs19
Posts
767
Joined
4/16/2014
Location
Little Rock, AR US
3/6/2015 2:28pm
For less than 1000 you can get a great mountain bike. I have a Trek Marlin 6 hardtail bought new for under 700 and it can handle quite a bit. There are some limitations to bikes in this price range but for most trails, especially of you live in a place that isn't super rocky, a sub-$1000 mountain bike will do great. I would go with a hardtail because a full suspension bike for less than a grand will likely be kind of bottom barrel, not all mtb suspension.is created equal. Plus on a full suspension you really want a carbon frame for the light weight and it is the most efficient at transfering the energy from pedals to the wheels. Since you want to ride some pavement do yourself a huge favor and get a bike with the option to lock out the forks. I would also steer of Felt bikes as they seem to be heavier than most other brands in my experience. You can get a new Orbea hardtail for about a grand and I would.highly recommemd that brand. My trek is a great deal for what I paid also but it really doesn't like rough terrain. On smooth flowy stuff it is really really great though.
endurox
Posts
2081
Joined
3/22/2014
Location
Garden City, ID US
3/6/2015 3:16pm
IMO the muscle memory between a 29er or 27.5 is very similair to a dirt bike. I always had trouble of riding the 26er then hoping on a dirt bike, felt weird for the first half hour or so. 29ers are fun if you don't have lots of major climbs. A 27.5 will walk all over a 29er if the ride consists of lots and lots of climbing and or steep climbs.
dean122
Posts
1124
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Upland, CA US
3/6/2015 3:22pm
You can never go wrong with an SE Racing bicycle. They have many years of racing history and is a very reputable and solid built bike. You can buy most of their model for under 1k. Most of their bikes are in between $300-$600.

P.K. Rippers are great starter bikes and are very trick to boot.

www.sebikes.com
gharmon
Posts
2737
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Valley, AL US
3/6/2015 7:17pm
Thanks guys for the info and the links. I wished I could tell yall what kind of trails we have but I haven't seen any. I didn't even realize that there was mtb trails right behind my parents house (where I grew up) but they took what used to be natural trails on the lake and turned them into mtb trails. On these trails they were just real twisty and up and down thru the woods. I don't recall any rocks at all but there was some hills that where definitely jumpable. Hell we grew up burning those bitches up with our dirt bikes back in the day (mid to late 80's).

That's just one set of close trails I read about. I know there is a place called flat rock park so I assume that its rocky by the name but who know. The good thing is I didn't realize that they could be had for as cheap as some of these are.
FGR01
Posts
6007
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
AZ US
Fantasy
3/6/2015 8:51pm
It sounds like you're likely in your 40's or 50's and already have some aches and pains. In that case, I say do yourself a huge favor and go straight to full suspension. Damn hardtails beat the piss out of you. The hard part will be finding a decent full-susp in your price range.
JRT812
Posts
2757
Joined
3/4/2014
Location
Cottontown, TN US
3/6/2015 9:32pm
gharmon wrote:
I know this is a motorcycle site but lots of you guys ride bikes. I'm looking to get something to ride and don't have a clue...
I know this is a motorcycle site but lots of you guys ride bikes. I'm looking to get something to ride and don't have a clue. Other than buying my boys a couple bmx bikes everything I have ever owned came from Walmart of the like.

I don't know want to spend a fortune but if I sink in more money I'll be inclined to take better care of it. I want be leaving an expensive bike out in the rain (like a Walmart bike). I'm thinking more along the lines of a mountain bike (I can still ride it on the street if I want. Not so much vice-versa). I'm looking to spend as little as possible but still have a quality bike. I am looking for something between $500-$1000 if possible. I'm fine with used bikes also.

I've had two moto wrecks since aug and have been out of work all of that but three weeks. I'm not saying I wont ride again but I can't put my home in this type of strain again. Financially, I just can't take the chance with moto for awhile (i'm still not sure if I'll even fully recover from this wreck now). Bicycle's should be safer and I've found that there are a few MTB trails in my area. I never would have though it.

Also, how about a decent female bike. My wife would probably ride with me some.

Thanks guys,
hvaughn88 wrote:
Here's my take on it (there's a lot of different thoughts on this), but I would figure out what bike shop you want to use and...
Here's my take on it (there's a lot of different thoughts on this), but I would figure out what bike shop you want to use and then determine which bike you want based on what they carry or can get. Similar to a motorcycle, the details are in the components. Most all the frames at that price point will be comparable, so pick something that has good front and rear derailleurs (if you're gonna skimp, at least get the best rear derailleur you can find). Be sure to get something that will fit you really well too, which is where a good bike shop comes into play. I realize not everyone has access to a good shop, so that may be hard. It's pretty common now, but if you get a mountain bike that you are also gonna be riding occasionally on the street, then a lockout on your fork is nice to have. Now from a personal opinion, I really think KHS gives you a good bang for your bike for bikes in that price range.
I agree. It's about componets that fall in line with your budget.
IceMan446
Posts
4676
Joined
1/10/2010
Location
Sacramento, CA US
3/6/2015 9:35pm
Motodave15 wrote:
Go used and let the other guys take the hit. (price wise) Use this site,www.pinkbike.com (all mtn/bmx/xc) riders selling there stuff and its all legit i...
Go used and let the other guys take the hit. (price wise)

Use this site,www.pinkbike.com (all mtn/bmx/xc) riders selling there stuff and its all legit

i just bought my 2013 DJBMX bike which retails for 1200$ for 300$ because the dude wanted to put new brakes on his downhill mtn bike. (He races them)

anyway the componets are what really matter, when it comes to technical stuff.

Here is the link. www.pinkbike.com if you have any questions let me know
THANK YOU for this link.

Damn I have been wanting a bike but finding year old stuff is a tough bet around my parts.

This is like a damn gold mine for mountain bikes.

Thanks again.
Motodave15
Posts
4252
Joined
8/7/2010
Location
Temple City, CA US
3/6/2015 10:50pm
Motodave15 wrote:
Go used and let the other guys take the hit. (price wise) Use this site,www.pinkbike.com (all mtn/bmx/xc) riders selling there stuff and its all legit i...
Go used and let the other guys take the hit. (price wise)

Use this site,www.pinkbike.com (all mtn/bmx/xc) riders selling there stuff and its all legit

i just bought my 2013 DJBMX bike which retails for 1200$ for 300$ because the dude wanted to put new brakes on his downhill mtn bike. (He races them)

anyway the componets are what really matter, when it comes to technical stuff.

Here is the link. www.pinkbike.com if you have any questions let me know
IceMan446 wrote:
THANK YOU for this link. Damn I have been wanting a bike but finding year old stuff is a tough bet around my parts. This is...
THANK YOU for this link.

Damn I have been wanting a bike but finding year old stuff is a tough bet around my parts.

This is like a damn gold mine for mountain bikes.

Thanks again.
dude you're definitely welcome...(I know how crappy it is searching for bike parts on craigslist and ebay).

Post a reply to: Entry level Bicycle

The Latest