|   My budget is about $450 USD - what would you recommend | Novice1234567
Apr 11, 2002 4:52 PM | | I have about $450 to spend on a bike.
I would classify myself as a novice who wants to get into mountain biking - probably city and light trails most of the time. But I could see myself hitting some rougher trails a few times a year.
What are some bikes to consider?
Should I spend money on the frame (get Aluminum instead of steel)
Or put more emphasis on good components?
Should I get shocks? Or should I spend the money I would have spent on shocks on upgraded components? |
| Funny you should ask | meloh1
Apr 11, 2002 7:38 PM | | I'm looking for an entry level bike for my buddy in the $400 range. The best deal I have found so far is a 2001 Giant Iguana for $399. Another to consider in this price range is the Trek 4900. Component spec on the Giant is a little bit better. I like the frame and Giant is a great company to deal with, they stand by their products. This is a bike worth upgrading as things wear out/break and should be very good for your intended riding. |
| Hard Rock Comp, or a Rockhopper if you can swing it... | gurp
Apr 11, 2002 9:58 PM | | Specialized Hard Rock Comp runs at 450, comes with a judy tt and alivio/deore mix.
If you can swing 550, the Specialized Rockhopper gives you a better frame, and a Manitou Six up front. Definetly the best of the cheapy forks.
Also, you can check out a RM Fusion for the same price. Good frame, although it comes with a RST shock (junk). Worth upgrading later though. |
| bike to buy ?? | bachmann61
Apr 13, 2002 4:37 AM | | You may want to borrow, rent or test ride to get a feel of the various bike geometry. You will feel a difference in the aluminum verses steel or cro-moly frames. You give up some weight going aluminum but the steel is more forgiving. The aluminum can feel like the 'ringing' of an aluminum baseball bat at times. At this price point, you need to see what trade-offs your going to make. An aluminum frame will probably cost you in the front shock and or the derailers. Look for a brand name brakes, deore, deore LX, XTR being the pecking order of derailers. Keep in mind these components can be upgraded later. I was in a similar mode and picked up a KONA aluminum with deore components and a so / so shock that will be swapped out as or when necessary. I had shopped the various brands, price points and components and test rode til I hit a sale and had my homework done. I ended up spending $499.00. Bar ends, clipless pedals, a computer, shoes, a seat bag and a rockshox seatpost put me out another $190.00 but I spread out the extras over the following month or two. Just don't let anyone push you into something. The right bike will afford you the 'feel'. It will also throw you on your keester once in a while too but you can't take that as personal.
brian as bachmann61 in colorado |
| |
