Best Type of Bike for a Beginner?

Question

Hi. I am interested in purchasing a mountain bike (just to ride on the local trail). What is the best low-priced mountain bike? What are some good brands? Also, how do you tell how large the wheels should be (24" or 26") - I'm only 5'3.

Thank you so much. :)

Answer 1

For a decent beginner's bike, you should only pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $200.  You can look into brands like Schwinn or Mongoose.  Many mountain bikes you find at stores like Meijer or Wal-Mart are up to a decent trail if they're taken care of, and you certainly don't want to spend several hundred dollars on a bike that is "more fancy" than you need.  

Here's a link to a guide (from d**k's Sporting Goods) on proper sizing.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/info/i...