Best entry level mountain bike for under $500?

Question

Best entry level mountain bike for under $500?

Answer 1

The Gary Fisher Wahoo is an outstanding choice. It has the genesis frame which in my opinion is superior to any other bike in this price range.It is also decked out with good quality components from Bontrager.  its retail msrp is 549.00 but with the 2009 coming out you can pick up a new 2008 for under 400.00  i know this to be true because i picked up one recently

Answer 2

Any bike purchased from a big box store (Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, etc....) is not suitable for true mountain bike riding.  You can find many good entry level bikes at bike stores in your area.  I won't say any of them are better than another.  The Specialized Hardrock is a great bike for $420 http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel... .

Trek, Giant, Redline, Gary Fisher, and Haro all make good bikes too.  

One major advantage to buying at a bike shop instead of big box is experience.  The big box bike will be assembled by someone who may not know what they're doing and has no vested interest in your satisfaction and more importantly safety.  A bike store has industry certified mechanics that do nothing but work on bikes.  They want you to return to upgrade your bike once you find out what a great sport it is.

Stay away from big-box and keep it local!!!

Answer 3

Mongoose Blackcomb - $300 @ Wal-mart