What mountain bike should I get?

Question

I am looking to buy a mountain bike in the price range of $300-$400 that I can use to ride on the street on the way to a nearby park that has dirt paths. I think having a bike with front suspension would be ideal, but what do I know. I am 5' 8" and weigh around 165-175 pounds. Could anyone tell me what I should look for when buying a bike since I don't have much knowledge in this area. If possible recommendations would be great.

Answer 1

http://www.walmart.com/browse/Bikes-Scoo...

They have really good ones, cheaper then your looking for.

http://www.sportchalet.com/family/index....

These guys have really nice ones too.

Hope I helped you!

Answer 2

You may want to get a comfort/path style bike instead of a mountain bike.  They have a more up right position that is more comfortable and tires that are better on the road then knobbies but are good in the dirt.  Go to a bike shop and see what they have. They are in the price range you are looking for.

No Walmart bikes.

Figure out your frame size here.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit

Specialized Expedition

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel...

Trek Navigator

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bik...

Giant  Sedona

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bike...

Here is what I bought for $200 and its great.  I am the same size you are and this bike has the same fork as the ones above along with the other components  The only drawback is you have to mail order it through Target and put it together.

Forge saranac

http://www.forgebikes.com/saranacmount.a...

Answer 3

I don't know if you have a Wall mart near you, but ive seen some really nice Mongoose mountain bikes at wall mart for about the price you are looking for, with full front and rear suspension and disk brakes.

Answer 4

Look at these bikes, they are of much better quality than the ones you find at department stores and would last much longer and would sell alot quicker when resell and upgrade time comes. http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel...

Answer 5

What you should look for when buying a bike is it's location. Are you standing in a bicycle retail store, or are you standing in a d**k's or WAL-MART? Make sure you get your bike from a real bike shop, their mechanics know what they're doing, and the owner/managers know the industry and can usually work deals out with you. They can personally get to know you, and they will usually throw in some nice perks with your purchase.

After that, it's all about price, you truly get what you pay for, and at $300-$400 you are at the low entry level models for nearly every major brand out there. Chances are they will all come with the same Shimano or SR Suntour components. There's nothing to really look for, since they will all be the same at that price range. Just make sure it has front suspension, or you're getting ripped off.

A Trek 3700 would be good for you, they come in silver, or red/white, and will leave you with about $50 to spare. Treks also come with LIFETIME warranty on all frames, and 1-2 years on parts. If you want durability and longevity, you can't go wrong with a guarantee like that. Trek is also the #1 retail store brand name in America, by the numbers.

The Gary Fisher Mako is also worth looking at if you want something with a little wild side to it, some people prefer their frame geometry better than other brands, because Fisher's have you leaning further back with your feet slightly forward.

At 5' 8" an 18" frame should be good for you, as long as your toes can comfortably touch the ground when you straddle the bike. It's all about comfort while riding.

Whatever you do, if you're seriously going to take up riding, don't get a WAL-MART brand bike like Next, or Roadmaster. They break very easily, remember you get what you pay for.