What's A Good Bike For Me?

Question

I am 13 years old, male, 5'4, 110 pounds. I want to buy a hard tail bike. Right now i am looking at specialized and trek. I would be using this bike for biking on paved and gravel trails and maybe a FEW off road trails, but hardly any. I want to spend $600.00 max. I need a full size bike and i want this bike to last for 3-5 years. Please give me some suggestions on bikes that would suit me. Thanks

Answer 1

Are you going to buy from a local shop?

If yes - just buy what they have.

I tend to like lesser known companies...to get more features for less money....specialized has a really good reputaiton however.  

The fit should be important too. At 5'4" a 15 inch would be a starting place....but could go either way 14 or 16. ( I am 5' 7 and ride a 16 inch )

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

http://www.konaworld.com/08_firemountain...

http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh...

But if you want to buy online check out some of these.....

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ALP-450-D...

www.rscycle.com

My advice spend just a little less tha $600 - and get something with disk brakes and a name brand shock (manitou, rock shox, marzocchi) - and use the extra $ for clipless pedals, shoes & band aids (about $100-150)    

Maybe like the new IBEX or Motobecane - or check into a used bike like a specialized rockhopper or hardrock on ebay for under $300.



I ride a Kona hard tail that is 10 yrs old. ANd a newer HAro full suspension. It's more about your legs and lungs....than the bike. But get a bike that you like for sure....and you will ride it more.