What is the best Mtn. Bike for Mtn. Biking at a Mtn. bike parks and just riding around on the street!?

Question

I am almost 5 ft. and 3 inches and I was looking at $500-$1000 in price range. Could you please tell me which size of frame I should get and also what kind of bike I should get too. Thanks

Answer 1

wow you have a good budget so you can get a good bike.

i would get a 17" frame for your body size, that way you can ride the roads without the discomfort of a bulkier 19 or smaller 16 where you have to crouch.  Specialized Rockhoppers are great for on/off street.

Good rims, good gears and very well built, and you can customize it alot because most everything is compatible with a rockhopper.  you may be able to get one for around $1100 with disk brakes (those will give you way better control on the track and will not hamper your road riding)

i would look at your local bike-- that's always the way to go

ebay may b a good buy but you have to think about shipping.  if there is a place near by within your price range, go get it, and maybe even make a trip out of it by finding a trail around that area.

front suspension i believe is now standard with the rockhoppers (or the newer models) and you can get a hard tail or a suspensioned frame which could ramp the price up.

just be patient while selecting your bike because this will be something you will want to ride for a while and get used to it.

good luck and happy shopping

Answer 2

You can get a pretty decent bike for that kinda dough.  Take your inseam and subtract about 13 inches and you'll be in the ball park for frame size;  different manufacturers geometries vary due to sloping top tubes and such, so you should visit several bike shops and test ride a lot of bikes before you buy.   Try to stop in during the week to get the best service as weekends are usually madhouse-city.    I'd recommend a hardtail bike as opposed to a full suspension.   Some decent brands are Kona, Gary Fisher, Scott, Specialized, GT, Giant, Jamis and Rocky Mountain.

Answer 3

Go to the local bike shop and tell them what you are looking for.  They will fit you to the bike.