Which are the best Mountain Bikes I can buy? And specific parts I should buy? (Shocks, Frames, Etc..)?

Question

My Plan:

I want to start mountain biking everyday so I can get exercise and stay in shape. I will ride 5+ miles a day and progressively increase the miles I ride. I do not want a road bike with skinny tires and curled handle bars. I'm looking to buy or build a Mountain Bike.

The Mountain Bike Must Include:

- Several gears for long distance riding and up-hills.

- Good and great shocks.

- Durable frame.

In your answer, please include any of the following:

- Brand names of good mountain bikes

- Brand names of bike parts (shocks, frames, tires, etc.)

- Prices (how much did you buy your bike for, how much were the parts (if any) that you put into the bike. If you built your own custom mountain bike.. how much were each part and the total amount you put into your bike.

- Specific Mountain Bikes (some brand names, for example Trek makes several different bikes. So go into specifics.

- Bikes I should avoid (Maybe you had a bad experience with certain bikes whether it be bad or cheap parts or durability problem with the bike)

- Additional Information (any other information that can be helpful or anything that I forgot to mention that will help me decide what kind of bike I should but or build)

- Custom Built Bikes (if you built your own bike, include what parts you have used, brand names, prices, colors, etc..)

If anyone chooses to answer this question you do not have to include all of the information I have asked for in your answer. You can simply name Mountain Bikes that you like or that you know are good. If you are really into biking or have a custom built bike, please include as much information on your bike as possible. You can also website links to specific bikes. Thank you everyone for helping me find the right Mountain Bike to buy or build! I appreciate everyone taking their time out to answer my question.

"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."

- John F. Kennedy

Answer 1

It seems like you're over thinking this. You ask for the best you can buy. Well the best (that's subjective) would cost $6000 and up. Then you say you're a beginner. I could write a couple pages regarding all you ask for, so I'll give you some general info.

Most cyclist consider Wal Mart type toys.They ride but not that well, they don't shift or break well and are low quality, breaking with heavy, hard use.

MTBs in the $500 range are the low end of quality rides. They are built to last, ride and work well. All will have more gears than you can use and good suspension. Building your own is far more expensive and not needed unless you simply want to do it - knowing you need skill and knowledge to purchase the correct parts and build the bike.

Some popular brands that have bikes in this price range are Specialized, Giant and Trek. There are many more though. I highly recommend a hard tail as you get a lighter better bike for the pice and  rear suspension is rarely needed for general on and off road riding.  

Here's one URL for the Hardrock: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel...

It's a popular entry level model.

You don't say what type of riding you'll be doing but in general disk breaks cost more and aren't needed in most cases.

Answer 2

though its going to be little expensive than buying a complete bike at shop, i would suggest that buying different components and assembling them would satisfy you.  as with frames, i prefer Cannondale/Kona hardtail (aluminium), shock - Fox, marzoochi or bomber with 100 mm travel, disc brakes (mechanical) as they are easy to maintain, 8 speed Deore LX (thereby saving your budget).  i think these are the basic things you should look into and believe me they will satisfy you unless you abuse your bike more than it is meant for.  good luck

Answer 3

Just go to a bike shop.

Answer 4

Until today, I was in the same boat as you. I have been building my 2002 Giant Yukon up over the years and it has been a great bike. This can be expensive. I recently put an additional $300.00 in it with cranks, Derailleurs, and wheels. I purchased all Shimano Deore, LX, and XT drive train. I wouldn't recommend anything less than Deore level. Forks, I like Fox. Some of the higher end models from the other companies are good too, but Fox makes the best forks imo. Now I got to the point where I just wanted to upgrade the frame and get a larger size. I was debating between full suspension and hardtail. This is easy for you since you plan on riding mostly roads, go hardtail. They are more efficient and cost less. Of all the new bikes, I liked Specialized and Cannondale the best. I had decided to purchase a Specialized RockHopper Comp Disc. This is a great deal in the $800 range. My bike shop accidently sold it to someone else. I went there today and ended up with a StumpJumper FSR Comp instead because of the great deal they offered me on it for the mistake. I have ridden Trek, Schwinn, Giant and they all make good bikes, but I felt the geometry of Specialized and Cannodale fit me better and was generally more impressed with them.