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NS Help me find a bike.

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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
I want to buy a bike. I have talked to a friend of mine who works at a bike shop near by and he said I should get some kind of hybrid bike.

I am looking for a bike to get around town and do some occasional trails but nothing too serious. This will be my first bike other than shitty BMX ones when I was a kid.

Also I am not looking to spend $1000 on it. I want to try and find something that is price friendly but not a POS.
Dec 7 2011 8:35PM
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Dwight_Schrute
Posts: 579 - Karma: 18
Fuck hybrids, a hardtail mountain bike will do you best if you ride ANY trails at all. Plus you'll get hooked on it and end up riding trails all the time, and even if you don't, just ride higher PSI tires for streets. Check out Kona, Specialized, etc. bigger companies will inevitably have better deals, and see what they have at the shop. Ride stuff. You'll feel what you like.
Dec 7 2011 8:42PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
I really dont know much about bikes. I only mentioned a hybrid because it is what he thought would be good. Would a mountain bike be too annoying to be riding around town?
Dec 7 2011 8:44PM
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SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324
no, just get less aggresive tires and you should be good. front fork lockout even better
Dec 7 2011 8:46PM
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IHeartWeasels
Posts: 239 - Karma: 55
The inconvienence of riding a mtn bike in town will be there... but wont be terrible if you get a hardtail with around 120mm of suspension. It'll suck a little for going uphill, but you'll be so cool when you can pump it off of sidewalks.

If that is really going to be a problem, then spend a little less on the mountain bike and buy a cheap around town bike as well.
Dec 7 2011 8:50PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
any specific suggestions?
Dec 7 2011 9:01PM
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SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324
Get a rigid single speed 29er. I've had all sorts of hardtails and full suspicions bikes and the bike I have now is definitely my favorite, light and simple and can do anything other bikes can and cant do with ease
Dec 7 2011 9:03PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13082 - Karma: 18,715
Depends on what you need it for. Is it just for going to work? for leisure? do you plan to take it in the woods? How many times will you use it?

answer those and I can narrow you something
Dec 7 2011 9:07PM
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abathinggrape
Posts: 1228 - Karma: 236
BUILD A FIXIE
Dec 7 2011 9:08PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
To work, leisure, sometimes into the woods, and plan on using it pretty frequently. I want to try and get some exercise out of it. I used to run frequently and now my knees are shot and a bike will be much less impact.
Dec 7 2011 9:18PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
I was looking at some Scott bikes. How are their bikes?
Dec 7 2011 10:03PM
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5oup5teeze
Posts: 1259 - Karma: 74
i've been around bikes a long time and i ride trail a lot too. if you want something that's a good bang for your buck that can also shred some trails from time to time, look into Specialized Bikes. very high quality bikes.

i would suggest a hardtail bike because it'll be cheaper but it can still manage moderate trails just fine. i ride a hardtail on some pretty gnarly trails so i'm sure you can handle it.

check this site out. you'll wanna look into a specialized "hardrock" or "rockhopper." if you go with this brand, i'd suggest the "rockhopper." hope this helps!

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCMain.jsp?scid=1100&menuItemId=17552
Dec 7 2011 10:05PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13082 - Karma: 18,715
Scott now has some amazing bikes, but stick with 2011 and up.

K, next round of questions to raffine your type of bike:
1. Do you prefer a full suspension bike?
Suspension gives you a smoother ride but makes the pedaling process less efficient. Basically the bigger the rear suspension the slower it will go on the road. But it, will perform very well in rocky and difficult terrain. A full suspension bike means the rear tire moves on the frame. (2 suspensions)
A single suspension is better on the road because of its efficiency in the pedaling process. But, in rocky terrain, a single suspension bike is harder to handle. A hardtail can handle easy handle cross country trails.
2. Does high quality components matter to you?
High quality means high performance...but also means high costs and high maintenance costs. For example brakes:
 40$ will get you cantilever rim brakes that dont work well
110$ will get you mechanical disk brake that is reliable
240$ will get you hydrolic disk brakes that is perfect in every way
3. How much are you willing to spend?
I can recommend you a wal-mart bike, like I can recommend a specialized S-Works Epic Carbon 29 XT. Price is everything!


Dec 9 2011 6:56PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
1. I really dont know what i would prefer, but after reading a bit of your description, I think i would want a single suspension. But dont let that limit your responses because I have no idea what I am talking about.

2. I dont want the shittiest components in the world, but I dont want to spend a fortune on them.

3. I am looking to spend anywhere from 300-600. I would really like to stay under 500 if possible. But I know that sometimes you gotta spend more to get more.

Dec 11 2011 3:08PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13082 - Karma: 18,715
Ok, here is goes. This list is non exhaustive, it will just give you an idea of what you need:

Look at the less know brands. Haro has great quality/price bike. I used to own one!
Click for larger image
This is the Flightline Trail from Haro. The front fork is 100mm travel with mechanical lockout (lock the front suspension) by SR Suntour. They are an up and coming company so there is some quality. The hydrolic brakes will assist in braking in the rain and adverse conditions.
here is the website:http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/

In Kona we have:
The Mahuna
Click for larger image
The Sram X4 drivechain is a higher quality derailer so you can trust each stroke. A 100mm suntour will do the trick. Elixir 1 hydrolic brakes is a steal for the price of the bike. 800CAD$
http://www.konaworld.com/bikes.cfm

At Norco, it the more expensive bikes you get a getter deal. Here is the Wolverine
Click for larger image
At 780$CAD, this is more of a easy downhill moutain bike. With 120mm travel, the bike will be more stable in the woods, as well as a "boss" effect to your friends at work. The derailler system is gargage...acera is par with bike found at wal mart. But the brakes will keep you safe going down.
http://www.norco.com/bikes/#/mountain/

At Specialized they cost a lot. They dont give prices either online, but I found you the Rockhopper.http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62112&scid=1100&scname=Mountain
This bike has a good suspension 100mm Suntour with lockout, a good derailler Deore and Elixir 1 hydrolic disc brake to top it off.

So the best thing to do is to go to your shop and check out what they have. Ask for those kind of bike I pointed out. good luck


Dec 11 2011 5:42PM
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Janky
Posts: 1323 - Karma: -100
hard tail is the way to go for your needs, i rode a specialized hard rock sport for two years, it was used but not abused and never had a problem with it. and it was only 650$ if i can recall.
Dec 11 2011 5:50PM
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Dwight_Schrute
Posts: 579 - Karma: 18
Listen to this man.

Scott has very good deals too if you prefer them.
Dec 11 2011 7:44PM
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captainslack
Posts: 303 - Karma: 448
have a look at gt bicycles, the avalanche series is pretty good value for your money.

go with an entry level xc bike, they'll be fine for riding around the town on and then be great on the trails.

just watch out though, i started with a low budget xc bike a few years and haven't had a bank balance in the green since

Dec 11 2011 8:07PM
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northeast
Posts: 2119 - Karma: 254
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/3_series/

trek 3 series. very inexpensive, trek is tough as shit, and they ride great. i've got one for getting around/light trails, it's wonderful.
Dec 11 2011 8:11PM
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Flying~Squirrel
Posts: 6494 - Karma: 192
i paid 800 for a cannondale f5 and i love it on trail and on the street, great bike all around. ive ungraded some of the parts to carbon fiber to make it lighter which is nice.
Dec 11 2011 8:35PM
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richard.
Posts: 873 - Karma: 55
maybe check out pinkbike and see if you can find a one there.
Dec 11 2011 8:36PM
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TACO-DOG.exe
Posts: 11988 - Karma: 12,261
holy shit helpful thread is helpful
Dec 11 2011 8:39PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
As with anything, you get what you pay for, but ultimately if you take care of what you have (aka, don't go dirt jumping with a $350 cross cross country bike, get regular maintenance, don't fix stuff on your own if you don't know what you're doing, don't leave it outside in the snow, rain, mud, etc) , regardless of the price, it's going to last you a long time.

Personally, I wouldn't look at anything with dual suspension under $1500 or so. You pay for dual suspension by sacrificing the quality of the rest of your components (or at least in lower priced bikes).

I would go with a hard tail or rigid mountain bike. Get a set of slick tires for cruising around town and keep the off road tires for trails.

You can usually find pretty good deals on Pinkbike.
Dec 11 2011 10:28PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51589 - Karma: 161,717
Get a real bmx bike.


That urban biking i see now is for pussies. Either you ride a mountain bike on a big downhill course or you're a pussy.


Learn to dirt jump well on bmx, go big, profit.

/thread
Dec 11 2011 10:31PM
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DoteMoney
Posts: 270 - Karma: 54
i just bought myself a Gary fisher wahoo disc and i ride it on trails and anywhere i go its great!
Dec 11 2011 10:59PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51589 - Karma: 161,717
I miss reading dans comp and drooling/jizzing staring at different parts I wanted to buy. I'd go through and circle all the shit I was gonna buy, only buy like 10% of it though


I actually tuned up my old dk 8 pack a couple months ago, through some air in the tires, and took it on my mini in the garage. Nothing epic but it was nice to be on it again.
Dec 11 2011 11:34PM
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TheClap.
Posts: 21661 - Karma: 4,116
this
Dec 11 2011 11:46PM
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Rosso_Corsa
Posts: 164 - Karma: 20
Coming from somebody who is also looking for a new bike, you'd probably be good with a cyclocross bike.
Dec 11 2011 11:48PM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 370
just get a dirt jump bike, when i still rode all the time i rode mine everywhere, theyre super versatile, i downhilled mine and took it on road rides even a few times, just dont get too low of a gear, singlespeed, one disk brake solid parts = unbreakable
Dec 11 2011 11:56PM
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Big_Spence
Posts: 16177 - Karma: 4,352
all DJ's have absolutely horrible geometry for trail riding...they're meant for your ass to never touch the seat.

look for a used hardtail, preferable a Specialized Stumpjumper. used bikes>new bikes if you are only looking to spend $1000.

Dec 12 2011 12:21AM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 370
you can always just stand up... i guess i never did much cross country but i rode my dirt jumper everywhere and did whatever trails i wanted on it, not sitting down never really mattered to me
Dec 12 2011 12:25AM
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JWoods
Posts: 2369 - Karma: 2,635
Cool story OP this thread is now about a skateboarding hamster
Dec 12 2011 12:26AM
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Big_Spence
Posts: 16177 - Karma: 4,352
then you definitely didn't ride much trails...standing up an pedaling is about the most inefficient thing you can do on a bike.

and don't get a 20" unless you're under about 5'6.
Dec 12 2011 12:29AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51589 - Karma: 161,717
Yeah I guess they don't really exist anymore?

My ridebmx subscription ran out in like 07/08.

RIP colin winkleman.


I remember how stoked I got when this chick that was 1 or 2 in the world for racing came to work at the resoirt my dad worked at. She came and hung out with us at the trail. Hooked my friend up with some profile 3 piece cranked and a mr. cranky shirt.


We had a pretty epic trail going back in the day. We spent all day every day working on it.


Fuck I just nostalgia'd so hard. Miss the days.


Dec 12 2011 12:41AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
I used to have a dj mountain bike and it was fun, but then went to a bmx and everything became so much easier and way more fun. Sucks for riding around though.

If you are going to be doing tricks or dirt jumping get a bmx. If you are riding around town/commuting/trail riding/pretty much anything else, get a proper mountain bike and go from there.


Dec 12 2011 12:59AM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
Get a surly cross check.

Most trails? Check
Urban awesomeness? Check
Tire clearance for pretty much anything? Check
Want to make it fixed one day? Check
Tabs for fenders to make it a winter/rain machine? Check
Canti-brakes? Check, disc brakes are overrated and a waste unless u DH and get hydraulic. You can put discs on it if u really want to anyway.
A bike you will never sell the rest your life? Check

Unless u live in the mountains or have some sick trails you don't need suspension.

I have 5 bikes, I'm building new ones and changing old ones constantly. I've come to the conclusion that I have to have a cross check. So useful for so many different types of riding.
Dec 12 2011 1:43AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51589 - Karma: 161,717
Are you saying you don't own one currently?
Dec 12 2011 1:56AM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
you want to do mostly around town riding with the occasional mellow dirt trail/ very mellow mountain biking? go with a singlespeed road bike, there are a lot of burly more "freestyle" oriented singlespeed/fixed frames out there that work very well for cruising around town, and having the strength and tire size to hop curbs, stairs, beat on, ride smoother mtn bike trails etc.. they are made more for the fixed freestyle crowd (which is pretty lame IMO) but they happen to make awesome all around bikes that lean a little more towards around town riding. check out the milwaukee bruiser and volume bikes for a start. get some burly rims, bigish tires, front and rear brakes, and a couple different freewheels, one for around town, and one for trail riding..

check out the surly cross check too, for pretty much the most versitile, in the middle bike i can think of..
salsa vaya is similar too.

if you want something mtn bike/trail oriented, but still used a lot for around town riding. get a rigid 29er. and 2 sets of tires. check out the surly karate monkey, salsa bikes, vassago.

if you want more mountain bike oriented, and will get you around town pretty well. check out hardtail 26 and 29ers. 29ers will be a lil faster in general, 26 more fun and easier to throw around, handle better. dont go crazy with fork travel. theres tons of options out there.

if you want very mountain bike oriented, will get you around town, just not quickly. look around for aggressive hardtail's id say go 26. but there are some 29ers out there that are more aggressive and supposidly pretty fun. transition trans-am, on-one 456, (456 summer season for extra aggressive)(also very good deal price wise) check out ragley bikes. just look around till u find something u like.

really, anything hardtail will get you around town well. but if most of your time is going to be spent biking on road, going fast. its definitely very nice to have something more road oriented. but if you think you are going to do a lot of mountain biking. something with any road oriented design in it is going to hold you back. and going for a hardtail with a suspension fork will be a lot more fun, and still get you around town fine. just not near as efficiently.
personally if i could only have one bike, for everything. it would be a rigid singlespeed 29er. like the karate monkey. because i mountain bike a lot and put that above riding around town even though i probably ride around town more.
Dec 12 2011 2:38AM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
oh and dont cheap out, spend around 1000. you could probably build a new bike for around 800 and still be pretty legit. but if you go too cheap you will regret it very soon. its totally worth getting a good, quality bike, rather than something decent or pretty good, theres a HUGE difference.
Dec 12 2011 2:40AM
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blackjakesteele
Posts: 311 - Karma: 9
Specialized s-works shiv
Dec 12 2011 9:30AM
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
Get a
Dec 12 2011 10:31AM
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
Get a used rocky mi
Dec 12 2011 10:32AM
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
God damn mobile. Rocky mountain. Used. If you shop around, a used bike is your best bet. Rocky mountains hold up real well too. I bought a used '07 RM ctsx 30 last year for $1000. It's a $3500 bike and it still runs wicked nice. It was a good find though, took me months.
Dec 12 2011 10:35AM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
no, but i've ridden a few and they are unanimously one of the best "do-everything" bikes in the bike world.

imo, mountain bikes are a waste of money unless you have over 1500 to spend or can find something worth that used. the shocks, frames, and wheels on lower end mtn bikes won't last if you start riding them a lot.

bikes like the cross-check are about $800 and will last a lifetime of hard riding. you can find them cheaper too
Dec 12 2011 10:49AM
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anomericas
Posts: 8237 - Karma: 61
I second the surly cross-check, although they're pricey, and out of your price range, based on the OP.

Check out www.bikesdirect.com, quality components, cheap prices, free shipping. I wouldn't buy a bike anywhere else.
Dec 12 2011 11:01AM
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captainslack
Posts: 303 - Karma: 448
you sure? i'm pretty into my mountain biking and barely ever here these being mentioned.

i had a look at them and they seem more geared towards road cycling and commuting, true with a few component changes you could get them on an xc trail but 'do-everything'? don't think so. Its geometry gears it towards sitting in the saddle and pedalling away, not hauling it downhill.

For me a do-it-all bike needs to be as fun on the downhills as it is on the uphills, where i'm from the most popular do-everything bike is the orange 5-pro, easily one of the best all-mountain bikes out there but with the possibility of locking out the suspension and commuting to work. Not sure how common these are in the US but in the uk they're everywhere.

Obviously this bike will be out of the price range but if you really do want a do-it-all bike go for something with a more aggressive geometry that won't push you over the bars as soon a rock drop comes up. Surly even put the cross-check in the road category.

i agree that the surly would be a good choice for this guy if he plans on mainly using it to commute and every so often doing some light trails on it but if he wants to do a lot of trail riding get a mountain bike and put commuter parts on, not the other way round
Dec 12 2011 11:17AM
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maximiliaan
Posts: 7711 - Karma: 2,857
WELL IM ROCKING THIS BADASS MOTHERFUCKER!
Click for larger image
Dec 12 2011 1:45PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Albes and Empire > Dan's

But maybe I'm just biased because Albe's is 15 minutes from my house.
Dec 12 2011 1:52PM
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goonsquad08
Posts: 622 - Karma: 39
i've got a scott hybrid bike. bought it new this year and i love it. i ride it to campus everyday and avent had any problems. i've put over 300 miles on it in under a semester.

i think the model is a scott p45 sportster hybrid?
Dec 12 2011 2:51PM
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