I rode a little last year and am looking for a bike of my own. I will be riding easier trails...not lots of obstables, hills etc. I am looking to spend no more than $2500. I have visited local shops and haven't found anything that I am to crazy about. I would prefer to buy new. Any suggestions?
Looking for A new Bike
- Thread starter Tammy2
- Start date
I'm pretty sure I answered your questions in another forum too, but here's some more. $2500 is a lot of money to spend on your first bike, you might want to spend less and keep some extra $ around for good gear (i.e. a good helmet, riding shorts, hydration pak, gloves, sunglasses, jersey, socks, etc. - all of that stuff really does add up and makes a huge different in how comfortable you are on a ride).
If you're looking for a solid bike, that isn't too expensive, I would look at Kona or Ironhorse. They both make good bikes with good components and offer quite a wide variety. Then, after you ride for a while you'll need to upgrade parts and that's where the extra cash you saved will come into play. If you're not planning on riding a lot of really technical trails with obstacle, you might want to look at a hardtail (no rear shock only front suspension), but again it's all personal preference in what feels good/right when you ride it. Definitely try to ride as many different bikes as you can as personal feel is really important for a good fit. Good luck.
If you're looking for a solid bike, that isn't too expensive, I would look at Kona or Ironhorse. They both make good bikes with good components and offer quite a wide variety. Then, after you ride for a while you'll need to upgrade parts and that's where the extra cash you saved will come into play. If you're not planning on riding a lot of really technical trails with obstacle, you might want to look at a hardtail (no rear shock only front suspension), but again it's all personal preference in what feels good/right when you ride it. Definitely try to ride as many different bikes as you can as personal feel is really important for a good fit. Good luck.
If you're still looking...the best thing to do (like TreeSaw said) is to demo a bunch of bikes.
I think we all have our personal favorites but it's best you take a ride or two.
I currently ride a Giant Trance X2 and love it.
But if I would have had $2500 I would have gone for the Trance X1.
It also depends on what style of riding you plan to do.
I think we all have our personal favorites but it's best you take a ride or two.
I currently ride a Giant Trance X2 and love it.
But if I would have had $2500 I would have gone for the Trance X1.
It also depends on what style of riding you plan to do.
Not sure where you are, but send me a PM or email if you're around the Pacific Northwest. That said, Brodie Bikes are well made and they've got a solid line up again this year. You'll find a bike for any season on their website. Check out the Brodie Derelict for a sweet all around ride. Brodie has a US Distributor in Arizona.
Kona has a few new bikes this year, they are another good choice. If you're looking for a well built bike you can ride on most trails, the Kona Bass is a good choice. The Bass makes a great trail bike and lots of racers are giving it good reviews.
Where you live makes a difference. For example, if you're in Oregon, you could contact Kurt Vorhees and ask to demo some bikes, he's got a nice line up of Santa Cruz bikes.
For custom bikes, Turner and Ventana are top of the line; both will work with you demos too. Ventana has a demo program to where they'll send you a bike to test and apply the cost to the purchase if you decide to buy.
Season closeouts are a good way to go too; you'll find super deals if you work with a local shop that's willing to help you out.
Another idea to keep in mind is to check out Diablo Bike Parks end of season sale on their rental bikes; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a sweet bike at a great price if you're one of the first in line.
good luck
turtle
Kona has a few new bikes this year, they are another good choice. If you're looking for a well built bike you can ride on most trails, the Kona Bass is a good choice. The Bass makes a great trail bike and lots of racers are giving it good reviews.
Where you live makes a difference. For example, if you're in Oregon, you could contact Kurt Vorhees and ask to demo some bikes, he's got a nice line up of Santa Cruz bikes.
For custom bikes, Turner and Ventana are top of the line; both will work with you demos too. Ventana has a demo program to where they'll send you a bike to test and apply the cost to the purchase if you decide to buy.
Season closeouts are a good way to go too; you'll find super deals if you work with a local shop that's willing to help you out.
Another idea to keep in mind is to check out Diablo Bike Parks end of season sale on their rental bikes; you're pretty much guaranteed to find a sweet bike at a great price if you're one of the first in line.
good luck
turtle