[sharkbite1979]

I've decided that doing the mountain bike thing is the way to go for me. I'm short and well built, so jogging and I don't get along. I've done some preliminary research and decided on a hard-tail bike in the $500 range. The trails around here aren't rough enough to warrant a full suspension bike and I'm just a rook anyways. I've been riding a crappy Wally World bike just to make sure I enjoy riding before I make the leap into the real stuff. My only problem is finding out which manufacturers are good "bang-for-the-buck" makers, which are high-end makers, and who to stay away from. I know opinions are a dime a dozen, but I figure most of you know what you're talking about. Thanks!

-noob

 

[SofaKingBanned]

Buy from a real bike shop. And I can't think of any manufacturer that is sold in a real bike shop that you should avoid. Pretty much every bike at specific price points are too similar to worry about finding a bike that's a noticeably better value.

So, buy a bike that appeals to you visually and buy from a good shop -- one that will fit the bike to you, maybe give you some freebies, certainly take the time to educate you.

In other words, don't shop for a bike, shop for a shop.

Have fun!

 

[BIRDMAN111]

you could look at an ironhorse hard tail. thats what my first real mtn bike was, but i agtee like the sofaking. you should go to your local bike shop(s) and test ride a bunch of them.

 

[MtnBikerChk]

snip..... good "bang-for-the-buck" makers Thanks!

GIANT!

 

[sharkbite1979]

Are there any special considerations I should make when looking for a bike, taking into account my build? I'm 5'6" and about 220 lbs. I guess the shop will lead me in the right direction? Most places just push you towards the biggest, baddest, and most expensive model.

 

[mastercycleman]

Just ride abunch of bikes, a good shop, shouldnt try to up you to a high end bike, if you cant afford it. Like the shop I was going to buy my bike from, they said if I buy the 2500 dollar model, 500 dollars over what I got, they would give me free waterbottlecages and water bottles.
hmmm....

 

[p2rider]

go with a specialized p bike i have a p2 with dj 1's and i love it

 

[skatetokil]

For a heavier shorter rider, i would look at the giant stp. It's lighter than a p bike and less fr oriented, but It's the closest thing to a do everything bike I've ever come across, and you certainly wont break it unless you huck to flat all the time. The top of the line model can be had used for your price range, but I believe they still make a stripped down model that you could afford new.

 

[Going_Loud]

You can't go wrong with a Giant, but take a look at a Specilized or a Trek.

 

[jacksonpt]

in addition to what others have said, check out Kona.

 

[Konabumm]

Kona Kona Kona

 

[bneall]

haha konabumm, keep up the good fight

but yea Giants are great, and Kona too. Not a huge fan of Specialized, but its all preference, everything from these guys in the $500 range is mostly spec'ed out very similiar.

I'd recommend kona, but the 500 range is a tough nut to crack, i ended up paying 600 for my entry level kona, and the 800 range is tempting with better parts. anything under 500 isnt worth your time basically, good luck shoppin.