[jimelim]

I'm fairly new to knowing anything about bikes, so I was hoping you guys can help me out on finding a mountain bike. My price range was $1000, but I've heard it's hard to get a good full suspension mountain bike with fairly good components. So I'm willing to go up to $1500 if necessary. I don't know anything about bikes but I keep being told that if I'm going to take it seriously, might as well get a good bike.


Well, I'm 24 yrs old...about 5'7" and weigh approximately 160 lbs. I plan on riding trails every weekend and use it on the road once or twice a week. I really want to use this for cardio. I don't know if a full suspension is necessary but I do want a comfortable ride. I live in the Los Angeles area..any suggestions would be appreciated! I've been using a cheapy target bike and it's been killing my knees.

Thanks

 

[crouchingtiger]

u might be able to try a bike with just front suspension.

 

[Mr Jones]

If you're willing to go used, there are plenty of decent mid level FS bikes out there for about $1000. If you want to go new, there are a few bikes out there that could be had within your price range. My first legitimate full suspension ride was an Ironhorse Warrior that I bought from Performance bike for $800. It had 130mm up front and 130mm of rear travel. Not the plushest of bikes, but it absorbed 2 years of abuse with little problems. I have a friend who swears by his Diamondback Mission that he got for $900. He kicks my ass everytime with it.

Check these links for some ideas. Very capable entry level XC (cross country) bikes:

Scott Spark 60 (base model yet very capable)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI287B20-Scott+Spark+60+Bike+2009.aspx

Scott Spark 40 (same as spark 60, but better components)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI281B00-Scott+Spark+40+Bike+09.aspx

Sette Ace (pricepoint brand)
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18722-018_SETAC8-277-Bikes--/Sette-Ace-Bike-W_Rock-Shox-Monarch-2.1.htm

More Travel AM bikes (all mountain)

Jamis Parker (ok bike with ok components)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI272B08-Jamis+Parker+I+Bike+09.aspx

Sette (pricepoint brand) not name brand, but still a great performer
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18723-018_SETFT8-277-Bikes--/Sette-Flite-Bike-W_Rock-Shox-Monarch-3.1.htm

Diamondback Mission 1 (2 thumbs up from me)
http://www.ediscountbike.com/Diamondback-Mission-1/Bikes-Complete/Mountain/-p8393073.html

As far as sizing. I'd say you're very lucky. I'm 5'7" as well and I am comfortable on both small and medium sized frames (small 15"-16") (medium 17"-18")... but that's just me. From what I've gathered over the years, if you plan on doing alot of decending, jumps, rock gardens, "gnar", I feel more comfortable on a small frame. If I plan on doing alot of climbing, a medium frame tends to stretch me out a bit letting me pedal more efficiently. Hope this helps.

 

[Oldschool40]

Check out the specialized FSRXC...or wait until the new Camber comes out. If you can buy an FS bike I wouldn't even look at HT's. A good FS outperforms a HT any day.

 

[Mr Jones]

Keep in mind, there are certain core riding techniques that are well honed when you ride a HT. I personally started with an FS and thought I became an average skill rider after about 2 years. Broke the FS in a race and I was tight on cash so I bought a HT frame and rode that for a year.

My body was forced to learn how to ride smooth through the same terrain I was riding with my FS at the same speed. When I went back to an FS, I, as well as all my riding buddies, noticed that I was riding smoother and faster than every before.

.... just an fyi....

 

[Bail_Monkey]

For $1500, it's pretty much an entry level FS bike. There are plenty to choose from in this price range. If your set on getting a new bike, consider your local bike store at the end of summer when they are blowing our the 2010 models for next years.

 

[maddog17]

if your in the Boston area i'll sell you my old IronHorse Hollowpoint for $500.

 

[Live2MTB]

if you keep saving up to around 2800 you can get a very nice DH bike like a specialized big hit III. if not just get a front suspension

 

[divebran]

Check out a Cannondale Rize 120. You can pick up last years model for around 1300 to 1500. It is a solid XC bike with front and back suspension.

 

[RUFUS]

eric strt6 has the Sette and has nothing but great words about it. He has diff. components though.