Mountain Bike advice

[CombatChuk]

I don't really want to spend too much (>$700) I plan to be on paved trails a lot of the time since my wife is getting a road bike, but I plan on taking it to the mountains to do some "fun" trails. So I've narrowed it down to these to bikes

Hardtail
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This bike has a good fork and a descent derailer. I know the shop owner and he's selling the bike to me for $599 plus free tuneups for life

Full Suspension
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This bike he's selling it for $699 and it also comes with free tuneups for life.

As of right now I'm leaning towards the hardtail, but I can't deny wanting the full suspension.

 

[CombatChuk]

TTT

 

[CraigRT]

hardtail.
I love my hardtail.. I am looking at upgrading my front fork right now actually

 

[Hubes]

To be honest i dont really like either one of those bikes.

 

[SirFshAlot]

personally, for myself, I would look for a good deal on a used bike

2 years ago, I bought a Trek Fuel SLR, discs, full suspension, for $800 on ebay....worked out great

 

[Dirigible]

If I had to choose between those two, I'd go with the hardtail because of the better components. I much prefer riding my full suspension bikes to hardtail, but I don't think I'd buy that full suspension one.

Are you new to mountain biking? What are the trails like that you'll be riding?

 

[CombatChuk]

Originally posted by: Dirigible
If I had to choose between those two, I'd go with the hardtail because of the better components. I much prefer riding my full suspension bikes to hardtail, but I don't think I'd buy that full suspension one.

Are you new to mountain biking? What are the trails like that you'll be riding?

I'm coming back from a hiatus in mountain biking. Most of the trails will probably be paved. But there will be times when I would go up a "goat's path"

 

[jhayx7]

I would go with the HT as well. FS bikes are heavier and I never liked the squishy feeling when climbing hills (you lose power too). Be sure to ride the bike around to make sure you like the fit of the frame, don't be afraid to shop around either. WEAR A HELMET!

 

[CombatChuk]

Originally posted by: Hubes
To be honest i dont really like either one of those bikes.

Well what would you suggest then?

 

[jhayx7]

Originally posted by: CombatChuk

Originally posted by: Hubes
To be honest i dont really like either one of those bikes.

Well what would you suggest then?

Giant makes great bikes as well as Trek, GF, and Specialized.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I would definitely choose the hardtail. If the hardtail and the dualie are both in the same price bracket (which in this case is somewhat low for new bikes):

Hardtail: Better components. Lighter.
Dualie: Worse components, quite possibly rides like a brick because of the weight = not fun, plusher ride.

I would much prefer a bike that's easier and smoother to ride due to lighter, better components, than a heavy-ass dualie with a plusher ride. Around your price bracket you can't get any good dualies anyway, and I would say you've just barely entered the territory of a quality hardtail.

These are all for new bikes, of course. For around $600 you could definitely find a really nice quality used hardtail. For components I wouldn't go below Shimano LX. Also keep in mind to look for a bike with a nice set of wheels because lighter wheels = less angular momentum to overcome when pedaling to spin the wheel = an overall easier ride.

 

[Dirigible]

If most trails will be paved, I'd definitely go with the hardtail. Not only will it be better on the pavement and have better components, but hardtails are fine offroad. While I prefer FS, some of the best riders I know ride hardtails, and have sold their FS bikes.

I'd consider looking into a used bike too. You can get more for your money. Only do this if you know what to look for in wear and tear, though. A lot of used mountain bikes have received a beating and will need a cash infusion to get them in decent condition.

 

[CombatChuk]

I'd like to get a new bike to support the shop owner since he's a friend. But it sounds like i'm going with a hardtail.

 

[newbiepcuser]

If you're going to go FS, get a decent one. The sub $1000 are just marketing ploy for people who think its cool to have one.

FS should be light and should have lock out for climbing, etc.

I think you can get decent FS on HT in your Craig's in your area. The money you save can apply towards "tune ups".

 

[laurenlex]

Good advice so far. A good full suspension frame will cost over $700, and a decent bike will be > $1500.

Since it sounds like you will be on road a lot, the higher quality hardtail is the bike for you. And you can still thrash it offroad.

Pretty much all bikes are the same in the same price point. The frames are probably made in the same Tiawneese factory. It's just a mix of componet tradeoffs. X bike has a better fork, so it must have cheaper parts elsewhere.

Therefore, Trek, Specialized, Giant, Gary Fisher, Haro, etc... will be just about the exact quality for the dollar.

The most important thing to consider is to have the proper sized bike, with proper stem length, saddle height, etc...

 

[CombatChuk]

Originally posted by: laurenlex
Good advice so far. A good full suspension frame will cost over $700, and a decent bike will be > $1500.

Since it sounds like you will be on road a lot, the higher quality hardtail is the bike for you. And you can still thrash it offroad.

Pretty much all bikes are the same in the same price point. The frames are probably made in the same Tiawneese factory. It's just a mix of componet tradeoffs. X bike has a better fork, so it must have cheaper parts elsewhere.

Therefore, Trek, Specialized, Giant, Gary Fisher, Haro, etc... will be just about the exact quality for the dollar.

The most important thing to consider is to have the proper sized bike, with proper stem length, saddle height, etc...

With that regard the hardtail actually fits me the best. So I'm going with that.

 

[CombatChuk]

Thanks everyone for the advice...