Mountain Bikers - ~$500-$600 bike

[TheNinja]

So first of all I get a $500 (taxed though ) allowance from work for a bike. I don't want to spend a lot and I'm not a big mountain biker. I just want a "normal" bike to ride around with kids and one that I can take offroad if I choose to.

Which of these would be better in your opinion.

http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Re...+mountain+bike

http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Bi...+mountain+bike

These are around $475. But I assume I have to assemble and setup.


The one bike shop by me has some Cannondale Trail (can't remember the number) retailed around $800, onsale for $660 but I know and employee there and can get 15% discount. So around $560. They setup and give 2 free years "tune ups".

Also if I'm in the middle of a frame size between L and XL do you usually go up a size or down a size? I'm leaning towards down just b/c I don't want a giant monster bike if possible.

TIA!

 

[TheNinja]

Based on what I remember from seeing the bike I believe the CAnnondale to be this one.

http://www.cannondale.com/nam_en/2015/bikes/mountain/trail-hardtails/trail/trail-5

 

[smackababy]

What kind of job do you have that gives you a bike allowance? I gotta get me one of those jobs!

 

[alkemyst]

The Response XE's from Dick's sporting goods are great deals.

$350 for the regular and $499 for the 29'er.

We bought the regular one for my fiancee's son when it was on sale for $275 and with the three year replacement plan they sold it for $250.

It's a great bang for buck bike in that category.

 

[TheNinja]

What kind of job do you have that gives you a bike allowance? I gotta get me one of those jobs!

I probably can't say the same but the company is big on sustainability and reducing carbon footprint and promoting personal health. You have to use the bike to commute to work x number of times a month or sign an agreement that you'll ride it at least x times a month for an errand in which you would normally have used a car or ride 2 miles a week or something. It's pretty cool deal. You can use it every 3 years too!

 

[alkemyst]

What kind of job do you have that gives you a bike allowance? I gotta get me one of those jobs!

A lot of companies are offering things like this to offset health care costs, some will cover gym memberships and the like as well.

 

[TheNinja]

The Response XE's from Dick's sporting goods are great deals.

$350 for the regular and $499 for the 29'er.

We bought the regular one for my fiancee's son when it was on sale for $275 and with the three year replacement plan they sold it for $250.

It's a great bang for buck bike in that category.

Oh, nice!! Thanks. I see the Response online for $475-ish but I'd MUCH rather buy local and have them set it up for me and have it assembled already.

I'm trying to see the difference between the Response and the Overdrive but don't see much. I think the Cannondale I was looking at is a bit nicer but with the discount I was getting it would be $561, so a bit more expensive than the Response.

 

[smackababy]

I am going to have to see if my job offers any crap like that. My gym membership isn't expensive, but I wouldn't mind it being free. >_>

 

[FleshLight]

http://www.botach.com/products/fuji-2011-police-special-bikes.html

 

[alkemyst]

http://www.botach.com/products/fuji-2011-police-special-bikes.html

That looks like a great deal, great components

 

[CRA5HMAN]

Oh, nice!! Thanks. I see the Response online for $475-ish but I'd MUCH rather buy local and have them set it up for me and have it assembled already.

I'm trying to see the difference between the Response and the Overdrive but don't see much. I think the Cannondale I was looking at is a bit nicer but with the discount I was getting it would be $561, so a bit more expensive than the Response.

Buying locally would also give you a chance to take the bikes for test drives and compare the rides.

 

[xaeniac]

Get that cannondale

 

[CoconutWarrior]

I'd go with the Cannondale, for sure.

 

[maluckey]

OP, you don't sound very hyped or hardcore, so, I'd go for the local shop and the Cannondale. Mainly because of the free tuneups and local service if it goes south.

My second choice would be that Fuji (a really, really sweet deal!!!), or maybe a quick trip to bikesdirect.com for one of the Fuji or Trek knockoffs they sell.

M.