What would everyone recommend for a cheap (under $150-$200 range) mountain bike? I'm just looking for something to ride around on trails and stuff, nothing extreme. I was looking at the Mongoose XR75 at wally world, but I didn't know if anyone had another opinion. I would like at least front shocks, but the rear suspension isn't too big of a deal. Let me know what everyone thinks
I'd tell ya to check Craigslist. You'll get a lot more bike for your buck. You could also check used at your local bike shops. I tried that route, but the 2-3 I found were too small. If I'd found the right size, I'd have bought one that way. I missed a really good buy on a Specialized Mtn. bike. I couldn't ride a 23", comfortably. We picked up Lisa's bike, yesterday. She got the uni-sex frame. My bet is there's a LOT of people who get into this that don't stay active with it (good news for people looking). Hell, I might be one of 'em!...lol Good luck. If you're not in a hurry......look around. I wish I knew enough to tell you what to look for in that price range, new.
How do you like yours Jeff? Send me some Info on It If you would please. I told the g/f last night I'm getting one too, It's time.
I'm not in a big hurry or anything, just wanting something I can ride around in the summer while scouting deer. And trail ride with the girlfriend too I guess haha. I'm thinking I will need something bigger than a 23" too, I'm 6' 215 lbs at the moment. I will probably look at the local bike shop, but in past experiences they were outrageous with their prices.
Actually, from my very limited experience, you should be looking for something in the 17-20" range. I have been looking for a mtb myself. I was looking for something in the 350 or less category. It's real hard to find a quality bike for less than that. There are a few right there. I rode a Trek 3700 (09) that I could have bought for 320ish, but it wasn't right. I rode a Cannondale F9 that was pushing the 400 mark and felt great, but for the components, wasn't a deal. I am riding a Felt Q520 tonight that will likely run me 450, but for the small step up in price, you get alot. (double wall rims, disc brakes, a better rear derailer, 100mm susp, and lockouts on the front for uphill pavement riding) From what I am told or learned so far, the opinion is that the only bikes sold at Wallyworld/target worth looking at is a Forge and that is up towards 350-375. It all depends on what you are trying to do. I know I am likely buying more bike than I need, but I would rather do this than want for more.
I just picked up two Trek 3700's at lunch today. I got the Matte finish on mine. I got the guy to come off MSRP $30/bike and sale me a 3 bike trunk hauler for the price of a 2 bike. Can't wait to get out and do some riding.
Sounds like you did some wheeling and dealing. If you don't mind me asking, what'd you pay for the 3700s?
Mine (Matte Finish) was MSRP 419 Stephanie's was 409, I gave $359/piece, 2010 models. If he'd had my size in a 2009 I could have got it for $300. He also sold me a 3 bike carrier for the car for the price of a 2 bike. Edit, I just noticed I got $60 off my bike and $50 not $30 like previously posted, LOL.
It's been since high school when I was really into mountain biking, but mtb.com and Pinkbike.com were great sites with solid classifieds. Most of those guys on there were much more hardcore than the average guy, but you could (at least back then) find a lot of great deals on bikes WAY better than many at a similar price point at local dealers. Many of the smaller Canadian bike companies are worth looking at (if dealer support isn't a factor). Cove, Norco, Kona, etc) are all decent bikes at a midrange price. Canadians know how to build bikes (search Youtube for North Shore videos...that's some crazy riding:D). Then again, I've been out of the loop so long, I don't really know good prices newer brands for the price you're looking at.
Check www.bikesdirect.com I'm thinking about ordering from there. They have great prices on good bikes. The below model is $399 (shipping included)
Totally not on thread here, as we are talking about bikes that exceed the starters numbers, but I rode three more bikes today. Felt Q520, Raleigh Talus 4.0, and another that I don't remember. I stopped by the other shop to double check something, they have a Trek 3900 Disc. I rode that and if I can get a better buy on it than the 520, I will take it. The only real difference is that the 520 has lockouts, but I don't see myself using them much.
I didn't realize 23" would be too big, good thing I posted on here I guess... I'm not looking for anything too hardcore, just something to mess around on. I'm just a broke college student, so $300 or more on a bike isn't that smart of an idea for me. Sounds like you guys really know what your talking about though!
