On the market for a bicycle.

[BuzzKillington]

Alright, it's time for me to up my exercise and start biking again. I've never really been into mountain bikes but I'm honestly not in the shape anymore to be riding 10-15 miles on a BMX bike anymore.

I found this bike (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10927844) and was wondering if anyone had any leads to where to find a nice comfortable ride for under 250 dollars. I'm not to sure if I want a full suspension bike... the last time I had one it seemed to absorb all the energy I put into the petals while standing up (the rear suspension that is).

I'm going for a mountain bike because I don't want to be limited but I will be mainly riding on road.

Thanks in advance.

[Omega]

Go to your local bike shop and test ride bikes, it's the only real way to get a feel if you'll like it or not.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

I wouldn't necessarily go for a brand new bike, and I'd steer clear of Wal-Mart if you're going to be doing some serious riding (both because of the lack of service and the overall lower product quality).

I agree with Omega. Stop by a mom-and-pop place or a small chain store and take a few different models for a spin. Or just keep an eye out for a good deal.

Suspension can help, but it can also hurt, as you know. Full-suspension bikes are comparatively inefficient, and a front shock is a waste of time on most roads, especially as it's your arse that gets sore over time and that's over the back wheel. A less-than-ideal front suspension setup isn't really an advantage at all - my second bike is the quintessential early-'90s halfway-decent Wal-Mart bike, a Huffy in decent shape with an acceptable, but largely useless, front spring. It's only useful, really, because the bike is made out of damn pig iron.

My Gary Fisher, on the other hand, is lighter (still a steel frame, though), hasn't any suspension at all, and does just fine on the gravel and broken pavement I usually ride on. If I'm expecting any giant bumps I just let a bit of air out of the tires. We got it used several years ago and I just can't hurt it, after easily a thousand miles of neglect: original chain, front tire, and cabling, in fact.

tl;dr: What Omega said. And if you're not going off of large rocks with it routinely, don't worry about suspension.

[msmrx57]

Another option that you could look into that can save $$, police auctions. I've got an older Bianchi mountain bike that was $60 with no wheels. At the same auction I got a crappy cruiser style bike that had good rims the right size and almost new for $20. For $80 it's a great bike. No suspension, but unless you actually ride off road a lot a sprung seat is better for comfort anyway. Just my two cents.

[aintnothang]

http://forums.mtbr.com/

[Kayin]

I picked up a pretty much mint Trek 640 (Reynolds 531 frame) for 6.88 at my local thrift store.

All it needed was a set of brake pads and a tire.

[progbuddy]

If it is a road bike, then see if you can find a Cannondale. They work if you can find a used one :P

[billygoat333]

I ride a Specialized, very nice. one thing to look into is rental sales (although they usually don't sell them until fall sometime) thats where I picked mine up, was a year old model got it for 250 I believe and it was at the time a $450 + bike.

[Luke122]

www.pinkbike.com

Huge classified section, and loads of great info on there.

If you go fully rigid, get a steel frame. Heavier than aluminum, yes, but it'll soak up quite alot and be relatively smooth. Aluminum is much stiffer, and tends to amplify every bump through the frame.

[Omega]

Front suspension is good if you have a heavier or MTB kind of bike.

Keeping your ass from getting sore is as simple as finding a seat that works well for you (a seat was the difference between me standing while riding all the time and being able to sit for 10+mi of riding).

Full suspension should only be considered if it's going to be a hardcore mountain rig. Full suspension on a daily rider/commute bike will only sap energy from your riding and add complexity.

I ride a 2007 Giant Rincon, and I think it's great. Hardtail / Front suspension, works well for road riding or mountain. Just don't sit when you do mountain (stand up, use your legs as the rear suspension).

Look on Craigslist for your area for decent bikes. If it won't see off-road use, I suggest getting a road bike like a 10 speed or something. they're almost always lighter, no suspension to sap energy from your pedaling, and one with the right gearing can actually get you moving pretty quickly (~25mph or so)

[BuzzKillington]

www.pinkbike.com

Huge classified section, and loads of great info on there.

If you go fully rigid, get a steel frame. Heavier than aluminum, yes, but it'll soak up quite alot and be relatively smooth. Aluminum is much stiffer, and tends to amplify every bump through the frame.

I couldn't afford a single bike on that site hahaha. Very nice link though, it got the mouth watering.

[Luke122]

The whole site is really hardcore riders, so it tends to be high end stuff. I did sell one of my bikes through there, and I was a member on the site for a lot of years when I was riding.

I miss riding though.. I might have to get back into it! Just need money.. and time. And money.

[xRyokenx]

Try riding a recumbent bike. Like the Bike E (http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/bike_e/images/bike_e_at_1_lg.jpg), for example. I have one and love it... it's too bad they don't make them anymore. That and I don't have a bike seat trying to go places it shouldn't go anymore. Nothing like a real seat, amirite?

[Luke122]

Recumbents... ugh. Comfortable or not, you look like a dork.

Thanks, I'll stick with my cruiser for now.

[xRyokenx]

Who cares how I look? So much easier to get places, easier to not get in a wreck, and if you get those shoes that clip to the pedals you can go really ****ing fast. I love my recumbent. :D

[xmastree]

http://forums.mtbr.com/
http://www.singlespeed.net/ :rolleyes:

[985323]

I too am looking for a new bike, however i am very rough on my bikes as i am always off road and on jumps plus am riding far everyday, basically need a very strong bike as i went through my last bike in two months. And bent the frame in half of the one before. I found this http://www.wrenchscience.com/Intense/M6+FRO/Mountain_Bikes/Frames.html Anyways, I was wondering what you guys think as I really need a good strong bike that will last.

Will

[x88x]

Both generally, and @985323, I'd say look for a high-tensile-strength steel frame. They absorb a lot of shock, as previously mentioned, they're stronger than a standard steel frame, and they they're a LOT lighter. I got one by accident, picked it up at a yard sale a long time ago; I forget the brand, but I remember finding their website a while back and finding out that their new models start at, like, $600... Thing sat in the previous owner's barn for, like, 10 years (iirc, I think that's what they said), then I used it for almost 10 years.. only stopped because the gears started bending, dropping the chain inbetween them.