Hi, I am buying a mountain bike for the first time. I'll basically be using it to ride small trails in and around florida. I'll also be using it for street riding. Can anyone recommend a good bike for me? My maximum price is $200.00. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just safe and comfortable. I'm 5'5 and about 120 so I'm not sure what size I should be looking for. How do you feel about buying bikes from places like Sports Authority and Wal-Mart? I appreciate any help. Thanks. Oh, I'm in Central Florida so if you could recommend a place in this area, that would be great. Posted by Rhorho on 11/24/03
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Re: Buying A Bike
My recommendation is to buy a bike from your Local Bike Shop or LBS. Why? Because they'll size you to a correct size frame, which is very important for comfort and optimum function. Secondly, your typical Dept Store bike is a heavy, clunky piece of junk that might have been put together by somebody experienced, but more likely than not, it was put together by someone who's more qualified to flip burgers. Finally, you'll typically get free or discounted tune-ups on your bike shop purchase, because bikes need care once in awhile, depending on how often you ride them. You should get a quality bike, like Trek, Cannondale, K2, KHS or Specialized. Schwinn has been brought out by a cheap-bike manufacturer and I'm not sure of what kind of product they put out anymore.
A starter bike like you're looking for starts at a little over $200, typically $240-$250 is considered the basic. If you're going to ride regularly, get the best bike you can afford. It ain't about "fancy", it's about the quality of the components. The more you spend, the better the wheels, brakes and frame you'll get. The better the stuff, the better the riding experience. Cheap bikes suck and that's why America has so many of these bikes rotting away in the garages. A good bike is a pleasure to ride and most bike shops will let you test ride one. Bikes aren't toys and the level of components makes a difference. Go to a few Bike Shops, bring a pencil and pad and do the research. Good luck.
Posted by STP a 44 year old Racer riding a K2 Razorpig from Palmdale on 11/24/03
Stay away from the Costco brand bike "Motiv Vortex Disc". I've recently went and looked at bikes there to get some eye candy and the first thing I noticed was the riser bar already bent out of shape. WTF!?!? I said WTF!?!? I can only imagine the problems you'd have in the future. Stick with something in a bikes shop cuz they'll keep your bike in good shape & and problem give you a great deal for future purchases. Posted by Diablito a 26 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Stinky 4:20 from THC Heights on 11/24/03
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Re: Buying A Bike
If you live in central Florida shouldn't you be looking for one of those swamp buggies instead of a mountain bike? Your LBS is the best place for a good bike. Posted by Gringo a 51 year old riding a Ellsworth Isis from Chatsworth on 11/26/03
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