[malr]

Hi,

I've been an enthusiastic biker over 15 years ago, but I've stopped riding completely in 2001. Now, after 10 years, I want to start riding again, nothing too serious, just for fun. In all those years I've completely lost track of what's good and what's bad. I’m looking to buy a decent second hand bike but I have no idea how stuff handles. Another problem for me represents a fact, that the selection of second hand bikes in the price range I’m looking at is rather poor, here.

I consider myself a beginner, since I haven’t ridden for so long. As for the type of riding: no downhill, no freeride, no jumps. XC or light AM would be closest, I guess. Who cares about labels anyway, I just wanna ride.

At the moment I’m looking at the 2008 Kona Four and 2007 Mongoose Otero Super. Both seem to be well taken care of and cost about the same, perhaps Kona is just a tad more expensive. I realize both bikes have low specs, but this is what’s available at the moment. I could just get a hardtail (that was my original plan), but they cost the same, have the same specs and are just as hard to find… Any opinions regarding these two bikes?

Thnx!

 

[mullen119]

Both are speced about equally. My wife has a 2009 otero super and its been a great bike, dont let people tell you to pick the kona because of the name. I would pick the one that fits you the best. any idea what size frames?

 

[mtnbiker72]

Both are solid if unspectacular...if you can test ride them do that and pick the one that feels best to you.

 

[malr]

We'll that's just what I need - solid and unspectacular.

Both frames are 19". I'm just a hair under 5 feet 10 and I prefer a bike a bit on the large side, so I hope they'll fit.

 

[malr]

OK, feedback: I've been on a test ride with both of them. Kona fit perfectly and felt comfy but also responsive and nimble. Mongoose on the other hand, was a bit too large, but that aside, it also felt like driving a tank, only heavier...