[90awdturbo]

I'm currently looking for a new bike under $400. I plan on using it for heavy trail riding that includes tons of bumps and small jumps. Can you guys give me some recommendations on a used bikes or new bikes in that pricerange? I've heard the 26' Mongoose XR-Comp is pretty good but there's prolly something better...

 

[digitalayon]

400 bucks is limiting you bad...maybe trek 4500?

 

[stumonky]

Go to your LBS and see what you can find at that price range. You'll be limited of course but maybe they'll have a old model on clearence. My old rule of thumb was decent hardtail will run you about $750ish, decent FS bike $1,200. That's entry level on both, anything under that if you are a serious rider you might as well opt to wait and save your money for something better. You'll be happier riding if you did.

Of course you can always build a SS for $400 and be much happier all around.:thumbsup:

 

[Trek7000rider]

Go. Used.

seriously, scour craigslist for the deals. make sure you test ride the bikes first, and if possible, bring someone who really knows about bikes along with you. I got a 99 Trek 7000zx with Xt shifters and derailleurs as well as hayes hydraulic disc brakes for 300, and my brother got a Spec. Rockhopper Disc, virtually brand new, for under $250. you just gotta look around

 

[BigSharks]

Where did you hear the Mongoose is pretty good?

(only asking because those are not trail bikes)...

 

[jdreher55]

Look at the Specialized Hardrock as well. For $400 you won't be the envy of the group but that doesn't mean you can't find a bike that will take abuse. Look at your local craigslist as well.

 

[nuck_chorris]

Where did you hear the Mongoose is pretty good?

(only asking because those are not trail bikes)...

Probably from mongoose pilot

 

[Harold]

Nothing new in your budget is going to be so good for "heavy trail riding". If by that, you mean that the bike will be heavy, you'll be fine. However,

At that price range, you're looking at bikes that make good campus bikes, good entry level xc bikes, that sort of thing. Once you start riding it hard, parts will wear out quickly. If you do a lot of jumps, it's quite likely that parts will start to break quickly, too.

You have to be aware that different bikes are built for different things. Entry level stuff at that price point is built to get people on a bike. They're not built for aggressive riding (no matter how much they look the part). They're not built for people who put thousands of trail miles on a bike in a year, either.

 

[nachomc]

WTF does tons of bumps mean and how does that correlate to 'heavy trail riding'? The roads around my house are shiite and I went over tons of bumps on my road bike this morning without issue.

 

[90awdturbo]

Thanks for all the positive input guys. I've been looking at craigs list and have found a few bikes that may meet the standard. I'll try and post the models on here tomorrow to see what ya'll think.

 

[jdreher55]

if it is a good deal on craigslist don't wait too long b/c they don't come along too often.

 

[90awdturbo]

Any of these bikes worthy of an inspection?
http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1852207799.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1843460492.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1826292347.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1830004551.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1850879484.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1842434172.html

 

[BushwackerinPA]

http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1850879484.html if this fits you its the best of the lot.

I have seen better deal than that though but that pretty good.

 

[mikerod87]

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_508039_-1_201818_10000_200516

$425 with the 15% off. Not too bad but you get what you pay for.

Diamondback Override 29er.

 

[FloridaFish]

another kickass chainlove deal...... better hurry (Rocky Mountain Soul XC for 399)
http://www.chainlove.com/

 

[nuck_chorris]

would you want a single speed?

the Haro you listed is a good buy , just make sure nothing is fishy with it. the Specialized is alright but I don't like aluminum frames so you'll have to decide if it rides right with your

 

[rlouder]

If you list you height, people may be able to tell you what range of sizes to look for.

 

[jdreher55]

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Specialized if the frame is the right size.

 

[Pawndream]

These bikes are a lot of bang for the buck:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/motobecane_400HT_x.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/motobecane_600HT07.htm

 

[Kona0197]

Why has no one suggested a Forge bike? Awesome bang for the buck. 27 speeds, Avid BB5 disk brakes, 100mm Rock Shox fork all for $379 plus shipping.

http://www.target.com/Men’s-Forge-S...-bin,target_com_size-bin,target_com_brand-bin