[Wulf1971]

Hey everyone. I'm looking to buy a new mountain bike before summer this year. I used to ride very seriously (300+ miles a week), but stopped in the early 90's after my third and final bike was stolen. I just ended up getting into other sports. Anyway, I decided I can't stand not doing it anymore and want another bike. Problem is I don't know what is good out there anymore and could use some suggestions. I'm looking to spend around $1500 an change out the door for a decent hardtail.

 

[DrNickels]

Hey everyone. I'm looking to buy a new mountain bike before summer this year. I used to ride very seriously (300+ miles a week), but stopped in the early 90's after my third and final bike was stolen. I just ended up getting into other sports. Anyway, I decided I can't stand not doing it anymore and want another bike. Problem is I don't know what is good out there anymore and could use some suggestions. I'm looking to spend around $1500 an change out the door for a decent hardtail.

First a few questions:

1. What type of riding do you primarily do? I am assuming XC since you did 300+ miles a week.

2. Do you want full suspension or hardtail? For the price point you are looking at you can get a very sweet hardtail with good components that will be very comfortable on long rides

3. What's the area like you ride in? Lots of rock gardens or roots? A 29er usually fairs better for my taste in rocky situations compared to a 26er.

4. What's your weight and size? If you are a clydesdale rider like me (285 lbs here)then you need to be more selective in the type of material your bike is built from so steel might be a better choice for you than aluminum.

For $1500 you could pick up a nice trek 6500 with clipless pedals and some good accessories

or

you could pick up a nice gary fisher 29er or build a karate monkey 29er.

 

[Wulf1971]

First a few questions:

1. What type of riding do you primarily do? I am assuming XC since you did 300+ miles a week.

2. Do you want full suspension or hardtail? For the price point you are looking at you can get a very sweet hardtail with good components that will be very comfortable on long rides

3. What's the area like you ride in? Lots of rock gardens or roots? A 29er usually fairs better for my taste in rocky situations compared to a 26er.

4. What's your weight and size? If you are a clydesdale rider like me (285 lbs here)then you need to be more selective in the type of material your bike is built from so steel might be a better choice for you than aluminum.

For $1500 you could pick up a nice trek 6500 with clipless pedals and some good accessories

or

you could pick up a nice gary fisher 29er or build a karate monkey 29er.

I'm looking at mainly cross country riding, though I do appreciate a nice speedy downhill! Hardtail for sure, don't know what type of trails there are around here though, just moved here. I'm 6'0" 190 (used to be a clyde, 260lbs). I am more interested in staying with a 26" tire too. Thx

 

[Keatan]

Go in to any local bike shops you can find and test ride everything in your price range. Brands are all a personal preference and fit is what really matters.

 

[Wulf1971]

Thx, I'll try some shops.

 

[CommieLawnGnome]

Rockhopper vs 4300 vs. Giant Yukon

Hi all I am a beginner and I am trying to decide between a Specialized Rockhopper, a Giant Yukon, and a Trek 4300. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Ken in KC]

your answer...

Hi all I am a beginner and I am trying to decide between a Specialized Rockhopper, a Giant Yukon, and a Trek 4300. Any input would be appreciated.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=478402

 

[Wulf1971]

Hi all I am a beginner and I am trying to decide between a Specialized Rockhopper, a Giant Yukon, and a Trek 4300. Any input would be appreciated.

No offense, but your supposed to start your own thread when you have a question. (unless it's a question for the person who started the thread your reading) What you did is called "thread hijacking". :nono:

 

[Ken in KC]

And...

No offense, but your supposed to start your own thread when you have a question. (unless it's a question for the person who started the thread your reading) What you did is called "thread hijacking". :nono:

My bad. This forum thing confuses me. Sorry, Wulf.

Answering your OP: $1,500 gets you a bunch of great bikes. The best advice is to ride a bunch of bikes in your price range and figure out which one feels best.

Once you've figured that out, you'll be able to refine your questions regarding specific components, etc.

 

[CommieLawnGnome]

Oh sorry bout that, noob mistake, I thought this was just a general thread for questions about new bikes. Thanks for pointing me in the right direcition.

 

[Wulf1971]

Oh sorry bout that, noob mistake, I thought this was just a general thread for questions about new bikes. Thanks for pointing me in the right direcition.

No worries.