[R3F1CUL]

Hi everyone
I joined this forum to get helpful tips from people more experienced than myself...so everyone on here

I am getting ready to buy a mountain bike and thought it would be a good idea to ask if I am making the right purchase. I am interested in riding up and down awesome trails which I'm sure everyone else is interested in too. I had my mind set on getting a full suspension mountain bike however after talking to a guy at a bike shop he suggested getting a higher end hard tail instead of a low end full suspension. He also told me hard tail was his preference regardless of cost (I'm sure everyone has a different opinion..). He suggested I look at the Cannondale F5 which I believe is about $800 and has mechanical disc brakes. I went online and checked it out. I think it looks like a great bike for me however I know nothing about mountain bikes so my opinion is irrelevant. That is where you guys come in!

Just an fyi:
I would like to ride on Glendora Ridge mtwy, I think that's what it's called. It is in Azusa/Glendora area which is where I go to school (APU). I hiked up Garcia trial (which connects to the ridge path) and saw a mountain biker riding down. After seeing him I decided I wanted to do that as well.

Any suggestions or tips will be greatly appreciated,
Thank you

 

[Klurejr]

The shop owner is correct, if you are going to spend $800 you will get better components with a hard tail vs a full suspension.

If you really would prefer to get a full suspension you can always look at used bikes on craigslist, ebay, etc.

Check on some bikes in your price range and then check the reviews on this site, you will learn quite a bit from the reviews this site has to offer.

 

[R3F1CUL]

The shop owner is correct, if you are going to spend $800 you will get better components with a hard tail vs a full suspension.

If you really would prefer to get a full suspension you can always look at used bikes on craigslist, ebay, etc.

Check on some bikes in your price range and then check the reviews on this site, you will learn quite a bit from the reviews this site has to offer.

Thanks for the reply,
I'll check the reviews on here.

 

[mpmffitz]

Pinkbike has good deals. Welcome to mountain biking just make sure you give back to the sport community in some way.

 

[Broke That]

Pinkbike has good deals. Welcome to mountain biking just make sure you give back to the sport community in some way.

Yeah! And don't become a downhiller!


Check out the used bikes. You might be happy with what you find there.
Get a bike, ride it, then upgrade.

 

[R3F1CUL]

mpmffitz and Broke That,
Thanks for the advice!

 

[grandegrande]

I'm a big fan of used bikes.
Research the reviews on MTBR first to get an idea of what you want.
I have bought two very nice bikes from people on craigslist locally. There are plenty of people who just buy way too many bikes, and then end up selling them for one reason or another.
I like using CL because you can talk to them, and then meet them to see the bike in person. Then you can get a pretty good idea of how well they maintained it.
If you spend the time and effort, you can get a pretty sweet bike and save 30-50% or more.

Also, I agree with getting a hardtail with nicer components. It's nice to have hassle free shifting and plenty of stopping power.

 

[ptfmb71]

I have been riding since 1989 and the only thing available at the time was a HT with no front suspension (but I wish I had the choice of a FS)....for a beginner a FS will make riding much more enjoyable until you develop your skills.

I race both a HT and FS...but in my opinion a FS will make riding much better.

 

[Broke That]

I have been riding since 1989 and the only thing available at the time was a HT with no front suspension (but I wish I had the choice of a FS)....for a beginner a FS will make riding much more enjoyable until you develop your skills.

I race both a HT and FS...but in my opinion a FS will make riding much better.

This may be true, but the budget needs to be considered.

 

[EstebanRapido]

I'm a big fan of used bikes.
Research the reviews on MTBR first to get an idea of what you want.
I have bought two very nice bikes from people on craigslist locally. There are plenty of people who just buy way too many bikes, and then end up selling them for one reason or another.
I like using CL because you can talk to them, and then meet them to see the bike in person. Then you can get a pretty good idea of how well they maintained it.
If you spend the time and effort, you can get a pretty sweet bike and save 30-50% or more.

Also, I agree with getting a hardtail with nicer components. It's nice to have hassle free shifting and plenty of stopping power.

Totally agree. I have a few bikes from craiglist too. Check out what is local every other day and once you see one you like search for it on bikepedia.com for more info.

 

[sandmangts]

Here ya go. http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/1839215965.html

 

[Klurejr]

Here ya go. http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/1839215965.html

Pretty nice bike, offer him $700 for it.

 

[R3F1CUL]

Here ya go. http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/1839215965.html

thanks for the help!
I can't seem to find that bike on the Trek website to see the specs, do you know what the exact name of that bike is?

 

[Klurejr]

It looks like a Trek Fuel, I am not sure if they have changed the name of the frame recently.

 

[R3F1CUL]

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/1839097842.html

does this look like a good deal?

I am also 5'8'' and 160lbs maybe closer to 170...but once I start riding it will be back to 160 ( :

 

[manny40]

Hardtail??

Sorry, but I disagree with all the hard tail advocates. Wheelworld.com has some of the best prices on full suspension (FS) bikes, this side of the Mississippi--hands down. If you're going to spend $800 on a hard tail with "good parts", save $400 more and you'll get yourself a quality FS bike worth much more than wheelworld's price, anywhere else. Konas are excellent bikes, as are Giant. If you want to bomb the down hills, treat your arse to some good suspension. BTW, wheelworld.com sells great bikes for less than $1200 and they are in Culver City (or around that area), they also have another store further north, but I always forget the city:thumbsup:

 

[manny40]

I just checked wheelworld.com and they have some kick-ass Konas, full suspension, for $800 and $900 bucks!! If I didn't have 3 bikes already, I'd be all over those beasts like a cheap set of walmart shorts! (Whatever that means)

 

[R3F1CUL]

I just checked wheelworld.com and they have some kick-ass Konas, full suspension, for $800 and $900 bucks!! If I didn't have 3 bikes already, I'd be all over those beasts like a cheap set of walmart shorts! (Whatever that means)

thanks man I appreciate the input
I'm renting a full suspension mountain bike from Incycle in San Dimas. Assuming I like the FS feel, I will most likely try to buy the Specialized FSR xc Comp I found on craigslist for $750 however if that doesn't go through (the guy is acting sketchy) then I will definitely check out wheelworld.com.

 

[Klurejr]

wheelworld does have some great sales if you catch them at the right time.

 

[nagatahawk]

Ive ridden the Glendora trail, I forget the name. but if you can shuttle up its a 13 mile downhill of very fine single track. beginner can handle it, keep your speed down. it has some rock gardens stream beds section in the canyon. Its a very fun ride for either hard tail or full suspension. my choice is full suspension. good luck on you purchase.
WN