[xenonlogic]

Hey guys, I have $500 and I want to get into mtb. Basically it will be cross-country, it'll be on no more than a 45deg up/down, lots of rough terrain deep woods etc I'm in upstate NY and have the entire Adirondacks at my feet. Basically I want something that will last me and will be upgradable. Any recommendations where to go and what to buy? And I really don't know the 'lingo' so put it in lamens terms. Thanks

 

[xenonlogic]

Oh, for extra info this is all of the info you seem to ask in other threads:

I'm 6', 170#, I want something I *can* ride on roads but mainly off-road/trails so I guess freeride/crosscountry bike. I'm looking to spend 400-500$ on the /bike/ before helmet etc, and I want to know what to look for as far as extras. I know to try to get disc brakes but I don't know jack other than that.

 

[nightops]

check out supergo...

Oh, for extra info this is all of the info you seem to ask in other threads:

I'm 6', 170#, I want something I *can* ride on roads but mainly off-road/trails so I guess freeride/crosscountry bike. I'm looking to spend 400-500$ on the /bike/ before helmet etc, and I want to know what to look for as far as extras. I know to try to get disc brakes but I don't know jack other than that.

you might be able to get a full suspension bike for that much, but I would go with a hardtail with a suspension fork for that much...try the used classifieds in mtbr as well...most of the bikes sold there are higher quality ones with good components...good luck!

 

[kvojr]

fir an extra $100 you could get yourself a Gary Fisher Tassajarra with V-Brakes. Decent spec'd bike IMO.

 

[uktrailmonster]

No more than 45 degrees up/down hey. You think 45 deg is a fairly easy incline then?

Anyway, don't expect too much for $500. Stick to major brand name hardtails and forget about disc brakes or full suspension. A trip to your local bike shop would be in order to try out a few examples and get more personal advice.

 

[AFViper]

I bought an Iron Horse Warrior Comp last August for $500. Nicely equiped for the money, I've had no problems with it.

 

[MtBkrJoe]

a few options

I agree with the earlier post about staying away from full suspension bikes and disc brakes for less than $500.

A few bikes to consider would be: Trek 4300, Trek 4500, Gary Fisher Marlin, Specialized RockHopper, Specialized HardRock, Iron Horse Warrior, maybe a few Giants to choose from (I'm not too familiar with the Giant line). I would buy a bike from a big name company such as the ones I've listed above.

My biggest recommendation would be to go ride as many bikes as possible (even if it is a parking lot demo). You want to find a bike that fits you and that you are comfortable on. For example - Trek bikes have a more traditional feel whereas Fisher bikes (with Genesis geometry) have a more stretched out feel. Some people like this and others don't. Go to your local bike shop (LBS) and give a few bikes a spin. Don't be afraid to ask questions and try out different sizes of the same bike.

Hope this helps!

 

[uktrailmonster]

Trek 4500

Funnily enough my wife started out on a Trek 4500 hardtail. Nice solidly built bike for the money (£400 in the UK). The frame on this is good quality and worthy of later upgrades too. In fact she upgraded both the fork and brakes and finished up with a pretty competent trailbike. She's moved on to full suspension now, but the Trek was certainly good enough to get her hooked on mountain biking.

 

[zeronine]

I just picked up the Trek Hardtail 6500 w/o disc brakes for $599 after taxes.
https://www2.trekbikes.com/Assets/B...a_Aluminum/6500/asset_upload_file390_3349.jpg

 

[short shifter]

I got a Trek 4500. I love it, no problems. I upgraded the brake pads too koolstops thin lines. (I needed the extra breaking power, weighing in at 205). I upgraded the tires to Panaracer Fire XC Pro, got some ODI lock on grips and thats it. Those for me where the only things I felt needed to be upgraded straight away. Everything else will get upgraded as the break. The frame is nice and strong, and pretty light weight.

Hope this help,

Jay