[Precipitate]

I'm finally going to get my first real starter bike.

Do I get

1.) 2008 Trek 4300 Disc ($300 on craigslist)

2.) 2008 Diamondback Response Sport ($300 on craigslist)

3.) 19" Airborne Mountain bike XTR/XT ($400 on craigslist)

I don't know too much about bikes so any help would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[jdreher55]

I think frame size is about as important as anything else on the bike. Find out which fits you the best and go from there. Other than that the price range isn't going to leave you with a lot of remorse if you make the wrong decision.

Start with the Trek though.

 

[basso4735]

Without seeing the condition I would say the Trek if you could get it for $200-250. MSRP was $529 and you shouldnt pay more than half that buying used.

 

[H3NDRIX951]

trek. i havent had good luck with my repsonse

 

[CrimsonFox]

You can get a brand new response sport for around $400 from Dick's or Sports Authority. For a used one you should pay max $175.

The Trek is also overpriced. See how it fits and offer a max of $200 for it.

I know nothing about Airbourne as I've only recently encountered their bikes being sold online.

 

[Precipitate]

Hmmm alright but, the trek is like new.

And the Airborne comes with these

Mavic x3.1 tubeless wheels -- Kenda 'Small Block Eight' tires (~80% tread)
Fizik saddle (this is actually a demo model which has been modified to be shorter)
Integrated XT Shifters
XT hydraulic disc brakes
XTR rear derailleur
Manitou Elite Black front fork (80-100mm of adjustable travel)

 

[H3NDRIX951]

the components on the airborne sound good, but who knows about the frame...trek will have the strongest frame(not knowing the strength of the airborne). overall its about how the bike fits you because u cant change the demensions on the frame, other parts you can swap out/buy new ones.

 

[wave180]

Why not get a brand new one? http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/motobecane_600HT07.htm

or even the Target's Sawback?

 

[rlouder]

I wouldn't think that an entry-level Trek frame would be stronger than the others. The frames for all but the more expensive bikes are made by three manufacturers, with giant manufacturing being the largest.

As others have mentioned, the trek and d'back are overpriced. I'm not familiar with airborne, but I would seriously consider it if it's in good shape and you feel comfortable on it. Sure, you can upgrade an entry-level bike, but it will cost hundreds to outfit it like the airborne.

 

[TwinBlade]

I wouldn't think that an entry-level Trek frame would be stronger than the others. The frames for all but the more expensive bikes are made by three manufacturers, with giant manufacturing being the largest.

As others have mentioned, the trek and d'back are overpriced. I'm not familiar with airborne, but I would seriously consider it if it's in good shape and you feel comfortable on it. Sure, you can upgrade an entry-level bike, but it will cost hundreds to outfit it like the airborne.

+1. The Airborne looks like a straight forward mtb. The components alone are worth the price...

 

[Precipitate]

Alright, thanks guys!