Looking to buy a mountain bike?

Question

Hi, I'm looking to start some mountain biking on trails in new england, and was looking for a good beginners bike. I have a few hundred to spend but am unsure of where to look and exactly what to look for in a bike. I have browsed ebay and several online retailers but am still unsure. I've found a few that look interesting, but am unsure about the quality of the bikes ive found even for a beginner.

These look interesting but is the folding mechanism a death trap?
http://cgi.ebay.com/26-EVEREST-Folding-Mountain-Bike-Full-Susp-Dual-Disc_W0QQitemZ190294780730QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMountain_Bikes?hash=item2c4e73eb3a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1307|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

and of course good old wally world has
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8399258

any comments on either of these would be great, but i am especially looking for recommendations for other bikes

silverbullet · Accepted Answer

Go to your local bike shop.  Let them help you out.  Specialized is a good brand, my son rides one. 

Full suspension bikes like those show at your links are a waste of money.   

1.  As a beginner, you don't have the strength, skill, or endurance to ride trails that require full suspension

2.  Any full suspension bike in your price range will be junk.  

A decent quality mid-range mtb with front suspension will do everything you want to do. 

For an idea of what you can get for your money, peruse the selection at the link below.

Anonymous · Answer

I agree with everyone else that neither of these bikes are for mountain biking.  These are built as basement furniture, and for occasional driveway riding.  If you are interested in starting to ride trails, I'd suggest a entry level specialized bike; like a hard rock.  These are generally $300 to $350 new.  If that is to much for you, check ebay again and try to find a used one, or an old high end mountain bike like this one for $250 on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/Old-School-Mongoose-Rockadile_W0QQitemZ290313550488QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMountain_Bikes?hash=item4398093a98&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Anonymous · Answer

well if your sticking to 350 dollars you can get the gary fisher mako, the cheapest bike they make, or you can get the trek 850, again, the cheapest bike they make. They are made in china now, even a few years ago only a few trek bikes were made in china. My gary fisher was made in china as well. I would sugesst spending more so that the bike will last and wont be so heavy. The 850 is not a great bike, ur reely paying for the name. I would spend 500 on a good bike if you want good components and a lighter bike. It will last much longer as well.

edward w · Answer

Neither one of the two that you have found so far are worthy of a landfill. Like the other answer stated, you are better off with anything lower end in a hardtail at that local bike shop you say is near you! You do not get service after ANY sale at wal mart or off of ebay. Either one of those "bikes' will fall apart on you almost as soon as you start using them.

? · Answer

Neither of the bikes you have looked at will be any good off road, they will be heavy and the components will most likley start breaking on your fist ride. Go to a proper bike shop and look at bikes from Specialized, Kona or Trek, you won't go wrong with the budget models from any of these guys.

MtBikr · Answer

Go to the bike shop, for a few hundred bucks and get a hardtail bike.
I do not recommend either of the two you found so far.

Looking to buy a mountain bike?

6 Answers