Someone who knows a lot about mountian bikes-help buying one?

B

Bre

New member
I am looking to buy a mountain bike mostly for riding river trails which have some hills. It is a pretty long ride.

I am 5'1 and 95 pounds. So I don't know really what size would be ideal for me.

I also need suggestions on what brands are good for the price because I don't want to spend a lot for the time being. (I don't know how much I like it yet so I'm not ready to invest.

My ideal price range is between one and two hundred dollars. Is it possible to get a decent bike for that price range?
 
You wont find a bike unless you are looking at a used one. Don't even bother with a Walmart or other department store bike. Check out the local Ebay and Craig's lists for a shop quality bike. A comfort bike or a hybrid will be fine for paths and trails. Measure your inseam and take that X .59 to get the frame size for a mountain bike or X .65 for a comfort or hybrid.
 
Yes you can buy a mountain bike for $200 but only secondhand, don't make the mistake of wasting your hard-earned money on one of those god-awful fake WalMart or Target bikes!

For $200 you could buy something like a pre-owned Specialized Crosstrail hybrid (a semi-MTB, it's better on the road but has a much weaker suspension) or an old early - mid 1990's hardtail mountain bike with a good suspension on it - check for leaky seals.

For $100 you could buy an old 1980's to early 1990's non-suspension MTB, there are lots of brand-name ones around still in good condition - testament to the fact they were well built.

Trek, Giant, Specialized, Dawes, Muddy Fox, Scott, Kona, Gary Fisher, Cannondale are all reputable brands.
 
Most entry-level mountain bikes start around $300 - save up until you can afford one. This is a great time to buy as the 2009's are cluttering up the bike shops and they are motivated to move them. Do not ever buy a bike at WalMart or other big box company.
 
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