Bike shopping...mmmmm
Mar 22 '01
The Bottom Line Don't pay for more bike than you can use, don't get less bike than you need.
Step 1: Get the Heck out of Wal*Mart
Step 2: Decide what you want a Mountain Bike for
Step 3: go to a real Bike Shop
Step 4: Test Ride
Step 5: Buy the right bike
Step 1: Get the heck out of Wal*Mart!!!!!!!!! If you accidentally already purchased a bike at a big department store, the first thing you ought to do is take it to a bike shop, have them take it apart and reassemble it correctly. It is amazing what happens when you have some Jo Schmoe assembling bikes, the number of parts and pieces I have found to be installed backwards, upside-down, or otherwise incorrectly is amazing. This ranges from everything from tires on backwards to headset installed loosely and upside down giving it a good possibility of ruining the frame in about 7 rides. To top it off, the average Wal*Mart employee has little more knowledge than you do. It is not their fault, they are not specialized, they have to do lawn care, fishing, women's clothing and bikes. They can't do it all. I repeat myself. Get the heck out of Wal*Mart.
Step 2: Decide what you want a mountain bike for.
A. Dust collection unit. - maybe you could go back to Wal*Mart.
B. Something to have kicking around to use a couple of times a month for transportation purposes. - Ok no need to break the wallet, we are just looking for something that works. Be prepared to pay up to $300. Perhaps you may want to go for a hybrid. I would suggest something in a Schwinn, Giant, or Raleigh. These will all be solid bikes that will hold you. If you start doing any serious riding however, some of the components may start to break down. The frames however, are solid. Don't get full suspension. In this price range, all of the full suspension bikes are basically worthless. You probably don't even need a suspension fork (front shock) it is just more money. Dropping out suspension will make the rest of the bike higher quality.
C. Solid bike to be used a good deal commuting and occasional trail rides - This bike is going to be a part of your life, so you may as well put the money into it to begin with so it doesn't nickel and dime you later. Be prepared to spend around $500. Think about front suspension maybe, but again, stay away from full suspension. In this price range, the addition of full suspension takes away the quality of the rest of the bike. You will be tempted to go for a Trek, GT, or Cannondale here, but I would recommend a Giant or Raleigh instead. If you are hoping to look good because of the brand name on your bike, go ahead and get a Trek, or GT. They are solid bikes, and will serve you well, but remember this, you paid for the name. Raleigh and Giant don't make high end bikes. They concentrate on making solid middle range bikes. Because they don't have the name recognition that other companies gain from their super tricked out high end bikes, their bikes are more reasonably priced. The technology is the same, but the price is different. You get more bike for your money with a Raleigh or a Giant. Don't let pride make you pay more for the same bike.
Pick: Raleigh M80
D. Lots of trail riding - You are going to spend a lot of time on this thing, get a nice one. Be prepared to spend from $500 - $1000. The Raleigh - Giant theory still holds from above, but you may want to start to trick the bike out a little more, and you may pull yourself out of their league.
Full suspension? Go for it if you want to sink more money into your bike, make sure you get a good one if you do. A good full suspension bike will be over $1000. I would recommend Full Suspension to riders who like to simply bang through stuff without taking the extra moment or two to try and do things gracefully. (yes I'm in this category) If you ever use a chairlift in your riding, go Full Suspension. Also, if you have a large build (this included the body builders and people who just like beer and nachos), full suspension will help the bike be easier on your body, as well as help your body be easier on the bike. Full suspension bikes are comfortable, but cost more.
Front Suspension? Yes. This will make you much more happy when you ride. There are a few hard core people who still ride and race rigid (no suspension), but this puts a beating on your body. You should be having fun. If you stay away from rear suspension you can spend more money on higher quality frame and components.
Components- Most bikes stock Schimano components, Cannondale excluded. Here is how to judge these:
LX - good
XT - really good
XTR - just plain ridiculous. (super good)
You will probably want to make sure that your components are at least LX. ALL OF THEM. Bike companies are notorious for sticking on an XT rear derailleur so you will see XT and think the bike is great. Then they stick some other junk on the rest of it so they can make it less expensive. If you can get everything LX you have found a keeper. I love the LX line because they are solid parts that will hold up, and really don't weigh too much more than the XT or XTR.
Picks: Trek 8000 or so
E. Racing - If you are just sort of dabbling in racing, one or two a year, you may want to put your self in the category above. If you are going to do a lot of racing, your bike is your life. It will become par of you, and it better be fast, because you are busting your butt to make it go as fast as possible. Expect to spend $1000-$5000.
Material
Ti - super light and flexible so it is easy on your butt and fast, but this is going to run you a good deal of cash. If you can afford it get one.
Carbon Fiber - Can be constructed to be more or less stiff in different directions. Look for some crazy designs, just because they can do it. Really light. Fairly expensive. May have a tendancy to shatter if crashed really hard. Also has a hollow plasticy sound that is normal, but can be a little disconcerting.
Aluminum - Most racers are on aluminum, it is light and very stiff. This provides a very rough ride, but it is fast. Per usual, comfort is sacrificed for speed.
Steel - Steel is real - I am a steel bike fan. Steel frames provide enough flex that they will smooth the little jitters from your ride. Unfortunately they tend to weigh a little more, but a well constructed steel frame can be made reasonably light.
Components: LX or above. Period.
Full Suspension? - Full suspension bikes are starting to show up in larger numbers on the race scene. They are being made lighter and lighter. One of my friends rides a Rocky Mountain that tips the scales at around 22 lbs. Not bad. The Gary Fischer Sugar 1 is also turning some heads. Still these don' come without a price. Most people are still on hard tails.
Remember to check out the small companies. Unfortunately Spooky and Fat Chance went under, but don't forget about Independent Fabrications or Airborne. There is nothing like a handcrafted bike.
Step 3: Go to a real bike shop, they know what they are talking about, and can build bikes correctly. Also if your bike doesn't fit just right, they can do things like swap out stems for you so your bike will sit you up higher, or stretch you out more.
Step 4: Test ride. Ride at least 3 bikes before you buy one. Make some tight turns, jump a curb or two, and do some sprinting. How do you feel on the bike. How quickly does it turn. How does it shift? How does it handle speed. A bike mechanic will be able get the shifting right, at he is right there, use him. They should also be able to swap out some parts to make it fit better.
Step 5: Buy the right bike. Don't rush into this, mull it over for
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