Need a bike, have no idea what to look for. - Snowboarding Forum

TexassSnow · 10-20-2011, 12:43 PM

Just went trail biking for my second time this last weekend and loved it, unfortunately I don't have a bike. I'm looking to get one sometime in the next year before I move up to Colorado for school. I'd love one that I can use to ride to class (save that gas money for the mountains!), and obviously to do some trail biking and downhill stuff.

Basically I have no idea what to look for or where to start looking, so ANYTHING you guys have to say would be awesome, this forum is filled with recreational junkies so I trust you guys! Basically type of bikes to look at/for would be a great start.

Thanks in advance!

Tech420 · 10-20-2011, 01:08 PM

Get ready to spend a few thousand if you want something that won't destroy itself in a day. You will need a full-suspension trail bike with a minimum of 140mm travel front and rear to do what you're looking to do. A bike like this isn't cheap and they generally start around $2,000. JensonUSA.com - Your Mountain & Road Bike online parts supplier usually has some good closeouts. Mountain Bike Review is a great source of information. You are about to get hooked on an expensive sport and it only gets worse

, luckily it is so much damn fun and an amazing workout.

gjsnowboarder · 10-20-2011, 03:21 PM

My recommendation is get a 5-6 inch Full suspension bike, and get a second cheapo bike for riding to school. You can get into the full suspension market for around 750.00 for a decent bike but should be looking closer to the 1200-2500(brand new) range. I suggest keeping an eye out on craigslists. Especially now that bike season is starting to wind down. Some upper end bikes go for a good price. Also pay attention to the area you plan on moving to and ask what kind of trails they have. My suggestion is to reask this questions on mtbr.com

http://mtbr.com/

**HoboMaster** · 10-20-2011, 03:38 PM

Woah Woah Woah. He does not need to dump 2 grand on his first bike, that's stupid. Also, if he is riding mountains and is somewhat new to the game, a full-suspension, heavy as fuck downhill bike is not optimal for trail riding.

I would suggest starting out with a mid-level hardtail MTB, $400-$700 range, and just make sure it has decent front shocks, disc breaks and shifters. I've been riding my $550 Ironhorse hardtail for six years now and it's still going strong, I've taken it on plenty of technical downhill terrain as well. Wait to spend the money on expensive niche downhill stuff when you really get into it, otherwise you'll be left with something un-versatile.

Argo · 10-20-2011, 03:51 PM

What hobo said, I have a trek 29r,cobia/gary fisher that is great around the trails here in Vail and I ride it all over town. It was $1200 but you could get something similar for $5-800 used.

gjsnowboarder · 10-20-2011, 10:50 PM

I believe what we need here is further information to funds range available, location moving too, and any additional details that you can provide.

For the other post(s) Full suspension doesn't equal heavy as fuck bike.
a hardtail or full suspension bike doesn't equal bad or better for trail riding. depends on the trail profile and the rider.

basso4735 · 10-20-2011, 10:55 PM

In any case, start looking on chainlove because they have been blowing out nice looking Kona's this week.

10-20-2011, 12:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
TexassSnow Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 46	Need a bike, have no idea what to look for. Just went trail biking for my second time this last weekend and loved it, unfortunately I don't have a bike. I'm looking to get one sometime in the next year before I move up to Colorado for school. I'd love one that I can use to ride to class (save that gas money for the mountains!), and obviously to do some trail biking and downhill stuff. Basically I have no idea what to look for or where to start looking, so ANYTHING you guys have to say would be awesome, this forum is filled with recreational junkies so I trust you guys! Basically type of bikes to look at/for would be a great start. Thanks in advance!

10-20-2011, 03:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
gjsnowboarder Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 539	My recommendation is get a 5-6 inch Full suspension bike, and get a second cheapo bike for riding to school. You can get into the full suspension market for around 750.00 for a decent bike but should be looking closer to the 1200-2500(brand new) range. I suggest keeping an eye out on craigslists. Especially now that bike season is starting to wind down. Some upper end bikes go for a good price. Also pay attention to the area you plan on moving to and ask what kind of trails they have. My suggestion is to reask this questions on mtbr.com http://mtbr.com/ Last edited by gjsnowboarder; 10-20-2011 at 03:21 PM. Reason: add link

10-20-2011, 03:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
HoboMaster Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sandpoint / Moscow, ID Posts: 2,301	Woah Woah Woah. He does not need to dump 2 grand on his first bike, that's stupid. Also, if he is riding mountains and is somewhat new to the game, a full-suspension, heavy as fuck downhill bike is not optimal for trail riding. I would suggest starting out with a mid-level hardtail MTB, $400-$700 range, and just make sure it has decent front shocks, disc breaks and shifters. I've been riding my $550 Ironhorse hardtail for six years now and it's still going strong, I've taken it on plenty of technical downhill terrain as well. Wait to spend the money on expensive niche downhill stuff when you really get into it, otherwise you'll be left with something un-versatile. __________________ PowderHound and TreeNinja

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10-20-2011, 01:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tech420 -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 491	Get ready to spend a few thousand if you want something that won't destroy itself in a day. You will need a full-suspension trail bike with a minimum of 140mm travel front and rear to do what you're looking to do. A bike like this isn't cheap and they generally start around $2,000. JensonUSA.com - Your Mountain & Road Bike online parts supplier usually has some good closeouts. Mountain Bike Review is a great source of information. You are about to get hooked on an expensive sport and it only gets worse , luckily it is so much damn fun and an amazing workout.

10-20-2011, 03:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
Argo -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Vail, CO Posts: 2,002	What hobo said, I have a trek 29r,cobia/gary fisher that is great around the trails here in Vail and I ride it all over town. It was $1200 but you could get something similar for $5-800 used.

10-20-2011, 10:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
gjsnowboarder Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 539	I believe what we need here is further information to funds range available, location moving too, and any additional details that you can provide. For the other post(s) Full suspension doesn't equal heavy as fuck bike. a hardtail or full suspension bike doesn't equal bad or better for trail riding. depends on the trail profile and the rider.

10-20-2011, 10:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
basso4735 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: MA Posts: 214	In any case, start looking on chainlove because they have been blowing out nice looking Kona's this week.