Thoughts of the '08 Mooseman and Tango events have inspired me to start thinking about my game plan. With that in mind, can anyone recommend a "middle of the road" mountain bike? I have a really old Timberline that is in pretty bad shape. I'm not really interested in fixing it up either. I just want a new one. I don't want to spend more than $300-$400. I have absolutely no idea what kind of bike I can get for that, or what brand names I should be looking for.
I was Googling last night and came across the link below, which I believe is also one that someone posted several months ago (although I am too lazy to go back and weed through all the old posts to find it). Of course, the only thing I am going on is the price tag.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff4700.htm
Does anyone have any helpful hints for me?
5 comments:
Maybe the perfect bike could be a cyclocross bike. It has the drop bars for better aero position. Bigger cranks than many mountain bikes. Fatter tires and tougher wheels for races like the Tango.
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/conquest-sport.html
Reviews of Cyclocross Bikes
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/latest-bikes/cyclocross-bike/PLS_56
This is an okay time to be looking. 2006 bikes are on sale now around here, at places such as The Bicycle Shop. 20% off all of last year's models, which will get you 80 bucks off a 400 dollar bike. This is how I got my Trek last year, and I like it a lot. It is the 4300 model, all aluminum...nothing special, normally retails for around $369 or so, but I got mine for a swinging $225 because the new model year came in and mine was very large (which you may not be able to benefit from), but I dealt with the owner of the store, and he wanted to get this bike out the door. For 225 bucks, it's quite nice. That's like the price of a steel Wal-mart bike. It works terrifically, shifts like the best thing I've ever owned, and it isn't too heavy. Front shocks are nice, but not necessary, and of course they weigh more. But for roads like the Tango, they will take out a bit of the vibration and beating on your arms.
I recommend Giant, Trek, and Gary Fisher (Amy has a low-end Gary Fisher bike, and it's nice too)...those are reliable for that amount of money. There are plenty of others that are also good (and better), so try to hit a few stores and see if they are trying to unload their leftovers. Remember, Money talks.
I have a Trek 820, as my mountain bike. I would say the only thing I don't like about is the gearing setup, which I guess can be changed. Front rings are not big enough. If I was off road all the time it might be nice, but on highway/rail to trails can't get going fast enough. Of course mine is a little older, back when they only used 3 digits to name their bike.
Tamara got a hybrid GIANT. I am impressed with them. They have some nice middle of the road bikes in the range you mentioned. It appears you can get something comparable to a Specialized or a Trek and our local shop will deal a little bit more on the GIANTS. I thought we paid $260 for Tamara's bike.
Not sure how you or anyone else feels about buying used bikes on ebay. I couldn't bring myself to do it.
Here is a cyclocross bike I found on ebay. This would definitely address the crank/speed issue Craig mentioned, as it looks to have at least 50T on that big ring, also a 700mm tire instead of a 26" which most Mtn bikes have. (1.5" bigger).
I find the 2nd set of brakes interesting. I'm sure that is a very handy feature on rough terrain. Nice add on.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Jamis-NOVA-Black-and-Gold-Very-SWEET-just-check-it-out_W0QQitemZ120149520435QQihZ002QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
That one is a used older model. I'd be surprised if the price goes too high. Below is a newer/unused model that bidding has ended on.
(no 2nd set of brakes)
http://cgi.ebay.com/JAMIS-Nova-Cyclocross-51cm-Shimano-105-New-Steel-Frame_W0QQitemZ110156150040QQihZ001QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Of course before you get started at looking at bikes online. You really want to make sure about your standover height and if possible go to a local dealer and hop on the brands/styles you are looking at. Just to make sure you like the fit.
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/cyclocross.shtml
Here is an article on getting one bike for many purposes. This article steers you towards cyclocross.
Post a Comment