help with bike for beginner!

[the_prozac_kid]

hi, to everyone out there in OZ.

i've got a friend who's looking to get into mtbing and is looking for a bike. her price range is $400-600 AUD.

i was thinking the an aluminium frame and front shocks is reasonable in this price range.

brands being tossed up are NORCO, AVANTI and GIANT.

any adivce on specs, brands or anything relevant to this price range would be great

thanks!!:help:

[Freak]

Originally posted by the_prozac_kid
hi, to everyone out there in OZ.

i've got a friend who's looking to get into mtbing and is looking for a bike. her price range is $400-600 AUD.

i was thinking the an aluminium frame and front shocks is reasonable in this price range.

brands being tossed up are NORCO, AVANTI and GIANT.

any adivce on specs, brands or anything relevant to this price range would be great

thanks!!:help:

What kind of riding will she be doing??

[the_prozac_kid]

just beginners stuff, easy fire roads, singletrack and to commute to school (approx. 10km)

[mr_dove]

I would love to help, but I don't know how much $400-600 AUD is? What is an AUD and how many dollars is it?

[mantispf2000]

If I remember correctly, 400-600 Aussie $$$ is about $250-350 US $$$. For that, you'd be lucky to find a quality aluminum frame, let alone decent front shocks. Of the 3 you listed, I'd suggest the Giant, though I'm partial to the entry-level Kona bikes. You may be able to find a blow-out from last year, but don't hold your breath. Be patient, and you'll find a bike that fits the bill.

[KrusteeButt]

Used used used used used! At that price you're lookin' at a disposable bike anyway. You can usually find something used for that kind of riding that's not too bad. Aluminum might be pushin' it, but make her get chro-moly and build up some leg strength! :p
Then after a couple years of riding she'll have a better idea of what she wants/needs and can think about upgrading at that time.
That's my $0.02 (or about $0.03 AUD :rolleyes: )

[Flipper]

You would proabably get a lot more for you money with a used bike. Mountian bikes lose there value extremely quickly, so it might we worth a shot.

[The Toninator]

Originally posted by mr_dove
I would love to help, but I don't know how much $400-600 AUD is? What is an AUD and how many dollars is it?

$212.56 - $318.84 US dollars respectively.

[LoboDelFuego]

All I know is that my friend got a Giant Rainier SE for about $550 US and he is very happy with it. Marzocchi shock and avid mech disc brakes are a steal at this price point. Very upgradeable as well.

[Super8freerider]

Go for used! Check the mavor bike brands, Trek, Specialized, maybe Giant, because they can afford to make better cheap bikes.