the dreaded "I'm thinking about buying a bike, what should I get?"

[MtnBikerChk]

Someone at work asked me this today. He said he'd like to mainly ride on the road but be able to take it off road. My experience is that "comfort" bikes should never be ridden off road LOL.

I suggested the Giant Rincon or Boulder and maybe the Specialized Hardrock.

other thoughts? Shops in his area carry:
Haro
Raleigh
Giant
K2
Specialized
Kona
Gary Fisher
Mongoose (actually, he came to me first with this - I poo poo'd it)

[MMcG]

What is his budget and how tall is he?

[MtnBikerChk]

What is his budget and how tall is he?

well the bike he showed me was around $300 so I'm guessing around there.

he's short, like me.

NO 29ER!

[MMcG]

How much is a specialized Hardrock?

That'd probably be the ticket for her, but if he really won't be going off road much at all then he should get a bike that is more road and bike path friendly IMO because the bigger wheels will be so much smoother and faster on the pavement.

[MtnBikerChk]

How much is a specialized Hardrock?

That'd probably be the ticket for him, but if he really won't be going off road much at all then he should get a bike that is more road and bike path friendly IMO because the bigger wheels will be so much smoother and faster on the pavement.

he told me "no skinny tires" LOL

[MMcG]

LOL!

Tell him I've got a mint 1995 Schwinn Hardtail - 15" - I'd sell it to him for $200.00. Mint LX cantilever brakes, Rock Shox Mag 21 fork - Sugino cranks, deore front derailleur, LX rear deraileur, LX hubs, Mavic rims, 8 speed, gripshift etc. etc. Oh and it is a really cool blue color too. ;) :biggrin:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n60/MMcG25/Schwinn.jpg

[ultraNoob]

Mongoose (actually, he came to me first with this - I poo poo'd it)

Hey, Goose is makin a comeback. The Teocali and Canaan are pretty spiffy but pricey. The Otero Comp is a great entry level FS with decent components ($450-$500). Won't take anything over a 3ft drop, but it'll do.... and it's got Disc Brakes.

:lighten: Buy right or Buy twice. :lighten:

[ultraNoob]

Addendum to previous post.... Do not buy mongoose from wally world (Walmart). They're death traps!

[MtnBikerChk]

Hey, Goose is makin a comeback. The Teocali and Canaan are pretty spiffy but pricey. The Otero Comp is a great entry level FS with decent components ($450-$500). Won't take anything over a 3ft drop, but it'll do.... and it's got Disc Brakes.

:lighten: Buy right or Buy twice. :lighten:

I care about the frame - not the components - and he doesn't need disc brakes.

Mongoose would have to impress the HELL outta me to make me recommend one.

[ultraNoob]

... - and he doesn't need brakes.



hahahaha!!!! :rofl: who does?!

[MtnBikerChk]

hahahaha!!!! :rofl: who does?!

dammit - you got to it before I could edit it.

that's what happens when you think faster than you type LOL

[ultraNoob]

:thumb:

[V-Dub GTI]

I had a hardrock, they are great for road and off road stuf.

[stinkyboy]

I'd go Hardrock as well from his LBS. That way he can start a relationship with them and get a free tuneup, answered questions, etc.

[ageiser]

I ordered a Trek 3700 for my first bike, couldn't be happier with it... good $300 bike.

[In8Racing]

How about a Specialized Globe? Around $300 and he can put nobbies on it if he wants to get dirty. Its more comfort bike oriented, but would probably suit him better overall.

[LordOpie]

What kind of off-road riding does he want to do and how much?

How about a roadie with cx tires? An old 520 touring bike would be perfect for it. Just tell your friend to use his knees as shocks when the off-road gets a little bumping.

[mtnbiker7]

the scott voltage 2 or 3 is a very comftorable bike. I have one and it is great on road or offroad , its an 8 speed and is very easy to pedal with

[Misled User]

My friend has a really nice Specialized hardrock 07 it is very smooth and very good for bike paths and trails in the dirt. Overall a good choice although it is more expensive but it has a lotta upgrades u can do urself.