Good Starter bike

[drmrboyalex]

Ok....now that I know more of what freeriding is(thanks buck)....I was wondering what a good starter bike would be. I do not have a lot of money so what is a good bike for not a lot....i'll probably be getting it tomoro. But i want the bike to be somewhat of an all around bike because I also like mountain biking and my family goes camping a couple times a year so i like just doin plain off-road.

So with all that in mind I'm sure you will all say that a bike like that doesnt exist...but if there is anything close....let me know. Thanks

[Kosk]

Get a urban hardtail. It'll work decently enough for every situation and should hold up well enough to the trashing. Specialized P1, P2, or P3 is a good example. Other manf. have their versions too.

[manual63]

It will help for us to have some more info to go on. When you say you don't have much money, how much are we talking about? Do you want a freerider hardtail or a full suspension. Full suspension is going to be a lot more. I have both, a Specialized P.2 (Hardtail) and a Specialized BigHit (Full suspension). If you are going to do a lot of urban and drops less than say....6 feet high, and maybe some dirt jumping, I suggest a hardtail. If you plan to do downhill and go big with the drops, you might want full suspension.

Erik's still has the BigHit I got on sale. It's a 2004 Expert Comp for around $1700.00 That's a killer deal, even though it may seem high. A good freeride hardtail, like my P.2, can be found around $750.00 or so. Kona makes a couple of good freeride hardtails at some good prices too. Also people seem to be getting those Gary Fisher Mullet bikes, the cheaper ones have some fairly low end stuff I don't trust, but the frame is good and you can always upgrade as you need to.

Good luck searching.

[drmrboyalex]

As far money goes.....less is more. I mean....i will probably have to go for a used bike or sumthin. Hardtail or full suspenion either one would be fine. I like FS but i also know they cost more.

[gordanfreeman]

if money is an issue (i know it always is with me) i would definatly suggest a hardtail as a starter bike (as a relative beginner FR myself i wouldnt feel comfortable taking the big drops you need FS for yet anyways) since it should cost less. You might try looking to used bikes as you can probably find a good deal on a used FR bike. I got my p.2 in good condition for $500 and i have seen similarly priced used FR bikes posted in the for sale forum and elsewhere which appeared to be in good working order as well.

[PJL]

I currently have a GT Ruckus for sale; sounds like they type of bike you are interested in. You can check it out here (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14618).

If you are planning on using the bike for regular trail riding, I would definately lean towards getting a hardtail, they are much more efficient and lighter than most full-suspension bikes you'll find, and by switching from a DH/FR tire to a XC tire you can drop even a bit more weight.

[bikingbruise]

I just started this year. I was faced with the same problem; what bike to get, what features, etc.

At first I stared looking at $400-$500 bikes that LOOK like they would do fine. After going to a few bike shops and talking to a few people, I came to the sad realization; you get what you pay for.

I would think about what you want to become as far as biking goes. Do you want to putter around or is there the possibility that you may get more serious? For myself, I ended up doing an off road triathlon and am considering mountain biking races. I got a bike that I was told that I would not outgrow, skill wise. I got a 05' Specialized FSR XC for $1600 at Bike King. At the time it seemed like an awful lot but I thought that "i'm sick of my wife spending all our money. I'm going to spend some on me." To be honest, I sometimes think I should have gone with a little bit better bike to make me more competitive.

[manual63]

To be honest, I sometimes think I should have gone with a little bit better bike to make me more competitive.

One thing to keep in mind about pricing vs quality. As the price goes up, the jumps in components and quality get smaller. If you go from a $500.00 bike to an $800.00 bike, there is a pretty significant improvement in parts, quality, and weight. If you go from $800.00 to $1,200.00, you get a smaller increase in components, most likely not much in the frame and weight. Once you go above $1,200.00 or so, the changes are very subtle. It isn't until you get to a full custom $5,000 bike that you can honestly say.....hey, this is a ton better than a $1,200.00 Stumpjumper.

Freeride bikes, especially FS ones, have a much higher price range curve, but that same effect. My BigHit Comp has some pretty nice parts on it. A BigHit Expert, which costs a lot more, is really only a slight improvement in parts.....mostly a dual crown fork instead of a single crown. I preffer the single crown anyway since I do X-Ups.

Just keep this stuff in mind when shopping. It's most important to get the frame and size you want, then go from there.

[SpecHR55]

Ya, I went cheap and bought a $600 hardrock and i totally regret it. I ride it like a Big hit should be ridden........hard.:D In fact i just replaced the beaten der. tonight. If I were you i would save up and get a bike that you want, dont be a fool like me and get a bike that you think is allright but after a while goes out on ya. (If ya ride it hard)

I would recommend a Specialized P.2/P.3, Giant STP, or a Santa Cruz Jackal. There DJing bikes but they can also take drops and stuff too because off there beefy forks and strong frames.:D

Happy shopping and remember to be patient, unlike me, which was my mistake.;)

peace

[drmrboyalex]

hey all-thnx for the advice...i ended up gettin a used FS rockhopper...yr 2000

im happy w/it. thanks again

[steef]

I rode an '88 Rockhopper from '88 to june 0f '90. The frame cracked and I actally got it replaced under warranty. :D bye-bye u-brakes:banana: Then I rode that one till '94 or so, eventually replacing all the parts on it Deore6 >> XT7. Those parts then went on a Klein, which I'm slowly trying to rehabilitate. It may turn into a SS, but I'm not sure yet. Rockhoppers have always been good solid bikes to start with. If any parts break, upgrade and use them on your next frame.

[SpecHR55]

Glad to hear ya got a Specialized and a step up from mine.:)

Have fun with it.:banana:

[drmrboyalex]

It may turn into a SS, but I'm not sure yet.

this one is SS:D i like not havein to worry bout slippin gears

[ppgc]

hey all-thnx for the advice...i ended up gettin a used FS rockhopper...yr 2000

im happy w/it. thanks again

I have a 97 Rockhopper and I love it. Most of the stuff has been upgraded and this winter I will be getting a new shock. Have fun rolling!

-pete

[drmrboyalex]

glad to see i got a basic approval on my choice:banana:

[manual63]

this one is SS:D i like not havein to worry bout slippin gears

Welcome to the whackiest group of all.............SS rules and I honestly don't think I will over go back to gears on an XC bike.

[drmrboyalex]

Welcome to the whackiest group of all.............SS rules and I honestly don't think I will over go back to gears on an XC bike.

Oooooooooooooooh. i feel special now:cool:. and ive been told im whacky....hmmmm....its all comin together now.:crazy: