I've been looking around for a new bike to get for myself. There aren't many trails around here, but I am really inspired to get a bike and ride it as much as possible. I've been looking mainly at Fujis, GTs, a few TREKs that my local bike shop has available, and lastly Diamond Backs. Here is a GT for $700 on craigslist
Gt Mountain Bike
The Fuji I like is the Nevada 1.7
And another debate I am having amongst myself is 29" wheels or 26". I don't have many climbs so I am guessing 26" is going to be a better choice...
Either way any help is appreciated. I have between $400 and $600 to spend. Thanks again
**EDIT**
Q: What region of the country do I live in?
A: South Eastern US/ South Florida
Q: Where do I plan to ride my new bike?
A: Markham park, northern florida (orlando area)
Q: Are there any YouTube videos of the trails I plan to ride?
A: Some yes... Here is a search result of the park > markham park mountain biking - YouTube
Q: How much time do I plan on devoting to this hobby?
A: A few days a week. (I already have a road bike that I enjoy riding, I would just like to get into mountain biking)
Q: What is my previous cycling experience?
A: Road biking for a year
Q: Have I participated in other hobbies, sports or activities that may give me relevant skills?
A: Skateboarding
Q: What are my mechanical abilities?
A: I am familiar with some things on a bike, but a few of my friends are much better than I.
Q: Do I currently own a bike?
A: Yes a road bike.
Q: Do I currently own a helmet, gloves, padded shorts, proper shoes, Cyclocomputer, Finish line bike wash, Finishline brush kit, shop rags, chain lube, chain stay protector (I like Shelter), Gloves, good socks, solid tire pressure gauge, floor tire pump, on trail tire pump or cartridges, shock pump, good three way hex, mufti tool, spare bottles, cages, backpack to put all your gear in?
A: Not everything there, but most of it.
Q: Why do I want to buy a new bike?
A: Beacause I do not own a mountain bike.
Q:How much research have I already done and do I have an idea of what I want?
A: A week or so of research, but not much of an idea...
Q: Do I have friends who are into the hobby? What's their mechanical and riding experience?
A: My uncle and my Grandfather both ride and have been riding for years. Somewhat of a mechanical experience. Also some BMX friends who are familiar with bike mechanics.
Q: What kind of bikes do my riding buddies ride?
A: Specialized, Giant and some others I can not name...
Q: What kind of bikes do I see on the trails I plan to ride? (Full suspension, hardtail, rigid, single speed, geared)
A: Hardtail bikes
Q: Can I really afford this hobby? Are my credit cards paid off? Do I have savings in the bank and money to burn?
A: I can afford up to around $600 of stuff for now, and will put more into it as the money comes in
Q: How much money do I want to spend on this hobby over the next year?
A: $1000 possibly...
Q: What am I trying to accomplish by participating in this hobby?
A: Get more into shape, have fun with friends and family and a good time in general.
Q: How do I expect my life to be different a year from the day my new bike arrives?
A: More into shape and alot better at MTBing
Gt Mountain Bike
The Fuji I like is the Nevada 1.7
And another debate I am having amongst myself is 29" wheels or 26". I don't have many climbs so I am guessing 26" is going to be a better choice...
Either way any help is appreciated. I have between $400 and $600 to spend. Thanks again
**EDIT**
Q: What region of the country do I live in?
A: South Eastern US/ South Florida
Q: Where do I plan to ride my new bike?
A: Markham park, northern florida (orlando area)
Q: Are there any YouTube videos of the trails I plan to ride?
A: Some yes... Here is a search result of the park > markham park mountain biking - YouTube
Q: How much time do I plan on devoting to this hobby?
A: A few days a week. (I already have a road bike that I enjoy riding, I would just like to get into mountain biking)
Q: What is my previous cycling experience?
A: Road biking for a year
Q: Have I participated in other hobbies, sports or activities that may give me relevant skills?
A: Skateboarding
Q: What are my mechanical abilities?
A: I am familiar with some things on a bike, but a few of my friends are much better than I.
Q: Do I currently own a bike?
A: Yes a road bike.
Q: Do I currently own a helmet, gloves, padded shorts, proper shoes, Cyclocomputer, Finish line bike wash, Finishline brush kit, shop rags, chain lube, chain stay protector (I like Shelter), Gloves, good socks, solid tire pressure gauge, floor tire pump, on trail tire pump or cartridges, shock pump, good three way hex, mufti tool, spare bottles, cages, backpack to put all your gear in?
A: Not everything there, but most of it.
Q: Why do I want to buy a new bike?
A: Beacause I do not own a mountain bike.
Q:How much research have I already done and do I have an idea of what I want?
A: A week or so of research, but not much of an idea...
Q: Do I have friends who are into the hobby? What's their mechanical and riding experience?
A: My uncle and my Grandfather both ride and have been riding for years. Somewhat of a mechanical experience. Also some BMX friends who are familiar with bike mechanics.
Q: What kind of bikes do my riding buddies ride?
A: Specialized, Giant and some others I can not name...
Q: What kind of bikes do I see on the trails I plan to ride? (Full suspension, hardtail, rigid, single speed, geared)
A: Hardtail bikes
Q: Can I really afford this hobby? Are my credit cards paid off? Do I have savings in the bank and money to burn?
A: I can afford up to around $600 of stuff for now, and will put more into it as the money comes in
Q: How much money do I want to spend on this hobby over the next year?
A: $1000 possibly...
Q: What am I trying to accomplish by participating in this hobby?
A: Get more into shape, have fun with friends and family and a good time in general.
Q: How do I expect my life to be different a year from the day my new bike arrives?
A: More into shape and alot better at MTBing