1. The most important thing about buying a new
bike is to make sure it fits. The only way you'll know if the bike is right
for you is to size up the bike and make sure that the bike's geometry matches
your body's geometry. Ask questions and do some research.
2. If possible, try to find a shop that will
let you demo the bike on real dirt. Five minutes in a parking lot won't cut
it. You wouldn't buy a car without a real world test drive, and a bike should
be no different.
3. Don't belive the hype. Just because
your favorite rider or best friend rides a certain bike, that doesn't mean
that's the best one for you. Have an open mind and be realistic about your
needs and ability.
Hey guys, new here, havent rode a bike in years but wanting to get in shape so i picked up a Giant bike from craigslist because i know to stay away from walmart bikes. The guy put on a RockShox fork but said it needs a seal replaced in it and it causes the lockout to not work???, i have no idea what this means or how to go about getting it fixed. I can still ride it, it just has alot of give on bumps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for no pics of it but i cant post pics until i get 10 posts.
Been trolling awhile, wish i saw this thread before buying my bike! I'd have tried harder to find a nice bike.
I'm not disappointed in my selection though;
19" full suspension Schwinn T6061 Graft
Rock shox dart 1
SRAM X4 rapid fire triggers and derailer
Suntour aluminum crank
Front disc brake
Bought new $400, was on sale. I was looking at a similarly equipped Jamis, GT or Specialized. Went to a couple local bike shops and kind of disappointed in their "us vs department store bikes" attitude. I look at the sum of the parts and the construction and make my decision based on that.
Disclaimer: This bike was $450...but we all know that you'll drop the extra $50 on something that hits your sweet spot.
2009 Jamis Dakar XC
Rockshox Tora
X-fusion glyde rear (so far so good under my light weight)
Shimano Deore Components
good stuff at a good price...plus i got to try out fs w/o breaking the bank.
Disclaimer: This bike was $450...but we all know that you'll drop the extra $50 on something that hits your sweet spot.
2009 Jamis Dakar XC
Rockshox Tora
X-fusion glyde rear (so far so good under my light weight)
Shimano Deore Components
good stuff at a good price...plus i got to try out fs w/o breaking the bank.
These are the best bikes so far! I can't believe $400 could get you so far, if you knew where to find
This Jamis actually sounds pretty sweet for an sub $500 FS bike.
Good fork and the X-Fusion Glyde might be heavy and lack adjustments, but reliable and bomb proof (came stock on my FR bike and still going strong with big hits).
Deore components are alright and should last a decent time before they wear out unless you start banging the bike and break them.
Good call
Originally Posted by NicoleB28
topless. that's what all mtb girls do. we go ride, get topless, have pillow fights in the woods, scissor, then ride home!
My 199? Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. Craigslist $150. A pretty good deal. This is one tough mutha of a frame! All original components. Swapped out headset, bars (replaced with an old Crowbar riser), fork (replaced original crappy suspension with rigid), saddle and pedals. Threw on a pair of Panaracer FireXC Pro's and I'm off! Been upgrading as things wear or break, but this thing is gonna live a LONG time, despite my abuse.
My ride of choice on flatlands. It hauls, its tight and "I like to ride rigid!"
If I've learned nothing else buying bikes, it's that prices are fluid. My last acquisition was $260. It was used, from a private party, so I don't know if that counts as available to the public. But it's not like I was special, I just saw the ad on Craig's List earlier and got in touch with the seller.
A lot of bikes that cost over a thousand in the nineties are sub-$400 bikes now.
"Don't buy upgrades; ride up grades." -Eddy Merckx
traded a old BMX bike $150 value for this 2000 Trek 8000R.Put on a new chain and it rides really nice.The V brakes on this rival my BB7 disc and they never rub on any turns.
Free?! This guy wins this thread. I'm still shopping, so this thread is awesome. It gives me ideas. Maybe I'll have one to post up soon. I'm looking at a 1997 Pro Flex 857 for sale by a friend of a friend (asking $450), and a 1997/98 (not sure which) Cannondale killer v 900 with upgraded shocks (Judy) and other parts (asking price is $500). I am also very interested in the Marin B17 if I can find one around that price range, or something like that if anyone can point me in the right direction for where to look or give advice (please give advice pertaining to YOUR personal experience with these bikes, not just personal opinion).
Free?! This guy wins this thread. I'm still shopping, so this thread is awesome. It gives me ideas. Maybe I'll have one to post up soon. I'm looking at a 1997 Pro Flex 857 for sale by a friend of a friend (asking $450), and a 1997/98 (not sure which) Cannondale killer v 900 with upgraded shocks (Judy) and other parts (asking price is $500). I am also very interested in the Marin B17 if I can find one around that price range, or something like that if anyone can point me in the right direction for where to look or give advice (please give advice pertaining to YOUR personal experience with these bikes, not just personal opinion).
those prices are ridiculous imho. This 2008 fox fork equipped is $700