Need Input on which bike to buy

[primetime19]

Hey everyone,
I'm new to mountain biking but I used to ride bmx. I'm currently a college student on a budget of around $550 or so. I am trying to get into mountain biking after seeing some of the trail setups they had at a local ski resort. I am considering a hardtail with my budget and upgrading as I go. I'm 6'1" 200 lbs

I have been reading reviews on different bikes but I cannot decide between a few. If you think I should keep saving because these won't last, please let me know too. If you could help me out and give me any input/recommendations, that would be great.

The bikes:

Trek 4300 disc...http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ries/4300disc/
Cannondale F7...http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9FS7.html
Jamis X3...http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...railx3_sl.html
GT Avalache 3.0 disc

Thanks

[traffic002]

So I'm gonna make some assumptions here with the info provided.

You used to bmx, so you probably have some skills inbedded in you that you just need to knock the rust off of and work on your fitness. So you will grow out of any cheesy or low end bike.

I would look into what intermediate bike would fit your needs. Do some search here but also talk to your LBS and find out what kind of trails there are and what a lot of people ride. Ask if they lead group rides and if they have any bikes to demo.

Find out what bike looks like it'll meet your needs and then see if there are any used offerings.

My guess is that you can probably get away with a hardtail and do a good job. $550 is enough for an entry level model. But also enough to get you a little older mid-level bike.

I would take your time and find out what works for you and what would be the best bang for your buck.

I recently got back into mtb-in last year. I was on a '96 Stumpjumper with rim brakes and blown fork. I upgraded to a newer fork and did the best I could with different pads and new cables, etc, etc...

I finally plunked down for a marathon FS (Cannondale Rush) bike that I put many hours on.

Now I'm on a $750 Redline Monocog Flight 29-er. Rigid/single speed.

So you can ride the trails with varying types of bikes. Just gotta find out what does it for you.

[borregokid]

I didnt look at all of your choices but generally at around $550 you should set a base line for 27 speeds and disc brakes. REI and Performance Bike have been having a price war with these lower to mid range bikes. REI has been offering the Ponderosa for $680 with an upgraded drive train. I think its particularly attractive with its longer top tube and wheel base. It would be a pretty decent descender. Performance Bike has had the Mongoose Amasa and Meteore which looked to be pretty decent. Shopping at the REI might be a bit more difficult as they are into their winter season. I was at one recently and all the bikes were hanging from the ceiling and their bike shop was a ski shop. REI stll has the Ponderosa in a 19 inch which would probably work with the long top tube.

http://www.rei.com/product/776817

[primetime19]

Thanks guys for the replys. So its definitely an option to look into used bikes.
Is there things I should look for in used bikes and things I should stay away from? models/companys/forks etc.?

[borregokid]

Used bikes can be a little bit of a gamble for a novice buyer especially off of craigslist. You can end up paying too much or in chasing a bargain end up with the wrong size. You need to stay between 19.5 inches and maybe 21.5 inches depending on your torso length. There is a big jump between a recreational grade bike and a race grade bike in weight and a little bit in performance. The two most popular bikes out there are the Stumpjumper and Rockhopper in hardtails. However they arent all speced out the same way. The Rockhopper in particular can be put together with less expensive parts all they way around. Still I think the Rockhopper would be pretty decent. The one thing I would look at would be disc brakes versus rim brakes. You can save some money with the rim brakes but many would rather just hold out for disc. If you do decide to go with rim brakes check to see if the wheels on the bike can take discs if you decide to upgrade to disc. Watch out for all the hype on the Craigslist ads. The second bike is really suspicious with the seller claiming a weight of 17 pounds with a 9 year old fork and an inexpensive derailleur, plus the bike has been painted over it doesnt have disc brakes and the year isnt known. Guys go around to garage sales and pick these bikes up and then try to sell them for 5x what they paid.

http://morgantown.craigslist.org/bik/1428540034.html

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/1453015100.html

[primetime19]

I have been checking craigslist frequently and like you said, I am unsure what I am to be looking for. I am basically relying on reviews.
I guess the best thing right now is to visit local shop and check out/demo what they have. Whats the advantage of having a 29er?(Is it just the wheel size?) I really am new to this stuff.

Found this one too:
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/1445463021.html

Thoughts?

[borregokid]

I like 29ers. That particular one is too small. The 29ers roll over stuff a little easier. They are pretty versatile with some guys putting on carbon forks and going rigid and using them as road bikes. With a different set of road tires you can go pretty fast on road rides.

[diamond car care]

I have ridden a few of the bikes that you have inquired about. have you considered looking into Gary Fisher bikes since you have looked at Trek. the ideal scenario, brand new but last year model that store needs to part with and you have cash! Good Luck, (ride till ya fried)