|
|
| *Vultures Knob>>>Bicycle Shop |
How much money should I invest in mountain biking? |
I want to start mountain biking and don't know too much about it. Should I buy and expensive bike from a bike shop or go to a retail store and buy what looks okay to ride? I think you can look forward for a 300 to 400 hardtail (bike with only front suspension), and maybe 100 bucks in gear (helmet, gloves and maybe a camelback or backpack hidration gear). Go to a bike shop, they know more their stuff than a retail shop. It will really make a difference. Most retail stores salesman (not all of them, but most of them, I think) will try to sell you what they have on the floor, rather than showing you a well fitting bike. Trek, Specialized, Giant, GT makes very good entry bikes. Don't worry too much about componentry for now. Shimano has different 'quality' stuff, the food chain is as follows, from lowest to most expensive: Altus, Acera, Alivio, Deore, LX, XT and XTR. It also has some stuff with numbers. Anything from Alivio and up is very workable, Altus and Acera, will do but probably you will need to upgrade in the future. Unless you do freeriding (jumps and realy crazy stuff), V brakes are probably your best bet. Some cheap bikes have disc brakes, but probably not worth it and only will make your bike heavier. Also, ask in the shops if they have begginer clinics and group rides. Some shops do offer them, and they're a great way to start and learn the basic stuff. It's better to start riding with the right bases, than trying to learn everything by yourself, and then try to correct bad habits. Good luck! Money spent on a mountain bike is not an "investment", LOL! Spend what you can afford to get the best bike you think you need! Unless you plan to ride professionally, it's only a hobby, so you should spend no more than you would on any other hobby! if you want a bike that is sturdy, reliable, and will last you a while, then plan on spending a minimum of $ 400.00 don't go to Walmart, Kmart, Sears, etc. go to a real bike shop in your area check out KHS, Specialized, Trek, and Giant they all have many different models to choose from in a lot of price ranges http://www.specialized.com If you want to mountain bike and get a bike from large retailer for under 200 you'll soon realize that it's not what you want. More expensive bikes, the ones sold in bike shops, have lighter frames and quality and also lighter components which will work much better and be more reliable that cheap imitation bike parts on Murrays and Huffys. Mountain biking can be rough on a bike, that's why I suggest spending at least 600. You'll enjoy it much more and won't have to worry about nonsense problems common with cheap bikes, which fall apart or go out of tune after few good rides. Go with aluminum frame and at least Shimano LX level components. Experience with many bikes - my first bike was $150, the last one $2000. You can't buy a real mountain bike from a retail store. |
| Tags |
| Cycling Bike Race Bike Insurance Bike Repair Bicycle Shop Bike Tours Trail Map Bike Pedals Bike Lock |
Bike Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |