Thank you, everyone, for all the great answers!
But I have been told that Treks are not as good for MTB, do you agree/disagree? Please recommend any other name brands you like for women's mtb. I really want to look for one on the internet (though I now know that you can't buy Treks over the internet) through a website or something, and decide on a specific bike from there. Not go into a bunch of shops trying a bunch of bikes out. Thanks a lot. 1st here's the Specialized site I couldn't get to yesterday: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel...
Next, Trek makes fine bikes for everything. I'm not a Trek groupie like some nor a Trek hater like others. Take everyone's favorite with a grain of salt. It's almost like asking someone what's the best vegetable... What it all comes down to is what bike offers the most for the price for you. With this in mind, there are many brands big and small that are excellent. McG offered Bikesdirect.com and they do have great prices and excellent values for the price. Remember you need to get fitted to the right size. MTBs are more forgiving in sizing compared to road bikes. Make sure you know your size - this can vary a little from bike to bike.
Also, are you able to partially assemble a bike and completely tune it, including minor wheel truing? You will have to do this for an on-line purchase. The advantage for the non-mechanic is the service you get in a bike shop. The bike will be fully assembled and tuned. Many shops will tune and perform minor repairs - sometimes up to an entire season - for free. For a non mechanic this is a very valuable extra. Internet "deals" .... mind you that the bikes come 90% complete -- some assembly (and adjustment) required. If you are not a bicycle mechanic you will have to pay one to finish most internet new bicycle buys.
Hard tail mountain bike for $439.00
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/wind...
Full suspension mountain bike for $449.00
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...
That is close to your target of $430.00 . You can shop BikesDirect from either of those links, if you want cheaper. They do not list a womens specific mountain bike, but both of those come in small frame sizes. They usually have a couple nice Fuji's but they are sold out at the moment. You can't really buy a "great MTB" for 500 bucks, that's for sure. You can get a lot of bikes for that price but it won't be anything great. First of all- MTB's start around 1000 bucks (depends on what MTB style though) but if you mean those recreational kinda-MTB bikes(which are far from MTB but anyway) then, yes, you can buy some for that price you mentioned.
What is a "women's mtb" anyway???
on the other hand, for the starters, there are some money-saving options:
From what I now at the moment, I suggest you GT Avalanche 3.0- it comes roughly around your price and for the price it's pretty good: http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/women_...
Did you mention Trek? What I like about Trek is- it concentrates on making good high-end bikes more than manufacturing low end cheapos so I'm pretty sure you won't find anything cool around that price. And yes, TREK's are one of the leaders in the pro MTB world without a question. It competes with such companies as Cannondale, Specialized, Giant.... but again- it's definitely a high-end bike company and I doubt it manufactures anything as cheap as $430. but maybe you want this: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/200... .now, that's a decent mountainbike. and that's Trek! what did I say? :)
But the bike I really suggest you because it's really about your money (around 420 bucks) and is really awesome for the price is GIANT RINCON. It's truly awesome starters bike, I have an experience with it personally and I can strongly suggest it. no matter what price, Giant's are well made bikes and are really tough machines. Check it out: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bike...
And if you will buy it, I'm gonna give you a personal present for getting the best deal available :D joke, but that'd be the choice of mine if I had only 430 bucks
sure, there are a lot more companies that manufactures also low-end bikes but I can't think of anything better than Giant of GT.... oh, Merida maybe! check out their hardtail bikes on this http://www2.merida-bikes.com/en_INT/Bike... especially models like Dakar (cause they're about your price/ there are loads of top-end world champion bikes on that page too)....
Novara is a pretty cool american company too: http://www.rei.com/novara
check it out, maybe there is something for you. they're cheap but well-built bikes. although I don't live in the states I owned one of their touring bikes and it was really good for the price I paid
peace
update: "Full suspension mountain bike for $449.00" .... you sure ain't having a laugh?? as far as I know, a normal full suspension bike comes around at least $1300! the best you can do with a full suspension bike that costs 450 bucks is breaking your back (literally, that's what happened with one of my mates). geez! :) |
