I am going to buy a mountain bike. Would you recommend a Hardtail or a Full Suspension? 29" tire or 26"?Thanks
366124
What bike you buy depends on what kind of riding you intend to do.\nFull suspension gives you the ability to go over rough, technical terrain faster and also corner better, but they normally weigh more and are more expensive than hardtails.\nWould recommend 26" wheels/tyres because they are the more standard size and will make replacement easier (tubes/tyres etc...).\nPersonally I am a hardtail fan, you have more 'feel', better for jumps, more versatile and less parts to break.
374314
First of all, depending upon the type of riding that you're planning on doing, I would recommend a hybrid type bicycle that's from a bicycle shop.  This means that you have a mountain bike frame, 700 mm wheels (larger wheels), 27-gear range, and a much lighter package that you could get from a retail store.  Next, have them fit you to the right size bike and tell them the type of riding that you will be doing.  Why I recommend a hybrid, I can run 700 mm wheels with less tread for commuting (l live off a rail trail) to and from work, then put 650 mm wheels with more aggressive trail for riding.  In theory I have two bikes in one package.  My bicycle is a Cannondale with a head shock for front suspension and a cane creek seat post to absorb the shock of riding on the seat.  I have rode from New York to California with this bike and it still serves me well after 10, 000 + miles.  Because of my love of biking and my dedication to the sport, I would love to share any insights I have that may help you or answer any questions that you would like to ask.  Please Email me at discgolfforever@myway.com and I will answer you as soon as possible.
758436
huh? I never heard of Trex Gould.\n\nAnyway, you might want to consider Raleigh or Diamondback for your budget. The Diamondback Topanga is a nice hardtail. One step down is the Diamondback Sorrento. these are both ATB's- "all terrain bikes" that will be great on the road or offroad on groomed trails.\n\nTrek (Trex??) are good as well, but seem to have components that are one grade lower than comparably priced Raleigh and Diamondback.
616768
Mongoose is not up there with the best, but then, not everyone is rich and not everyone needs every trick in the book! Its a good bike for getting about.\n\nIf you want something serious, durable and great to ride look at Trek, Specialised, Cannondale and Klein (amongst other good makes).\n\nMy current MTB is a Klein Attitude Race. Its superb and good value considering the very high spec'. Try one, buy it or use it as your yardstick when choosing your next bike.
972271
It is important to note here that wheel size (20" or 24") really has little to do with the size of the bike except in very general terms.\n\nA bike with 20" wheels will accelerate and handle much quicker than a 24" wheeled bike, while a 24" will be more aggressive in adverse conditions (mud, snow, etc) and be better for longer trips.\n\nA 20" wheeled bike has 3 different frame sizes- Junior, Standard, and XL. A 24" wheeled bike has Standard and XL. This refers to the distance between handlebars and seat.\n\nSo, what size? In a 20" wheel, ask for an XL frame. For 24" wheels, get a standard length.\n\nAll this being said, if you go to a department store you will need to compare and find the right length frame which can be a pain but will provide him with the best fit and longest life... but do yourself a favor and visit a local bike shop.
331105
Personally I would go with the 40c tires. But!!...that's me.  I use the fattest tires I can when off road no matter the trip or whatever. More tire to use,raise and lower tire pressure without pinch flats. I think the fatter tires take more of the dirt road abuse factor out of the ride also. With the tire sizes so close it would only make sense to go with the wider of the two. I wouldn't even notice the difference in effort pedaling on the road between the two I don't think, but would for sure feel the skinnier tire sink into the dirt. Good Luck and have fun
809340
Wider tires have more volume and thus can be run with less pressure, giving you a more comfortable ride and more grip over rough terrain. \nA wider rim will make your tire body bigger = more volume, but that is only recommended with tires from 2.2in. If you run narrow tires on a wide rim, chances of your tire coming off the rim while riding are up, which you don't want to happen\n\nSo if you are only cycling to work, I recommend standard width rim with 2.0 - 2.2 in tires. run those at a pressure of 1.8 to 2.4 bar, depending on how much you weigh.
987459
I think that you need to consider the type of riding you will do.  A mountain bike will look cool, but if you are riding on streets, skinny tires can go faster.\n\nThe most important thing is to buy a bike that fits you, and is the highest quality frame that you can afford.  I think that you will probably be happiest with a bike that makes YOU look good.  Even the coolest looking bike will make you feel silly if you are always trying to catch up.\n\n\nBelow is a link to some articles written by a very funny bike expert.
638178
It will depend on what type of bike and what type of riding you plan to do. Is it a road bike or a mountain bike, or maybe a bmx? \n\nAlso, the manufacturers may have slightly different methods of measuring their bikes. What is 19" from one manufacturer may be 18.5" from another. \n\nThe best thing to do would be to go into a dealers shop and ask them. (Don't buy from wal-mart or sears etc.) They have tools that will help determine the best size and fit. Then take some bikes for a test ride, see how they feel.
797559
I think the ideal setup for you would be a mountain bike, but you can go to Wal-Mart or a LBS (local bike shop), and get some slicks (tires). These are not so nobby, so you can go 1-2 mph faster, (so the BF doesn't get bored), and cost about 12 dollars each! \n (slicks grip the road well, and often have tread)\n\nThen, get a wider seat from Wal-Mart (or the LBS) if the one installed is not very comfortable.\n\nAs for the bike, I suggest you go used. You can get something four times as expensive (a better bike) for the same price).\nGood places to fing a good bike are:\n\nhttp://sfbay.craigslist.org/about/cities.html    (I got mine there)  \nIf craigslist has a city near you, click on the link, then find the "bikes" link and click on that!\n\nAnother place is Ebay\n\nAlso, check your newspaper's classifieds!\n\nMake sure the bike fits well. It is best to get fit to a certain frame size at a LBS, but you can also search for bicycle fitting guidelines on the web. ( I only suggest this because you probably are not going to ride too much) However, you do need the right sized bike, or it will be very uncomfortable. (for the back and the knees).\n\nAs for the actual bike, a good brand should be Trek or Specialized. Everything should work fine on a test ride, and have no rust (a very bad sign of maintenance) and the drivetrain (gears, chain, etc.) should look in good shape.\nIf you do get a  bike, I suggest taking it to a bike shop for a tuneup, at least to oil the chain, etc. and to tighten everything up.\n\nGOOD LUCK!
122367
you'll probably want a low-end mountain bike. go to your local bike shop, tell them what you'll be doing and they should be helpful. you should not feel pressured at all, otherwise find a different bike shop. Specialized hardrock (cheapest model is $360, bike shop's lowest price should be the same or less) would be good. the specialized Crossroads (cheapest model is $330, bike shop should be the same) also looks good. Trek is another great brand. schwinn and giant are not as good as they used to be, so i would not reccomend them, there are better bikes at similar prices. by all means, these are not the only good brands, there are many others out there! there are also some bike/ cycling forums on the internet that are very helpful when researching a specific bike, and peoples expirences with that particular bike. good luck!
704967
Are you still growing?  \n\nI'm 5'4" and have long since stopped growing.  I've ridden many road bikes and the one that fits me the best is a size small Giant.\n\nIf the Denali is your the only bike that you're looking at, I'd recommend going with the small.  Even you're still growing, the handlebars and stem can be adjusted with you for the next 4-5 inches of height.\n\nIf you're growing fast, it won't be the end of the world to get the larger frame.  Back when I thought I still had room to grow, I rode about that size (57cm) and it wasn't too bad.  I just never grew into it.  \n\nAlso - if you are still growing be sure to drink milk and get good amounts of protein.
727891
There are 3 common types of bicycles right now... road, atb, and mountain. I am going to assume you don't mean a road bike.\n\nA mountain bike is built for off road use in rough terrain, and usually has suspension for better handling. Suspension is NOT for comfort, but is to keep the wheels on the ground for control. These bikes are very unfriendly on the road. Expect to pay $600 or more for a mountain bike.\n\nAn ATB, or All Terrain Bike, looks a lot like a mountain bike but is built lighter and any suspension it might have has very little travel. It is good for on the road and light trails but will soon fail if taken on severe terrain. The cost anywhere from $250 to about $800 or so.\n\nThe other kind of bike that looks like mountain bikes or ATBs are found at discount stores like Wal Mart or Target. They tend to have all kinds of fancy features, but they don't tell you that they are only for looks... taking these bikes off the road or at worst on a groomed trail will mean trouble very quickly. Never get a bike from a discount store and expect it to perform well. you can't buy a mountain bike or an ATB for $169.99.
517534
I dont know a whole lot about dirt bikes, but there was an article on consumerreports.com that said the following. Hope it helps!\n\nBikes\nWhether you plan to hit the road or the trail, you'll get more bike for your buck than ever before.\n\nIf you're planning to buy a bike, chances are your new ride will have an aluminum frame, even if the bike costs less than $500. It might even have disc brakes or 27 gears. These features, once found only on more expensive bikes, bring the benefits of lighter weight, better braking in sloppy conditions, and more efficient pedaling to cyclists with a modest budget.\n\nHigher-priced bikes are getting better, too. The best of the $1,000-and-up models in our most recent tests had the shock absorption and handling previously found only on bikes costing two or three times as much.\n\nWhichever bike you choose, there's good reason to buy it from one of the nation's 5,300 bike shops, rather than from a department store or toy store. And you don't have to spend a fortune. We found fine choices for pavement rides that cost less than $300 and very good bikes for off-road cycling for $440. The bikes for serious trail riding cost $1,000 or more.\n\n\nWHAT'S AVAILABLE\n\nBrands include Bianchi, Cannondale, Diamondback, Fuji, Gary Fisher, Giant, GT, Iron Horse, Jamis, Klein, Landrider, LeMond, Mongoose, Raleigh, Schwinn, Specialized, and Trek.\n\nFull-suspension mountain bikes. These bikes are best for rough terrain with steep slopes. You'll get a shock-absorbing suspension fork and rear-suspension frame, which provide the best control and comfort on the roughest terrain. Most have 27 speeds and 26-inch wheels. All have wide, knobby tires; narrow or moderate-width saddle; and flat or riser handlebars.\n\nPrince range: $1,000 to more than $4,000.\n\nFront-suspension mountain bikes. These bikes are best for less-rugged off-road trails. You'll get a shock-absorbing suspension fork and rigid frame, fine for tamer trails. These bikes need less maintenance and are more efficient on smooth terrain than full suspension mountain bikes. Most have 24 or 27 speeds; 26-inch wheels; wide, knobby tires; narrow or moderately wide saddle; and flat or riser handlebars.\n\nPrice range: $400 to more than $2,000.\n\nHybrid bikes. These bikes are best for moderate-speed riding on pavement and smooth dirt paths. A cross between comfort and road bikes, most hybrids have a shock-absorbing suspension fork and seatpost; 24 speeds; 700C wheels (a designation from the French system, indicating size and width; it's about 27-inch); midwidth, fairly smooth tires; moderately wide saddle; and riser handlebars.\n\nPrice range: $400 to more than $500.\n\nComfort bikes. These bikes are best for casual cycling on pavement and smooth dirt paths. Most comfort bikes have a shock-absorbing suspension fork and seatpost; 21 speeds; 26-inch wheels; wide, relatively smooth tires; wide saddle; and riser handlebars. Generally have most upright riding position, which casual riders often find most comfortable.\n\nPrice range: $250 to more than $400.\n\nRoad bikes. These bikes are best for fast and/or long distance rides on pavement. Most have a lightweight frame with no suspension; 18 to 30 speeds; 700C wheels (about 27-inch); narrow, smooth tires; narrow saddle; and drop handlebars. The bent-over riding position reduces wind resistance at higher speeds, while the narrower seat facilitates pedaling.\n\nPrice range: $500 to more than $3,000.\n\n\nIMPORTANT FEATURES\n\nBrakes. Long-arm cantilever brakes (V-brakes or linear-pull brakes) are fine for most uses. For rough, sloppy terrain, go with disc brakes, which will spare your wheel rims from the abrasion of muddy braking. Some bikes are sold with your choice of brakes. Discs add $100 or more. You can retrofit some bikes with discs; ask at the bike shop.\n\nHandlebars. High-rise handlebars let you sit fairly upright. With low-rise and flat handlebars, you lean forward.
440694
It depends on conditions. On soft, muddy trails you might need to go as low as 20 psig.  On hard-packed dirt,  you might go 50 or 55.  It also depends on the tire width.  If it's only 1.5" wide, you have to go higher than if the tire is 2.3".  Also remember, low pressure equals more grip in the soft stuff, but more flats on the rocky ground.   In a nutshell, tire pressure should be adjusted based on conditions.
1102233
Looks like a pretty standard all-purpose mountain bike.  12 miles is about half what most people do in a car, so you want to be happy, comfy, and efficient.\n\nI'd go with a hybrid instead.  700c wheels make a huge difference, especially with semi-slicks.  You'll expend much less effort, and "your colleagues will appreciate you more" if you sweat less!\n\nThe 7000 series is comparably priced and has true hybrid geometry.  And for all intents and purposes, they are just as strong as mountain bikes in this range.
166273
To some degree I'd agree with the previous answer, but I think with the sloping top tube frames common today, your real criteria should be the top tube length.  Yes, it's true you want some clearance over the top tube, but I think you should look more for the appropriate reach.  Keep in mind you can change stems, but that affects the handling to some degree.\n\nI totally agree with the previous answer that you should go into your local bike shop.  You could be long legged, or have a long torso, and have long arms.  Good bike shops do customized fittings, measuring almost every part of your body.  It also depends a lot on what kind of riding you want to do.  Leisurely, comfortable, or racing?  Racers tend to want to be more stretched out, more aerodynamic, and it's actually easier on your butt because you have more weight on the handlebars.  But it could be harder on your back, neck.   Giant and some other companies now have two different road bike geometries to meet these different needs - OCR (more upright), and TCR (more stretched out), for example. \n\nIt also depends A LOT on the company and how they measure.  For example, I'm almost 5'11" and I ride a 58 cannondale, but a 56 in other brands.  They all measure them differently!  Confusing I know, but a good shop can help you.  You can ask if they have a "fit kit" or the serotta fit system.\n\nGood luck!