What's a good mountain bike for under $400?
375690
I would suggest Giant, Trek, Specialized, but I would go for Giants, I've owned a Giant for 4 years and still gong hard but make your research and get what you like the most, also make sure you know what you're planning on using it for, you don't want a 400 dll bike for serious mtb, then youll find your self upgrading down the road, a 400 dll bike is good for commuting and lite off-roading...
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.
66016
I have a couple suggestions-\n\nPerformance Bike \nSuperGo\nREI\nPricePoint\nColorado Cyclist\nExcel Sports Boulder\nNashbar\n\nNashbar has the best deals, in my opinion, but all are worth checking out.\nSee below for links
997082
18 speeds are out-dated. Even your junk bikes from Walmart are now at least 21 speed. You did'nt say what your "expensive" is. Figure on spending at least $250 on a new entry level bike. You can try craigslist and/ or ebay for used bikes. But know what you're buying. Make sure it's a name brand like Trek or GT. Your department store bikes are all junk as far as quality goes. Unless you're 8 years old and will trash the bike in two months anyway. BTW, a good way to tell if the bike is half way decent is to see if it has quick release levers on BOTH front and rear wheels.
844514
try www.bbrmotorsports.com expensive but good quality \n\nalso www.rockmountianatvmc.com cheaper but still good quality
719784
For this terrain, one would suggest a "Double Boinger" or in other words, a full suspension mountain bike. \n\nThese can be quite expensive, so one may substitute a "regular" mountain bike, also called a hardtail.  These have front shocks and no rear suspension, and they cost a lot less.  \nMake up the difference by using a springer saddle or a suspension seatpost. Either seatpost or springer saddle will cost about $20 each bike, so this method is far less expensive than a "Double Boinger" style.  \n\nAt the $20 price range, the springer saddle is more reliable technology, and they were once considered a "required" part of the enjoyment of cycling.  Bike shops have quite a variety and so does www.bikepartsusa.com and amazon.com.  Avoid the "Web Spring" or "Mattress" variety and just go with the easy and simple two steel spring or two rubber spring sort to get some very enjoyable results.      \n\nWhile it is best to purchase your bikes from a real bike store, Schwinn and Diamondback will always give you usable quality bikes with name brand components at every price point.  So, if you get a very cheap bike, do make sure it is one of those two brands.  These can be found at Target in a limited selection of size ranges, but if you're taller than 5'10" then its off to the bike store with you. ;)  \nLower priced options exist, but will cost you a great deal in repairs and lost enjoyment. \n\nIMPORTANT:  The point of sizing is to get a bike that makes you WANT to go cycling.  Don't settle for less than that.  \n\nIMPORTANT:  In any case, make certain that the rear derailer has the name "Shimano" or the name "SRAM" printed directly on it. \n\nFor your son.  Get him as large a bike as he can stand over with at least an inch "clearance" to the top tube.  It is not important if he can reach the ground from the seat, as that's not correct seat adjustment anyway--legs need to straighten fully when pedaling.  Just make sure that he can stand over it and that it doesn't look like a toy.  \n\nFor you, the same sizing applies, but for a different reason.  Make sure that the bike is large enough to give you a comfortable reach for the handlebars.\n\nWhile it is possible to re-size (UP) the $139 Schwinn mountain bike, the cost of the stem riser adapter and stronger seat post, plus installation, may inflate the price of the bike up to a bike-store-bike price, and you might as well just get the right size to start with.  That's why I said that if you're over 5'10" then you really do need to go to the bike store.  A Diamondback, Raliegh, or Schwinn dealer can still get you a good price.
330204
Go to walmart, or dunhams. They have bikes from $60.00 to $350.00. It depends what you are looking for. I think mine was around $150.00. I take it out everyday, and i go off the beaten path alot. It holds up pretty good. I know in a few years i might want to up grade, but for the price, it works for now. especially if you are tight on cash.If you go to walmart, just be careful your tire isn't bent, and check everything before you go out. My brakes were really tight, and i had to do a few adjustments all around. That is the only bitch, but i figure i would have had to do that with any bike. Plus i know my equipment now. good luck!
731910
The difference in bikes sold at K-Mart, Walmart, Toys R Us, etc and brand name bikes sold at bike shops are price, reliability, quality and durability.  You get what you pay for...that being said...the frame and components will be better quality if you go for a name brand bike. You will get a better bike if you pay more. You need to weight out your options...are you willing to pay 2 to 3 time more for a bike that will last a lot longer and will require little to no maintenance. Or do you want to pay a small amount for a bike that will not last as long, will require more maintenance or even a new replacement bike in the next few years (depending on how much you ride it.) They may look the same; however, they really aren't at all.\n\nA good story that will relate to your question: My fiance and his buddies all pulled together about $100 bucks to get a mountain bike from a Kmart type store. He broke the bike with in the hour of riding it like he rides his name brand bikes. Granted you will not be hauling down mountain trials but it just shows the poor quality of the cheap bikes.\n\nGo to your local bike shop and do some comparison shopping before purchasing the $99 bike. \n\nGood luck!
893556
try the new kawasaki 5 speed. lots of gears, great bike, made in four stroke, green, looks like a perfect match, (try fmf pipes i have heard alot about those) if you can ride it year round try a ktm they are really reliable, they won the ERZBERG RODEO google it if you don't know what it is. they can stand alot of abuse
697015
haro V4 but u might want to consider the following\n\nu should consider getting companys like haro,kona,norco,specialized,tr... and gt. start with kona, specialized and giant they make good bikes and they are cheap for bikes within the same range. for kona look for stuff, lavadom or scrap\nnorco:shore series\nharo:v series\nspecialized:any thing they are all good and cheap\nironhorse:make almost unbreakable bikes but they are heavy\nbanshee:morphine series\n\n\nbefore buying the bike make sure that the dimonds of the frame should be small and points upwards the tyres should be wide and with lots of rubber studs. the fork should have atleast 100mm of travel better if beond 130mm. the suspention brand that you should look for is marzochii or rock shock they are the most common ones. if you dont like the suspention then you might consider spending an other 500$ on bomber shocks they are good qualityed stuff. i recomand a hard tail because they are easier to ride up hill and gives lots of air. and is cheaper and lighter. you should look for disk breaks but if the bike dont come with them v breaks are good too exept over time they dig into your rim and shorten the rim's life.
663029
A hybrid or a mountain bike.\n\nChoose a hybrid if you want comfort and efficiency first, and the toughness and durability to manage tracks second. The hybrid will not be able to go everywhere that a mountain bike does.\n\nChoose a mountain bike if you're willing to trade on road efficiency for the ability to go anywhere. A mountain bike is not so good for commuting and city-based recreational riding (that said, modern MTBs can be pretty good all rounders and you can always buy a second set of wheels - one lot with city tyres and a set of knobblies for the weekend).\n\nHybrids are sometimes merely mountain bikes with slimmer, tyres. Avoid these, because the frame geometry is wrong for street use. Go to a good dealer and try out genuine hybrids from manufacturers like Cannondale, Specialised and Trek. \n\nWhether you go for a hybrid or an MTB, buy the best you can afford from a well known bikemaker and a good, high end shop. Go for the best componentry you can afford (gears and brakes) because cheap components go wrong or work badly and this will put you off cycling.\n\nI recommend you go for good front suspension, but avoid rear suspension - for your requirement it is pointless, adds weight, goes wrong, reduces ride quality and adds price.\n\nCycling is great sport, great recreation and great transport. Enjoy it!
241849
It depends on what you want to spend.  Cyclists are known for upgrading equipment often.  You might want to find a used mountain bike.  I would recommend one without rear suspension.  A decent two-year old used bike goes for about half the price of a new one.\n\nTo convert the mountain bike to a commuter bike, you need to add three things:  urban tires (slicks), fenders, and a rack.  You might also need a light, front and rear.  You can get the new tires for about $30, fenders for $40, and a rack for $20.\n\nIf money is not an object and you want a true commuter bike, you might want to look at the commuter bikes by Breezer. http://www.breezerbikes.com/bikes.cfm  These bikes have racks, fenders, lights, and an internal 7- or 8-speed hub (like the old English 3-speeds).\n\nGood luck and happy trails.
1111577
Racer bikes or road bikes---choose TREK, LITESPEED,Colnago or Giant.In mountain bikes----get ROCKY MOUNTAIN, Titus, Santa Cruz or Ellsworth. Select if you intend for cross-country, freeriding, trail-riding, or downhill slamming---the bikes have their specific features that cater to the rider's prowess.
780419
at that price ramge u can get a lot of good bikes. but the main thing that u have to look for is the brand and the parts. 4 1grand u should consider getting companys like haro,kona,norco,specialized,trek,cannondale,fox,yamaha(rare),giant and gt. start with kona, specialized and giant they make good bikes and they are cheap for bikes within the same range. for kona look for stuff, lavadom or scrap\nnorco:shore series\nharo:v series\nspecialized:any thing they are all good and cheap\nironhorse:make almost unbreakable bikes but they are heavy\nbanshee:morphine series\n\n\nbefore buying the bike make sure that the dimonds of the frame should be small and points upwards  the tyres should be wide and with lots of rubber studs. the fork should have atleast 100mm of travel better if beond 130mm. the suspention brand that you should look for is marzochii or rock shock they are the most common ones. if you dont like the suspention then you might consider spending an other 500$ on bomber shocks they are good qualityed stuff.  i recomand a hard tail because they are easier to ride up hill and gives lots of air. and is cheaper and lighter. you should look for disk breaks  but if the bike dont come with them v breaks are good too exept over time they dig into your rim and shorten the rim's life.\n\nhope this helps.
133
I'd agree with TaraN's answer. Take the time to really find what you want. Take a lot of extended test rides. You might find that aluminum might be too harsh for you, in which case you might find that steel or carbon might be more comfortable. That's just one example. Lots of test rides will give you a feel for how the various bikes at a given price point can handle very differently. Without getting into too much tech-speak, you might find that one bike handles a bit more twitchy than another. Think of the difference as driving a Mini Cooper versus a basic sedan. Some bikes are set up more for racing, where you'll get a quicker handling bike, whereas others will handle a bit more laid back.\n\nParts wise, you'll find the same component offerings on many of the manufacturers out there for a given price point, as TaraN pointed out. You'll most likely be getting a bike with Shimano componenets, with perhaps a mix of some of the manufacturer's own branded components (for example, Trek outfits their bikes with a lot of Bontrager componentry).\n\nFocus on the overall ride of the bike. For a $1000, you can get a lot of bike.\n\nWade at The Spokesman in downtown Santa Cruz is a GREAT guy - very helpful, and yes, very patient. He's very knowledgeable and will set you up right.\n\nAlso in that same category, I'd highly recommend seeing Vance Sprock over at Cupertino Bike Shop. He's just like Wade - he'll set you up right.\n\nGood luck!
966894
The best dirtbike is the safest one.  That usually means a snickers-powered one.  These are also known by the more common name of mountain bikes.  The best ones are made by Cannondale and Trek, and start at about $400.  They require relatively inexpensive tune-ups every so often, and new brake and shifter cables about once a year.  This will get him off his tuches and out in the wilderness.  Remember that a $100 helmet will protect him more than a $100 pair of shoes!
928873
u should consider getting companys like haro,kona,norco,specialized,tr... and gt. start with kona, specialized and giant they make good bikes and they are cheap for bikes within the same range. for kona look for stuff, lavadom or scrap\nnorco:shore series\nharo:v series\nspecialized:any thing they are all good and cheap\nironhorse:make almost unbreakable bikes but they are heavy\nbanshee:morphine series\n\n\nbefore buying the bike make sure that the dimonds of the frame should be small and points upwards the tyres should be wide and with lots of rubber studs. the fork should have atleast 100mm of travel better if beond 130mm. the suspention brand that you should look for is marzochii or rock shock they are the most common ones. if you dont like the suspention then you might consider spending an other 500$ on bomber shocks they are good qualityed stuff. i recomand a hard tail because they are easier to ride up hill and gives lots of air. and is cheaper and lighter. you should look for disk breaks but if the bike dont come with them v breaks are good too exept over time they dig into your rim and shorten the rim's life.\n\nor you can consider hybrids they are meant for road rideing and is more comfortable than moutain.\n\nroadbikes can also work they are a bit expensive and cant take much damage. but they go very fast!\n\nbut if you want to look cool and fell comfortable get a westcost chopper!! they look pimped out with huge hind wheel and a motor bike like look!! they even have leather seats!!\nhope this helps.