What should I buy for a mountain bike?
410721
It really depends on 'what' type of riding you'll be doing and how much of it.  If you're just planning on being a weekend warrior and just want something decent to ride then you could get away with a lower end bike like the IronHorse Warrior or something like that.  If you're looking at seriously getting into the sport and spending some serious coin, then the options are limitless.  \n\nCheck out this site and sign up to post some questions.  I use it to find all kinds of info and find most people really helpful.  I go there daily to offer my insights or to ask a question.  \n\nwww.mtbr.com and click on the forums link.  Or just go to forums.mtbr.com\n\nThere's a specific forum for 'What bike to buy' and this question has been asked quite a bit.  So if you don't want to sign up to post, then you can just read other responses.\n\nGood luck!
1151545
Ok, so "ardi_95" says he's got experience with bikes... although I'm at odds with his ego, I am in his corner here.\n\nPersonanlly I *like* the older bikes and enjoy fixing them up. I wouldn't worry about adding more gears just because that's the trend. If you plan to be a racer, *then* I would worry about more gears and in which case, just buy a new bike. But if you're not a racer, don't worry about what's the latest fad. The important thing is do *you* really like the Nishiki? That is the most important piece -- if the frame fits you, you're comfortable on it and it does what you want, keep it.\n\nIf you decide to sell it, call me first!\n\nAnd since you've asked for qualifications, I will just give a run down of my bike shed...Road Bikes: Trek 400 (mid 80's) Miyata 110 (late 80's), Trek 2300 (late 90's carbon fiber), Bianchi Campione D'Italia (late '80's), Takara (late '70's). Mountain Bikes: Giant ...crap, don't remember (2004), GT LTS Team Issue (2000): Recumbents: BikeE CT (2004), Linear LWB folder (mid 90's). Various BMX, cruiser and other bikes. Anything else feel free to contact me off the list.
232523
Gary Fisher mountain bikes or Trek mountain bikes would I say. Just have a look at some options from these two brands.
752490
forget the choices you have I'd suggest a Giant STP..you can get a 07 frame for $300 or talk to your local Giant dealer about a 2006 stp complete bike, I know right now giant is blowing them out to make room for the new stuff. the STP (Street,Trails,Park) is a sweet bike, the geo. is perfect for street or DJ and it rides well on the trails\nI have owned a P bike and a Cowan before and will never go back now that I ride a STP
1137640
For a road bike, look at something in the range of 56cm to 58cm.  For a mtn bike, look at something in the range of 16.5 in to 18 in.
914836
Again, go and try a few out. You do want a certain amount of clearance while standing over the frame, mountain bike more than road bikes, but it's the saddle to handlebar size you want to be right for the correct reach as that is only adjustable by a tiny amount where as you can lift the saddle up and down by miles to get the right height.
412550
Try to stretch your budget a little and take a look at the Cannondale range. For your money you get one of the best built frames in the World - comfortable, strong and built from the ground up for women. The componentry is usually superior pound-for-pound too. A Cannondale is a quality bargain that will last you for years and be a pleasure to ride.\n\nThe current 'Street' and 'Vintage' ranges are brilliant.
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.
293977
Look, nobody can tell you who makes the best bike.  I used to tell everyone who would listen that Rocky Mountain Bikes are the best, hands down, and honestly, they fit me better than any other bike i have ever owned.\nThe answer lies in a few simple questions.  What kind of mountain biking are you in to.. i.e. cross country, freeride, racing, pleasure... you get the idea.  The next is what bikes do my local shops carry?  The rest of your questions will be answered when you visit that shop and try a few rides out.  Figure out what fits you, what feels the best, which one looks the coolest...\nTruth is, besides a good number of small manufacturers and a handfull of companies that actually own plants that make their bikes, there are about Five major factories in Taiwan, China, and one in the USA that pump out 90% of the bikes you see on the shop floor.  Each brand may have their own idea of how a bike should be made, but cash is king and its cheaper to have a bike built in Taiwan than it is here in the good ol' USA.  My personal experience is that if you are hard on your bike, the best bikes are made in Canada and the Pacific Northwest.  The hardest of the hardcore live and ride there and their bikes have to be built to take hell and come out on top.  So theres my two cents.
617571
15 speed mountain bike from Walmart for $53.73\n\nhttp://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1977659\n\nThe "Easy Seat" bicycle seat, it may look a bit odd but it is more comfortable than a traditional bicycle seat.\n\nYou should be able to read about if you do a search on any search engine\n\nI bought mine at:\nhttp://www.heartlandamerica.com\nhttp://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?product=easyseat-adjustable-bike-seat&PIN=6819&GUID=97BD9C78-F71A-4F8B-B5CB-CE4703102BF5&BC=70007005&DL=SCH6\n\n\n\n.
318307
As a big guy myself (6'5", 250lbs), I would suggest a solid framed mountain bike with a hard tail (no rear suspension.)  The rear suspension will bounce more and cause you to work harder.  I would recommend a front suspension, if you can find one in your price range, as it will increase the comfort.  Try looking in a discount sports store locally and see what they have to offer.  Your options will be limited by your price point but you may find something.\n\nAfter looking at the options, you might consider heading to a local bike shop to see if they know of anyone selling a pre-owned bike that would fit your needs.  Sometimes they will know of people trying to sell bikes.  They might even be able to put you on something that will work for a good price.
224711
A hardtail (front suspension) mountain bike would be best for road and occasional rough terrain riding. Get a pair of either slick or semi-slick tires, they're a lot faster on the road, and semi-slicks have plenty of tread for control on loose terrain.\n\nDon't worry too much about what brand to get, go to your local bike shop and they can set you up with the right bike for your needs.
247823
I would have to agree that you should not go with any large travel shocks unless you are doing downhill, however, if you have the dough to get good components and rear suspension, go for it. The technology has changed drastically in the last few years and now most good CC and trail bikes perform just as well as a hardtail on the climbs, but will be much quicker and smoother through the rough sections. New air shocks are the way to go since they are substancially lighter than coil-over, plus they have great configurability (travel, rebound etc.) and coupled with 4-bar and virtual pivot technologies, among others, these shocks virtually eliminate pedal bob(loss of power to wheels through shocks). Even on higher end shocks something called stable platform valving is applied which basically  at which locks out the shock  until there is enough upward force (from the ground) to open it and give you the travel. The best part about this is you set how much force it takes to open it. There are a ton of new features and technologies coming out now so really chech out as many companies as possible if you are buying a new bike. Consider what type of riding your gonna be doing and choose the qulaity and travel of the shock form there. Some good shock companies to check out are fox, manitou and rockshox. Good luck and happy trails!
299669
Go to a bike store.  I like Schwinn Cruisers personally.
9342
A large portion of the time choosing a road bike comes down simply to preference.  There are so many good bikes these day's, it truly comes down to the buyers opinion.  It all depends on the material frame you want, components, etc.  For me, I like stiff, small, I like aluminum, I use and prefer 38mm bars, and ultegra because it is cheap and easier to replace when I crash it.  I must say though, I have had a couple of Specialized frames and I absolutely love them!  I had the Allez about 3-4 yrs ago, and an S-Works E5 which I have had for a couple of yrs and was and still am completely satisfied.  I have also had a couple of Fujis, and I think they are just okay.
173654
i basically only know for mtb'ing so here you go-\n\nwww.imba.com-international mountain bike association, www.mtbr.com-mountain bike review-very informative for buying bikes, parts etc., www.pinkbike.com- user community, good forums, www.bikeforums.net- anything and everything you'll need to know, lots of great forums!
12744
You made an excelent question, and often an overlooked factor when buying a bicycle.\n\nAs a rule of thumb never buy a serious bike at a departament store, always go to a local bike shop, where you will get great advise.\n\nThe most important measures when buying a bike are\n\n1.- Frame size. There should be 1 or 2 inches between your crotch and the top tube. A longer top tube will give you more stability.\n\n2.- Saddle height. Your leg should be slightly bent while sitting on the saddle and the pedal is at the lowest.\n\n3.- Handlebar Height/lenght. Depending on what you want to do, your handle bar could be 1 or 2 inches below the saddle (mostly MTB and race bikes) or even with the saddle ( touring ) - A short stem will gove you better handling.\n\n4.- Saddle. Once again it will be determined by your riding style, you should find the center of gravity for your riding\n\nThere are a lot of internet sites that could help you make a decision, I suggest you read more on the subject and most important, go to a local bike shop where you will get expert advice.