When it comes to off-road use mountain bikes, which brand do you recommend?
492053
Of the brands you've mentioned (and presuming the $500 budget from your previous question still stands), I'd be looking seriously at Specialized and Giant.\n\nThe Specialized Hardrock range do really well in reviews, as they have geometry that makes them handle as nicely as some of the more expensive models. With Giant you alsways get a lof of bike for your money, and I like the way thhey ride too. I think the Yukon is probably in the region you're looking for price-wise, but also look out for a 2005 model called the Terrago, which is a great bike.\n\nAlternatley, Mongoose have seen a real resurgence in recent years. Their Amasa model does superbly in reviews, though the slightly less expensive Tyax range are also worht a good look apparently.\n\nTrek do make great bikes, though at the entry level price point I find that their frame geometry is quite conservative - an upright riding position. This is great for comfort and confidence when gently cruising along undulating trails, but if you want to get a bit gnarlier or faster, you may find the bikes a bit limiting.\n\nDo your research, then try sitting on the bikes you like. Test ride the most comforable, and then pick the one that feels like it suits you best.
708894
Try looking into a Trek Madone.  I have a friend who bought his Madone 5.2 a couple months ago and he loves it.\n\nI just bought my Fuji Roubaix Pro a month ago and love it.\n\nMy girlfriend bought her Specialized Dolce Comp two weeks ago and she loves it.\n\nOther than that, check out the Trek, Fuji, Cannondale, Lightspeed websites.  Be sure that you get minimum components of Shimano 105s (or even better, the Shimano Ultegras)\n\nCheck http://www.performancebike.com/\n\nThey're trying to unload their 2006 inventory and selling them all at a really good price.\n\nHappy hunting!
716838
Haro and hoffman bikes are far best by standards. and its reliable.. Cheers
792177
Well, I am a pretty hard core mountain biker and dirt jumper. In that price range you aren't going to find a bike out of the entry level range. Entry level Kona, Trek, Specialized, Jamis bikes are pretty good. The only problem with an entry level is that your rear axle may break if you decide you want to ride a little more hard and down and dirty. Also the fork that entry level bikes come with are shit. They have, like, two inches of travel.\nSo after that, I suggest that when you go to buy the bike, get something like a specialized hardrock or specialized rockhopper or something. They are both mountain bikes, with decent forks, and a strong axle. It can be used on the road as much as you want, and it's not a REALLY heavy bike. Depending on what year model you buy, it's going to be a little over $300, but it's well worth it.\n\nHope I helped!\nLater.\n\nCher.
426013
For your price range, you should limit yourself to a hardtail, front-suspension only.  A rear-suspension bike that is worthwhile will be hard to find in your price range.  Make certain that you can set the pre-load high enough to deal with your weight.\n\nYou may be able to find mechanical disk brakes in that price range, but I would be inclined to stick with the V-brakes.  If the added expense is used on discs, they've cut back somewhere else.  My son's bike (KHS Alite 500) came with disc-compatible hubs and the necessary frame and fork mounts to retrofit discs at a later time.\n\nYou should get gloves, full-finger or half-finger, your choice.  You'll appreciate this after your first tumble in loose rock.  Shorts are not 100% necessary, but they'll definitely be more comfortable for rides of an hour or more.  Baggy mountain bike shorts with liners are available from numerous shops and on-line retails.\n\nYou might want to consider shoes and clipless pedals.  I would probably ride the trails a few times with the regular platform pedals to get used to the bike, but clipless pedals and shoes can make a world of difference.\n\nDon't forget water. I tend to use water bottles on my road bike and a hydration pack when I'm riding the mountain bike.\n\nYou'll also need a small underseat bag to carry a multi-tool and a spare tube.  You'll also need an inflator or pump to carry on the bike.  You will get a flat sooner or later.\n\nOther than that, get a bike frame that fits.  Torso measurement is just as important as leg length.  A bike with a top tube or stem that is too long or too short will make you uncomfortable and not be as stable.\n\nGood luck.
493232
If you are truly interested in real mountain biking, go to a reputable bike shop and have them help you with size and fit.  I am an avid MTBr with the best bike for my body size and activity intensity.  It is worth the price and time if you are serious about this sport.\n\nI ride a Specialized Epic Disk and wouldn't trade it in the world.  Do NOT do the Walmart thing.  The components are terrible and the frames are not welded well enough for such an intense sport.  You can get a great bike from $300 on up.  Again, you get what you pay for.  \n\nWould you play football with cheap equipment??
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.
1032207
Giant is a pretty good ride along with Trek & Specialized. Some of the Gary Fishers aren't too bad either. Set your budget for the bike. For the most part, all the manufactures will have something at that price point plus or minus. Look at all the specs (fork, shifters etc) on the bike to see what gives you the best bang for the buck. Consumer Reports had something recently on bicycles, you may check their best bike buys. Also hit the bike shops to ask questions, get catalogs & actually test ride the bikes.
917441
I own a Haro X1 backtrail and a F-2....that f-4 is nice...highest of the line in the f- series...good bike, haro makes good bikes, but don't try flatland with them or you will snap the axle or yourself. they have been around for a few years, they arent just really old, but as long as its in good condition, great..if you want any upgrades go to flatlandfuel.com...great site for bmx bike upgrades....that where i got my parts to build my $1,500 khe equilibrium bike.
195138
Road bike would be fun. I would get the hybrid though. Hard to ride a bike in the rain or snow.
979398
That depends on how much and what type of off-road riding you want to do. The dakar comes well-equipped for average off-roading and would probably save you money over buying all those accessories separately. If you plan to ride on the street alot, however, you might want to get the GS and another set of accessories that you can change out when you go off-roading.
426716
For light exercise I personally would not recommend a fully suspended moutain bike.    \n\nI purchased a Specialized Crossroads for my partner and she loves it.  It has a light duty front shock that's not heavy and a suspended seat post with a nice cushy seat.  If you are looking to pedal around the park with your family or run errands around town, I would recommend a bike like this.  I'm sure other brands have something comparable.  I believe this model is also in your price range.\n\nAs someone else said, go to your local bike shop.  Most of the time they are very helpful.  If you are as specific with them as you were here, they will show exactly what you need and explain the pros and cons of different brands and let you make up your mind.\n\nGood luck!
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!
650516
Hi,\n\nI assume that you are trying to decide whether to purchase a hybrid or a mountain bike. The answer depends on your riding style and the intended use for the bike. If you plan to ride the bike within city limits (along the path close to the river, to school, to the coffee shop, etc.), then go for the hybrid.\n\nIf you plan to take the bike on gravel roads and maybe some dirt trails the wider tires and suspension will make the experience much more comfortable and safe - you should go for the mountain bike. \n\nUltimately visit a local bike shop. They will be able to provide the most help. And stay away from big box stores (Walmart, Costco, etc.).\n\nHappy riding,\n\nCarlos\n\nPS: don´t forget to ride with a helmet!\n\nhttp://www.lava-tours.com
1183215
Also, try the Breezers... Very well thought out bikes for the Commute/Townie thing. The "Townie" bikes are a little more involved than the standard "comfort" bikes, as they have eyelets for racks or are made to mount lights, and other features that're nicer. \n\nSome "comfort" bikes will fall into the "Townie" catagory, and vice versa. And then if you take a road "Sport Tourer" and add a rack, fenders, and maybe some swept back/upright bars, it'd could be considered a "Townie" as well.\n\nIt's sort of a marketing buzzword, sort of a small clasification.  I'd say, find the bike that meets your needs and you are comfortable on, regardless of what it's called.
507204
it will depend upon how long your legs are compared with your torso, though if you're likely to ride off road often I'd say roughly a 19". maybe an inch or so bigger if you're staying on the tarmac most of the time. smaller bikes are slightly more manoeverable, and are hence better suited to riding off-road.\n\ntry before you buy though.
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.