| Re: MB Suggestions Around $500
"Fastfwd" <fastfwd01@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:12pll4d4doj22f@corp.supernews.com...
> I'm thinking about getting back into bicycling a bit for some badly needed
> exercise. Nothing too hardcore. A bike that might be suitable for some
> off-road trial riding and likely pull duty for a bit of urban riding. A
> 'hardtail' looks like the term of style that I'm considering.
>
> I'm on a tight budget, but I would like to get something that is decent
> quality - around $500. I realize this is a pretty subjective subject and
> there may possibly even be a bias in this particular Usenet group
> regarding
> brand loyalty, but I'm curious what suggestions might be out there. I had
> a
> pair of secondhand Treks in college, but that's been over 10 years ago now
> and I haven't looked at bikes since.
>
> I ran across a Cannondale '06 F300 at a local dealer that was discounted
> to
> $425! I seem to remember Cannondale as a quality brand. I see that this
> is
> a model that appears to have been around for a few years and is possibly
> being discontinued. That wouldn't make any difference to me if this is a
> good bike.
>
> I'm also noticing the Trek 4300/4300 Disc. Looks like they have a no name
> brand fork? RST? Not familiar with these brands. How does it stack up?
> Frame quality/components with a mind that I might look to upgrade some
> components, but I would like some assurance of quality out of the box
> because I don't intend on being that into the biking again.
>
> Any other suggestions are welcome. Websites to review. Other brands and
> models in that range that are good deals for a casual rider. Thanks.
>
> --
> A sickened mind and spirit
> The mirror tells me lies
> Could I mistake myself for someone
> Who lives behind my eyes
> Will he escape my soul
> Or will he live in me
> Is he tryin' to get out or tryin' to enter me
>
> THX 1138
>
I have a Cannondale F300, it's been a very dependable bike, but I mainly use
on the paved trails and have only occasionally taken it to the dirt. The
problem I found is it has low Bottom Bracket clearance and the pedals will
sometimes clip the ground. I think this is because the frame geometry is
designed for a Cannondale Headshock suspension which is longer the Rock Shok
fork. But I have over 3000 miles on it and it's been very dependable but
again it's been used lightly for a mountain bike. I've also had a Trek
4300 for a short time, there's not much difference between the two. Both
are probably acceptable for an entry level bike that will not be subject to
hard abuse.
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