| 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.
There are a lot of contenders for the sub-$500 marketplace, and the reality
is that most of them will be OK for commuting or flat trail riding for a
novice and recreational rider. None of them are likely suitable for any
serious trail riding. If you consider the retail shop, distributor and
manufacturer all have to make their margins, the actual price point of the
bikes in this arena drops considerably.
So instead of harping on brand names or specific models, here's a few
guidelines that IMHO might get you the best suited bike you can find.
1 - Get fitted. Go to a local bike shop and ride several bikes. Find out a
basic frame size that works for you. Account for seat height, saddle
position, handlebar shape and stem length. Have a knowlegable salesperson
assist you to understand correct posture. Determine what "ball park" frame
size works for you, or get some measurements of the seat and top tubes for
brand comparisons. Could be you even find that a hybrid bike is more suited
to what you want to do.
2 - Check for prior year closeouts. Lots of bike shops may have NOS bikes
at this time of year, and some might be discounted.
3 - If you have bike knowlegable friends, consider the used market. Most
bikes drop 30-50% in value within a couple of years. If they are gently
used, you can save a bundle.
4 - Stick to basics. At this price point, you're not likely to find a high
quality fork or decent disc brakes. Most bike brands share frames between
several models. i.e. the same frame (maybe different paint) gets built with
different qualities of components. Get a decent frame and the best set of
components in your price range. Components can be easily upgraded, but it
sounds like you're interested in a turn-key bike. Don't get suckered by a
bike that advertises disc brakes <or other> at a low price, they are likely
of a quality level that makes their
5 - Forget specific brands. Comments like "you can't go wrong with XXXXX"
show a lack of experience and knowledge of the industry. Within any maker
some models might be fine, some might be junk.
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