| Re: MB Suggestions Around $500
Name a Cannondale that isnt top line. They are made in America and
world championship proven. No company makes as good an AL frame at the
price. Yes lefty fork sux but thtas one thing. I own two and would
not hesitate to buy another. The OP could get a leftovewr C'dale for
<$500. Normally that bike would cost more. A $500 trek or other
chinese make is just that.
Mamba wrote:
> "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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