MB Suggestions Around $500

01-02-2007, 12:54 PM

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

01-02-2007, 01:20 PM

"Fastfwd" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> 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.

01-02-2007, 01:20 PM

You can't go wrong with cannondale!!! However, more important than
brand is comfort. Bike at a given price wil share the same level of
components so fit and comfort are crucial. That 06 F300 is a nice bike
and a good price

Fastfwd wrote:
> 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

01-02-2007, 01:37 PM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> You can't go wrong with cannondale!!! However, more important than
> brand is comfort. Bike at a given price wil share the same level of
> components so fit and comfort are crucial. That 06 F300 is a nice bike
> and a good price

Bwahahahahaha! ROTFLMAO waiting for JD to chime in. You opened the
door. Buh-bye.

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

01-02-2007, 06:09 PM

"Ride-A-Lot" <mitchell@[NOSPAM]schnauzers.ws> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] ...
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> > You can't go wrong with cannondale!!! However, more important than
> > brand is comfort. Bike at a given price wil share the same level of
> > components so fit and comfort are crucial. That 06 F300 is a nice bike
> > and a good price
>
> Bwahahahahaha! ROTFLMAO waiting for JD to chime in. You opened the
> door. Buh-bye.
>
> --
> o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

I'll start the drum roll........

01-03-2007, 09:49 AM

"Fastfwd" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> 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.

01-03-2007, 10:15 AM

Sorry - hit the wrong key. Complete sentences below.

"Mamba" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> "Fastfwd" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...

> 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 usefulness (or
> even safety) questionable.

01-03-2007, 10:52 AM

Mamba wrote:
> Sorry - hit the wrong key. Complete sentences below.
>
> "Mamba" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>
>>"Fastfwd" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
>>news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>
>
>>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 usefulness (or
>>even safety) questionable.
>
>
>

Good advise. You could probably go wrong with any brand.

I've had good luck with Specialized when it comes to mass produced
bikes, but I've always aimed my price point a little higher.

Matt

01-03-2007, 11:55 AM

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" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> > 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.

01-03-2007, 01:10 PM

Hope nobody minds the top posting.. Anyway, I really appreciate the
advice.it sounds like this group has a few very caring bikers in it! I put
money down on the Cannondale. I have very limited funds and at $425 I think
it was a deal that just wasn't going to be matched. I hated to see it be
passed up.

I believe they gave me an extra price break because I indeed have concern
for need of exercise.. Although the layaway sort of defeats the immediate
benefit - I will surely make good use of the bike in the very near future
(it's pretty damn cold atm anyway). I appreciated their gesture.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] <<<plug for them.. I hope they didn't push off
a model that isn't the best fit now J

After looking at the Treks I decided that the 4500 was likely the lowest
model that I would consider and it was going to cost a bit more than the
deal on the F300. I just couldn't get over that 'Made In China' sticker on
the front of all the Treks. Why in the world would they allow that? It
just screams junk even if they are actually very high quality. I'm sure
they are fine bikes, but I think I'll be happy with the Cannondale and it
feels like I got a deal on it. See you guys out there, 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

<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1167857719.090899.102650@11g2000cwr.googlegro ups.com...
> 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" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
>> news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>> > 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.
>