For the sake of whomever originally posted this . .
Post by x***@jelly.toast.netI would recommend a full suspension bike, I found hardtail a little too
hard.
Unless you're spending ~$1K or more, full suspension is not worth it. The
money would be much better spent on upgrades to other components, e.g. the
frame, brakes, or drivetrain.
Post by x***@jelly.toast.netI disagree violently with buying used.
You are in the minority. Visit alt.mountain-bike and try defending that
opinion. You can generally get a bike for ~1/2 or less of what it cost new,
depending on how hard you look and how far you go back. Keep in mind,
however, that many technologies have improved leaps and bounds over the last
five years, in particular suspensions. Just take it for a ride . . it's just
about doing the research and knowing what you're looking for. If you don't,
you might not get what you want. Sounds like X might have ended up on the
wrong end of that stick.
I just bought a '99 Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race for ~$400 with a great
component group. It's my main rig, and an excellent one at that. Compare
that price with ~$1200-1300 new. It's in great condition and should last me
many years to come.
Get over to Dicks Sports and
Yes, that's a great idea. Um, not. Sports stores do not generally carry real
bikes, and are not equipped with informed sales staff to help you make
decisions. Go to an LBS and shop around. Ride them, ask questions, and make
sure that you are comfortable with the personnel. The idea would be to
develop a relationship with the shop, who will generally be there for you if
you drop some $$ on a bike in their store. You'd be surprised what you can
get a mech to do to your bike for a six-pack. You'll be dealing with them
if/when you need repairs for your bike, so you want it to be a positive
relationship.
I bought a Coil X, Diamondback, for $269.00.
This is a bike-shaped toy. The rear suspension on this bike is worse than
none at all. It will suck your power on hills and otherwise be a pain in
your ass.
Post by x***@jelly.toast.netGood deal, and all the bike I will ever need.
If that's the case, X, you should've bought a Specialized Hard Rock or
another entry-level bike from a reputable bike manufacturer.
Why buy used when you
Because you can get twice the bike for half the money. You could have had a
used Rockhopper for that.
Ride it for ahile, then you will know what you want
Post by x***@jelly.toast.netfor your next bike, if ever. Make sure you got a good front fork...the
cheap ones don't have as much depth as the better ones, measure the
steel, you will see what I mean.
Well, you didn't get a good front fork, so I'm guessing you don't really
know what you mean. There is much more to a fork than travel.
Disc brakes are for show offs.
No, disc brakes are for better modulation and stopping in rain and mud. I
agree that you shouldn't be looking for them on a bike until you are also
looking at rear suspension (unless you ride in conditions that warrant
them), but don't discount them as X has.
Use
Post by x***@jelly.toast.netthe money you save to buy a better seat.
Right. You could buy some tassels and a bell too.
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