Whoo new bike

[pes_laul]

Well I decided Im gonna start doing what spud does and get into biking so my grandma said she'd get me a early birthday present and takie me shopping tomorrow my limit is up to about 200-250$ so I have to choose wisely.

If I'm looking to go off road occasionally and go fast what is a type I should look for?

[Rocket]

[just strum]

So, you are finally going to sell it?

[oldguy]

$250 seems cheap for that...........

[just strum]

Well I decided Im gonna start doing what spud does and get into biking so my grandma said she'd get me a early birthday present and takie me shopping tomorrow my limit is up to about 200-250$ so I have to choose wisely.

If I'm looking to go off road occasionally and go fast what is a type I should look for?

You may have to look for a used one. I think in that price range you are not looking at a durable. You want something that provides smooth operation.

I have a Trek (I believe it is an 8000) that I've considered selling, but then I start to second guess the decision.

[pes_laul]

well As like anything I cant afford a 8000 dollar trek

and Im not looking to be neil armstrong either

I just want something convenient

[just strum]

well As like anything I cant afford a 8000 dollar trek

and Im not looking to be neil armstrong either

I just want something convenient

The model is an 8000, the price is under $300

[Spudman***]

If you are looking for a fat tired bike then a Raleigh is going to be your best bang for the buck. You aren't going to find anything worth while in that price range you mentioned. Sorry. Go to at least the $400 range. You'll get a quality frame and components that will last a long time with basic care. Don't go cheap - you'll be sorry in the long run especially if you plan or really riding a lot. Go to a bike shop and get the right size frame and stay away from the department stores.

These could be good but you'll have to do some minor assembly.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cliff4700.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ne_300HT07.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/hay1000.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ne_400HT07.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...cane/400ds.htm

[ted s]

well As like anything I cant afford a 8000 dollar trek

and Im not looking to be neil armstrong either

I just want something convenient

Kris, you want to go to the moon with that bike ?
I'm thinking you may mean Lance ?

[Rocket]

If you are looking for a fat tired bike then a Raleigh is going to be your best bang for the buck.

What made Raleigh so fat & tired... too much iron?

[pes_laul]

The model is an 8000, the price is under $300

lmao oops! read that wrong

[pes_laul]

Kris, you want to go to the moon with that bike ?
I'm thinking you may mean Lance ?

dammit! Ive been typing everything wrong

[Spudman***]

and Im not looking to be neil armstrong either

The astronaut????? Were you planning on riding to the moon?

[just strum]

Although they are not the best in bikes, my son had a bike The North Face noted as make (they're all made by a Chinese guy these days). Anyway, if you have a Dick's Sporting Goods (they really should change the name), you may find something to fit your needs. My sons bike, which cost about $200 has lasted about 5 years and is still usable.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/fa...12462&view=all

[mrmudcat]

I've got a 08 gt avalanche

I dont ride much.

[just strum]

This looks almost identical to my son's bike.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=3066728

[sunvalleylaw]

Well I decided Im gonna start doing what spud does and get into biking so my grandma said she'd get me a early birthday present and takie me shopping tomorrow my limit is up to about 200-250$ so I have to choose wisely.

If I'm looking to go off road occasionally and go fast what is a type I should look for?

I don't know that 2-250 will get you all the way there if you are buying new and can't find a good used deal, but if the off-road is occasional, and you want to go fast otherwise, a cross bike might be your best bet. You can get more bike for the money than if you are going mountain bike.

This site lists a new one for $439. http://sportymamabikes.com/cgi-bin/S...tails&ProdID=1


Here is a used Lemond
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lemond-Poprad-St...1%7C240%3A1318

Cross bikes are good for some dirt road/trail use, and are a lot faster on the street. Great commuters, great for getting around. A true mountain bike is slower/heavier on the street, and maybe not as good a commuter.

There are also these "hybrid" bikes that you can get new in that price range, but looking at your size, what I bet your strength is, and how you play, I bet you would break it quickly, or not be happy with the performance. Here is an example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-20-Shimano-2...3A1%7C294%3A50

Another option if you have someone that knows bikes that can help you is finding a good used mountain bike. Then maybe you could get a decent bike in or closer to the money your Gram is willing to give you. I have a good, old frame that would be turned into a great commuter, light off road bike with some parts, and I am sure you could find something like that, but you have to know what you are looking for. Spud is really the expert here, as he has built up bikes for years.

If you wanted to stay more mountain bike and new, Spud's links look good, but I would stay away from the full suspension one in that price range. The hard tails would be better I think for that $$. But if you were not going to do a bunch of real trail riding, I would highly consider a cross bike. Hope that helps.

EDIT: Spud's site has the same new cross bike I linked above, but for $10 more. That place has some good deals on bikes so that makes me feel better about linking you to it. The use Lemond or similar could be good too.

[thearabianmage]

Just go with the diamond-studded bling-bike

[just strum]

Kris,

It's really no different than a guitar - how are you going to use it. If it's to ride from your house to a friends house, then you should be able to get something that will serve that purpose. If you plan on riding 20 miles a day and more on weekends, invest in a better bike. A +1 on some of the comments SVL noted, one being the hardtail. If you are not going to be flying down hillsides and rough paths, you don't need to spend the money on features that are "add on" cost.

I think you can find a good used bike in your area and save yourself some money or get more bike for the money.

So, how much do you plan on riding and what sort of riding are you really planning on doing?