best bike

robbier · 12-31-2009, 02:41 PM

I want to get a good trail bike, but I'm not sure where to start. The bike I have now is a road bike and so the tires would be terrible for any sort of hard terrain. Any suggestions?

jason · 01-05-2010, 01:44 PM

Your big three bike names are Cannondale, Trek and Specialized. Cannondale however I heard is now making a "cheap" model and selling to wal-mart/target. I know a lot of people have no problems with bikes from those stores, but if you are going to ride hard I would spend a little extra money and get a good quality bike. I would go to some local bike shops and see what they carry. Often times they will let you test ride the bikes first. This will give you an idea of how you like the bike.

Bicycles are one thing I do not buy online, although you can get cheaper sometimes online. The service from my bike shop is just unbeatable. I broke a pedal within a few months of owning it, and he gave me much better quality pedals for free. Then I asked about the toe straps, and he gave them to me for free. I've had some spokes pop and he fixed them for me and gave me a tune up. He has no problems answering my questions, and teaches me a few things too.

Bradsalex · 01-11-2010, 11:42 PM

What Jason says is correct over all aspects of buying a bike, cheaper is not better on trails, and buy locally.

I have a Specialized Rockhopper which 3 years ago was $450. When you go to a bike shop and get a "mountain" bike, which is not a hybrid from chain stores, you are going to find the prices to be anywhere from $400-$1500 or more. Do you need to go spend 2K on a bike that you are going to beat through the woods? NO not really.

I've done downhill biking and the things I would focus on are the brakes and tires. When you get a bike make sure you get one with, at least, disk brakes. Regular rubber brakes work ok but they tend to lock up more, which is bad going down a trail, and they are a LOT more work on your hands and forearms from having to squeeze them so tight. Make sure the tires have a good-aggressive tread pattern. This also helps with control down the trails, but when the trail turns to mud it doesn't matter what kind of tires or brakes you have just hold on for dear life.

Suspension is not a big factor, it's more personal comfort. My Rockhopper has front suspension only, my buddy has a full (front and back) suspension and I beat his butt all over the trails.

I hope this helps, if you have more questions please ask.