Beginner's Bike Ideas

[Skeeter]

My dad is looking for a beginners FS MTB bike. He has a really old hard tail (CW) but wants a soft tail, its much easier on his body. He's an older guy who doesn't go for any hucks or anything. He mainly runs, marathoner, but just wants something to cross train on. I was looking at the Iron Horses from Performance, seemed OK. What do you experts think?

[TURNERob]

Could you give us an idea of how much he's willing to spend?

[Skeeter]

The Iron Horses were around $500. Something south of $700. Not much for a FS, but he only needs something basic.
If its even possible.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

Originally Posted by RSMLA

The Iron Horses were around $500. Something south of $700. Not much for a FS, but he only needs something basic.
If its even possible.

for that amount of money you're bettero off getting a decent new hardtail or used FS bike

check ebay there is a lot to choose from there

[Skeeter]

Yeah i believe used may be the way to go. It doesn't matter to him, hes just going to scratch it more anyways

[Skeeter]

Along those lines any good ideas for used bikes. Im kinda new and what are good frames from a couple years ago that i should look for!

Thanks

[pshloss]

If you know what to look for, or can get a buddy to help check out prospective bikes, used is definitely the best value. Two hints: 1) make sure the frame is not cracked. Especially check the welds and look for even hairline problems. I had problems with GT circa 1998-9 frames. 2) avoid 8-speed drivetrain if possible (anything less than 5 years old is probably 9 speed anyway). The rest should be pretty obvious (wheels not bent, tires decent, etc.). Oh, and make sure the frame is a decent fit. I've found that virtual top tube (level measure from top of seat tube to headset) is the best measure. So if he is happy with is current bike's geometry, try to match the virtual top tube of that.

[Sway]

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2003_ful...t_121147.shtml

I'd say for being under $400, it gets pretty damn good reviews. Just a thought anyway....


EDIT: Here's the updated version... $409.99

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1116600&f=15


Good luck...

[EndoMaster]

Speaking form experience, your best bet would be a used FS. New FS bikes in that pricerange are not going to offer much.

With that being said, have you considered these? http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/IGN-1-Details.html

I have a Mongoose Wing Comp, which is essentially the same frame as this bike but with really crappy components. Once I replaced the the rear shock with a Fox Float (ebay is my friend) it wasn't so bad. The frame is a little heavy but it'll get the job done. The Ibex version is better spec'd than the Mongoose version.

Agustin (not ashamed to ride his Mongoose at the Fully Loop at night under cover of darkness).

[CalEpic]

What size will he need? If he's willing to spend a little more, I have a Specialized Epic I'm thinking of selling. It's an '03 medium. I'd like to get close to $1000 for it. Buying a cheap FS rig is a bad idea IMO. He'll wear out the drivetrain and suspension pretty quickly if he rides with any frequency. Better to spend a little more up front on a good used bike and save money later by not having to upgrade components.

C

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

i got a buddy who has a large frame Jamis Daker FS MTB a few years, i've seen that bike it's pretty nice, hardly used. the bike is in great working order (my buddy is a bike mechanic) so you don't have to worry about that issue. he's asking $400 for it.

PM for more info.

My first F/S rig was a Jamis Dakar. I eventually upgraded the fork and got some sorry ass Hayes HMX-1 disc brakes for it, but it wasn't a bad bike, well, I did crack the chainstay on both sides. But if your pops isnt gonna be doing anything crazy, I'd look into that bike EPIC is talking about. Like CalEpic said too, it's better to spend a little more than you originally wanted because in the end, chances are you are gonna spend even more replacing the crappy parts that wore out....it's all give and take more or less.

[Von-Skipp]

I would defintely check out CalEpics Epic. I had the amazing opportunity to borrow this bike for a couple weeks. The bike is a VERY FAST climber, and not bad going down. I think the brakes were XT Hydros, and they worked really nice. The bike has nice components overall, atleast before I rode it

Try and setup a test ride.

Kippie

[ShinKen]

Originally Posted by Epic_Mtn_Biker

i got a buddy who has a large frame Jamis Daker FS MTB a few years, i've seen that bike it's pretty nice, hardly used. the bike is in great working order (my buddy is a bike mechanic) so you don't have to worry about that issue. he's asking $400 for it.

PM for more info.

hey did your friend sell the bike yet? cuzz i gozz a friend that may be interested. let me know k.