Full Suspension Bike Recommendations for a Friend

[BrewMaster]

I have a buddy that wants to get into MTB and has his mind set on a FS ride. His budget is about $500 for the bike. I know this is low, but he started off talking about going to Walmart and picking out a bike, so $500 is an improvement from where we started.

He is about 6 feet, 175 lbs I guess. He likes the idea of FS because of a plush ride, but he has never ridden any MTB. He would be riding all XC, no drops or jumps...yet.

He is willing to upgrade later if he falls in love with MTB, so this would be a starter bike. I just don't want him to buy a piece of crap and hate MTB because of it.

Any suggestions on bikes that would fit his FS desire and his budget?

[TwoLeggedHorse]

Iron Horse makes some low price FS bikes. He should check them out. Even though I dislike Performance Bikes, Performance does sell Iron Horse.

[CalEpic]

At that price point for full suspension he needs to be looking at used.

C

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

I have a buddy that wants to get into MTB and has his mind set on a FS ride. His budget is about $500 for the bike. I know this is low, but he started off talking about going to Walmart and picking out a bike, so $500 is an improvement from where we started.

He is about 6 feet, 175 lbs I guess. He likes the idea of FS because of a plush ride, but he has never ridden any MTB. He would be riding all XC, no drops or jumps...yet.

He is willing to upgrade later if he falls in love with MTB, so this would be a starter bike. I just don't want him to buy a piece of crap and hate MTB because of it.

Any suggestions on bikes that would fit his FS desire and his budget?

Get a gently used Trek, Fisher, Specialized, Giant etc...that is a year or two old. Lots of folks buy bikes and ride them once or twice and then sit in their garages

[2wheel_lee]

With a $500 budget, he would be best served by a good hardtail. Suspension bikes in that price range are generally low quality, which may deter him from enjoying riding. The quality of the frame and suspension are particularly pooor. On the other hand, a $500 hardtail can be very nice and easily upgraded. Also, his skills will be best developed on a hardtail.

[CPATCRASH]

Go to the Path. I think they still have some bikes to blow out.

[DeeZee]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/410666958.html[/SIZE][/FONT]

[.8down]

if he can stretch his budget a little more Wheel world has a few XC FS bikes on blow out. I.E. This Kona is 599, but only comes in 19 and 20.

http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=3884

Another thing is years ago I fell in love with the sport, and I didn't need a rear travel. I like FS now cuz its plush, and I just like ish like that. Its one of those things where you love it or you don't I think. I don't know too many Mt. Bikers that are just "it's OK", or "I like it but not as much as...", I still find that a Hardtail would be cool to have at times, it just not as forgiving as a FS down hill but climbing you would definitely have an advantage.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by .8down

if he can stretch his budget a little more Wheel world has a few XC FS bikes on blow out. I.E. This Kona is 599, but only comes in 19 and 20.

http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=3884

would be perfect.

BM throw in the extra few bucks for him

[.8down]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

would be perfect.

BM throw in the extra few bucks for him

Yea Ive been eyeballing those Konas but I have an XC already and wanted to go with MORE travel(ie. AM bike)....hahaha after saying there is nothing wrong with Hardtails...I know , i know

[Pho'dUp]

I agree, the Kona is pretty solid. I've owned 2 Kikapus and they're totally worth upgrading over the long run.

[ShinKen]

hey cjwally is selling a FS bike right? and he's tall too so maybe that will fit your friend

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

would be perfect.

BM throw in the extra few bucks for him

Yeah, I sent that link to my buddy. Definitely the best option that I have seen so far.

He may end up going to a hardtail, but we will see. I just want him to start riding so he can fall in love with the sport. I may even just ride my old Schwinn rigid beater and let him ride my FS XC bike so we will know what fun MTB is. I feel like a crack dealer...

[jcampbell]

I would recommend the Shocker!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2513008

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by ShinKen

hey cjwally is selling a FS bike right? and he's tall too so maybe that will fit your friend

PM sent. Thanks Joser.

Originally Posted by jcampbell

I would recommend the Shocker!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2513008

I love the specs on that one. I need to get me that same wheel/tire combo.

Wheels: Knobby tires

[.8down]

remember Treks "Y" bike???

what letter is this bike?

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by .8down

remember Treks "Y" bike???

what letter is this bike?

I think that is some kind of Chinese character.

[pollu_sean]

Originally Posted by jcampbell

I would recommend the Shocker!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2513008

my favorite part of this sweet ride is the "factory racing ATB suspension"

[jcampbell]

What I like is reading the reviews. WHO in their right mind would even consider doing a drop on this thing? From drops to twigs to sand. Those dang twigs will get you every time.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
NICE BIKE, 08/27/2007
By FUEL, COVINA, CA

Value for price paid: 5 out of 5 Meets Expectations: 4 out of 5

THIS BIKE WAS ALREADY ASSEMBLED WHICH WAS A PLUS RIGHT OUT THE STORE I TOOK IT OUT ON A 6 MILE RIDE TO MY HOUSE I ALSO TOOK IT ON A LONG RIDE WHICH I WAS A BIT HESSITANT ON DOING BUT THE BIKE HELD TOGETHER OVER SOME PRETTY ROUGH TERRAIN FROM DROPS ,BUMPS AND CURBS TO BROKEN GLASS, TWIGS SAND AND DIRT ALTHOUGH ITS NOT VERY COMFORTABLE DUE TO THE NARROW SEAT AND THE WEAK FACTOR ON THE BRAKES IT HELD UP NICE A NEW SEAT AND SOME BETTER BRAKE PADS WOULD MAKE THIS A VERY COOL BIKE ESPEACIALLY FROM A DEPT STORE AND THE PRICE WAS GREAT

Recommends this product? Yes
Age: 18 - 24
Gender: Male
Has owned product for: 2 - 7 weeks
Uses product: Every day

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