kiwi biker Double D (dirt div)
Looking at getting a mtb for me and tracey .
just a basic one for cruising with the kids or just when i want to use it for training.
prob wont see too much off road stuff, although i really dont know.
anyone got any tips for buying one.
i dont want to spend heaps on one that will only be used for basic riding.
Thanks
Hardcore Biker
Much like buying a motorbike, stay away from cheap chinese ones!!
Avoid anything with excessive angles or curves in the frame...at the cheaper end of the market this is a sure sign of crap heavy metal being used.
Definitely don't get rear suspension.
You want to find something with properly branded gear mechanisms (Shimano etc...) the, rest of the components probably wont matter for riding on the road.
Oh, and do check the frame size, it needs to be suitable for your height.
Rest In Peace
See John at O2 in Stratford,seems like a knowledgeable guy.
Hello officer put it on my tab
Don't steal the government hates competition.
Psyclepath
How much is "heaps"?
Go to your local Avanti dealer and ride a few...
Originally Posted by Dave Lobster
Only a homo puts an engine back together WITHOUT making it go faster.
kiwi biker Double D (dirt div)
dont want to spend more than 700.
i looked on TM but there alot of different looking styles.
im 6ft 3 and 108 kg so prob need a big size
BogOff-Cant you see I'm busy?
A big plus on that one.
The Avanti shop in Albany (Oteha Valley Rd) is excellent. They have bikes for every budget.
(No I don't work there however I do deliver mail there.)
Obey the hosebeast
Have a look for a 20" frame or "Large"
edit $700 is a fine amount for a entry level bike.
Psyclepath
Look for something Cross-country (XC) oriented...jump bikes and downhill is strictly for the kids. Front suspension is good although there'll not be many bikes other than 29rs without it these days. Hydraulic discs > cable > V brakes.
Make sure you can stand over the bike with a decent amount of clearance for the family jewels and that you're not too stretched out (although a decent shop will swap stems for you). You need to be able to shift your weight around easily.
Only a homo puts an engine back together WITHOUT making it go faster.
Irritant
Edited...
It's only when you take the piss out of a partially shaved wookie with an overactive 'me' gene and stapled on piss flaps that it becomes a problem.
on the wagon
BogOff-Cant you see I'm busy?
I had a look in the local pawn shop (cash convertors) the other day and I must say, they do sometimes have some real bargains.
ArseBiscuit
Go for a known brand..... Avanti, Trek, Giant, Kona, Specialized, Marin, GT......?
Forum whore
How many do you want? I have one that never gets used. Will take it in to get a basic service soon then probably sell it. It is a damn good bike but doesn't have any suspension. It is a Scott bike and from what i understand they make damn good ones! I have 2 others exactly the same that me and the girlfriend still use. Could save yourself some money seen as brand new ones are way too expensive. I was looking at getting a new one but the $700+ price tags for a basic bike is way out of the question so im sticking with what i got!
I bough a 2nd hand ex. condition Avanti Competitor with full XT gear off tardme for $500.
Light, fast, top quality bike.
Look at Avanti Aggressor/Competitor, or Kona
this is a BIG bike but good gear on it: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-244464902.htm
GT make nice bikes: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-245128460.htm
good entry level Avanti: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-245115619.htm
Haro make bomb proof BMX race bikes - their MTBs are nice too: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-244425304.htm
Forum whore
Won't get a Kona for that kind of money methinks? could be wrong, but all the Konas I've looked at were even flasher than my Merida. Some basic Treks, Marins and Apollos in that price range, will probably be more than fine. Despite discs being all the rage, V brakes are fine unless you ride in the wet or really need fine brake control.
Basically in a bike range you buy a frame, then the models go up in price with lighter/better components. The reality is even most entry bikes are decent for a casual rider, once you've been riding heaps you'll get a better idea of what you want and can upgrade accordingly. Even 'cheap chinese' ones aren't that shit, and face it even the good US and European brands get their bikes manufactured in Taiwan.
Sounds like you won't need full suspension, and if you're seldom going off road, you probably won't even need front suspension either - certainly if you're sticking to nice trails. Suspension helps you ride over obstacles a lot more smoothly, you can just keep the power on and ride over rocks, roots and the like and let the suspension do the work.
There's also other things which you might want/need, but you can always upgrade later - lighter components, clipless pedals, etc...
With skill you can make even cheap shitty bikes work, I certainly used to, and with a bit of regular maintenance kept them going well for years longer than expected. These days my finances allow me to buy toys much more capable than I
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks