tell me about mountain bikes

R

rhorn27

250+ Posts
I know there have been multiple threads on this topic, but I need some specific help. I really just need something for family cruising and the also some trail riding (Greenbelt and Walnut) for personal recreation and workouts. I do not want to spend more than $900. I was looking at the Specialized Rockhopper Disc 29

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1. what is the opinion of the average rider of a 26" wheel vs. a 29" wheel?

2. gary fisher vs. specialized?

3. hydraulic disc brakes, tube disc brakes, or regular brakes?

4. other advice and thoughts
 
thanks, that's helpful. I'll remember that when I'm cruising around town with my daughter in tow thinking about how my last college exam was over 10 years ago.
 
that is a good bike. since you ceiling is $900, you are going to have a lot of choices.

here is the deal. If you really don't plan on riding a lot off road, then your price point might be a bit high at $900.

also, most all of these bikes... specialized, gf, trek, etc.... are all basically going to have a variation of the same parts when the bike is within the same price range. The differences will be small. for instance, you aren't going to find a specialized with XTR brakes and cranks and a gary f for the same price with shimano "alivio" brakes and cranks. most of the bikes are set up in that price range to offer you basically the same level of components as the other bikes in that class.

Your loyalty should be geared towards the feel of the bike... not so much the brand in this case. once you get in this price range, it's not the same thing as Honda vs. Ford. it is more like nissan vs toyota. not a lot of difference really except when you look at a company like jamis.

I've been through 5 bikes in the last 6 years and all of them have been pretty dependable. That includes a Marin, Jamis, K2, Specialized, and a trek. My favorite is/was the Jamis. Higher quality components for the price. Highly recommended.
 
A good article on 29'ers v. 26 inch wheels --The Link

I am a fan of getting a bike for the terrain you are riding. A mountain bike is for mud/ruts/rocks/out of the seat riding/. . . A hybrid is for all around city riding.

I am doing less mountain biking these days (long story) and am glad I have a hybrid for street riding. I wouldn't take it on a trail, but I love it on the road.

My street bike:

5hr1yorg.jpg
 
You would certainly need a mt bike for walnut creek or the greenbelt. The best advice I can give you on buying a bike is to wait for a sale. Just like cars, new models come out ever 6 to 12 months. When the new model comes out, bike shops will give you a hefty discount on the previous model. Honestly, little changes from bike to bike besides the color. Ride both of those options and pick the one that feels more comfortable. They probably have slightly different geometries. Other than that, you are probably getting a quality bike either way.
 
from my experience, get the best components you can. I used to ride a Raleigh M80 (don't laugh) that was outfitted pretty well, and had a bomber Manitou shock on the front. it took a lot of punishment over the years... took it on slickrock, did the San Juan Hut system, etc. held up fine.

$900 can get you a lot of bike. A LOT. don't get shorted by some dude who's trying to push the wrong bike on you.
 
Ask yourself seriously how much you want to ride on trails and how much you really will. I say this because a lot of people think they do but then just don't and end up with more of an off road bike than they will need.

If you want light trails then lean towards a hybrid and change out your tires if need be for more grip off road. Then you can have slicks or something like them for road riding.

You can then invest, like others are saying, on your components. Think about picking up a second bike on the cheap off of craigslist. Learn your size if you want a road bike and get an older one for a couple hundred dollars. Keep it tuned up and air in the tires for that day when your other bike goes to the shop but you want to ride. The second or spare bike is a godsend for me as I commute to work by bike.
 
i got a gary fischer for just over $300 at the bike shop caddy corner to cain and ables.... so far this is a great bike. works great on the trails at walnut creek park which is full of hills, rocks, bumps, jumps, everything you could want in a bike trial.

last week i put it down on a jump. hit it at the wrong angle. i would've dismounted over the handle bars, but my penis didn't quite make it and i hurt my pee pee.
 
Thanks for the input on this thread. I rode a lot of bikes over the last 3 weeks and finally opted for the Gary Fisher Tassajara (sp?). See below.

tassajara.jpg
 
I'll be using my tax return to get a dual suspension bike. Not really related to your question, but I'm all giddy about a new bike and wanted to share.
 
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