Mountain bike? Suggestions please.

[VXorado]

I've been riding a Giant Iguana disc for years, the bike is pretty light and strong. Its a hardtail unlike VCrossfan's full suspension and just has the shocks up front. You have to decide what you want: full suspension or hardtail. Hardtails are usually cheaper and lighter, full suspensions usually have a smoother ride but can be pricy (and the cheapos are usually really heavy)- pretty much a recap on what Mark said.

I would recommend full suspension if you want to spend at least $300-400 for a used one and a hardtail (with front shocks) if you want a decent bike for cheap. I once had a $99 full suspension bike from walmart and after a few months the crank arm broke off and the rear suspension locked up.

If you find some bikes on craigslist, you should post them on this thread and we can let you know if they're any good looking.

[technocoy]

I've got a trek 6500 and love it too. I'm a bigger guy as well (width wise) and just bought a more comfy gel seat.

I wouldn't skimp on the bike if you are a heavy dude. You want good components when you put a lot of weight to it otherwise what seems like a great deal now will wind up costing you as much in the mid term when all the components start popping.

I love my Trek and love my Specialized when I had it, but I've had some friends pick up similar bikes with nicer shimano components from REI and I was surprised at the quality for the price.

Buddy of mine got a very similar bike to mine with the front shock and disc brakes (all the same shimano components) with just a hair heavier frame for like 400-450.

Give a look on craigslist for a nice trek or specialized mountain and just get a good seat.

[Hotsauce]

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4241/matrixmhb.jpg (too big to post)

Thats my Dahon Matrix. It folds, and its very strong.

Mine also has the Bionx fitted. Not a cheap option, but overall, its made the bike more useful for me, and I ride everywhere now, whereas before I almost never rode.

These tires are almost slicks, so not as hard to pedal as knobby tires.



I also have a Felt carbon fiber bike for more serious road riding, but it mostly sits because its not as much fun to ride.

John C.

[MSHardeman]

Hotsauce,
Not to T.J. too much here, but what is that Bionx thing? That rear hub looks huge. Is it internally geared?

[Triathlete]

VCrossfan, I rented a Trek Fuel while i Moab. Great bike and a blast on the Slickrock trail. Really absorbed the bumps nicely.

Again though, a price range would help in recommendations,

[handeeman]

This looks like something you may like. Don't know if they make it in a mountain bike configuration. See a lot of em here in Florida, some being ridden by people of your stature, so they appear to be strong. Think there around $250.00 thru walmark.



Attachment 1171

[Hotsauce]

Hotsauce,
Not to T.J. too much here, but what is that Bionx thing? That rear hub looks huge. Is it internally geared?

www.bionx.ca

The rear houses a 350watt electric motor. That 'thing' on the frame is a LiMn battery pack. The controller is torque sensitive, and it also has regenerative braking.

John C.

[MSHardeman]

John, that's pretty freakin' cool. From what I read (quickly) it doesn't look like the motor propels you on it's own, but just adds a little push to the effort that you put in. I know I've needed a "little help" many times trying to get up a steep hill.

OK, back to Dumke's question.....have you made a decision yet?