New bike suggestion

[bhss89]

I am looking to again own a bike after having been bikeless for nearly 6 years. I used to own a pretty nice Trek Y11, but had to sell it to buy books for grad school. At any rate, I'm now looking to find a bike that I can use to both commute to school and ride trails (nothing too gnarly). I am looking to go hard tail this time 'round and want to spend around $500. I am 6'5"/215 and am long-legged (or is that short-waisted?). New would be nice, but if someone can turn me on to a bike that I can try to find used, that is cool too.
If I left out any info that will help you help me, let me know.
Thank you for the advice in advance, and I hope this is the first in a long line of posts on DRF - I just figure I need to own a MTB before I've any justifiable reason to post when I should be working . . . :D

[50 Mission Cap]

I am looking to again own a bike after having been bikeless for nearly 6 years. I used to own a pretty nice Trek Y11, but had to sell it to buy books for grad school. At any rate, I'm now looking to find a bike that I can use to both commute to school and ride trails (nothing too gnarly). I am looking to go hard tail this time 'round and want to spend around $500. I am 6'5"/215 and am long-legged (or is that short-waisted?). New would be nice, but if someone can turn me on to a bike that I can try to find used, that is cool too.
If I left out any info that will help you help me, let me know.
Thank you for the advice in advance, and I hope this is the first in a long line of posts on DRF - I just figure I need to own a MTB before I've any justifiable reason to post when I should be working . . . :D

Sounds like you need a big'un. Maybe 20 inch? 21? I'd get something used on ebay for that kinda cash. If you look / wait around a bit, a deal will come your way.

[bhss89]

50: Any suggestions on used bikes in my $ range that I should keep an eye out for? I've been out of the game too long and really don't know where to begin. We have a decent LBS where I live and several more in my hometown two hours away. You think eBay is my best choice?

[bhss89]

And to further my newbie legend, what is a 29er? Bigger wheels I am guessing. Would that be a good choice for a taller person like myself?

[myron]

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/monocog-29er.html .....only if you reliable

[myron]

And to further my newbie legend, what is a 29er? Bigger wheels I am guessing. Would that be a good choice for a taller person like myself?

I think so.....

Yes a 29er has bigger wheels. Instead of a 26" wheel bike

[bhss89]

Okay, I'm intrigued, tell me more . . . how can a single-speed bike, like the Redline Monocog 29er, be practical? Doesn't that make going up hills a task?

[jerman]

Okay, I'm intrigued, tell me more . . . how can a single-speed bike, like the Redline Monocog 29er, be practical? Doesn't that make going up hills a task?

Yeah it can be a task, depends on your gear ration. Might not be the best choice for commuting.

[Cricket]

Yeah it can be a task, depends on your gear ration..
It all depends on how many gears you eat each day. Be weary of the one's in standing water.
Moderation i say

[50 Mission Cap]

50: Any suggestions on used bikes in my $ range that I should keep an eye out for? I've been out of the game too long and really don't know where to begin. We have a decent LBS where I live and several more in my hometown two hours away. You think eBay is my best choice?

I agree w/ the guys above. A nice redline 29er monocog would be great; cost effective, fun to ride, and best of all, you get a new ride and don't have to deal with any ebay bs. W/ your size, I suppose you should go w/ a 29er.... Up to you if you want gears or not. I tend to not notice the limitations of an SS w/ those big 29 inch wheels....

[JerodH]

I am 6'5 as well, and I just got a 29er. I think you owe it to yourself to at least test ride one before you get anything just to see what fits you better. I don't think you have to be taller to have a 29er. With 21 inch frame, it may fit you better. Its all about preference! For me it feet like I have more bike under me. Explore your options man. Its all good!

[Hand/of/Midas]

if your 6'5" you may want a bigger than 21" frame......
there are companies that make 23-24" frames out there, but you have to go to your LBS to find out for sure what size you really need.

[JerodH]

Just for fun, last week at my LBS, I sat on a 25 in. Trek comfy bike, and wow, it was huge. The seat ws down as far as it would go(had a shock post and a reflector on the post) and it was the right height for me. your right, there is alot to choose from.

[althegud1srtakn]

for that price i'd look at used bikes. is the craigslist community active where you live? if it is then that would be a really good place to turn.

and if you're using it for commuting and trails, a single speed may not be a very good option. if you don't mind having 2 chainrings and to gears on the cassette, and moving the chain each time you wanna switch what you're riding then it's still a good option tho. it's really not that big of a hassle either.

something like this (http://www.psyclestore.com/product_info.php?cPath=29_34&products_id=79&osCsid=241b24e1c2eaa1e66fd9d1957d0dab0b) and this (http://www.psyclestore.com/product_info.php?cPath=29_34&products_id=125&osCsid=241b24e1c2eaa1e66fd9d1957d0dab0b) is what i'm talking about just to clarify. tho it can be done a lot cheaper, and the redline uses a cassette style hub instead, which makes it even easier

[davkatreb]

Fixie.

hopethishelps

[bhss89]

Thank you to all for the advice.
There's a LBS in my hometown (2 hours away) that I've contacted to set up test rides. I'm thinking the Monocog 29er sounds sweet, but will have to see if the 21" frame fits me. Hope to make it all happen very soon so I can post on here and actually have a bike to talk about!

LBS . . . 2 hours away . . . doesn't sound right . . .
:confused:

[50 Mission Cap]

This guy here in KC just opened a shop down by my work; he carries jamis stuff. He's got a pretty sweet "Exile" rigid, ss, 2-niner, in his window... looks cool as hell. Sub $1,000 also....