Need help buying a bike.

[sam11400]

Anyone know anything about the gmc topkick bike? Im a new b to bikeing. Im looking into going into trails and this bike has a full suspension. Im looking to spend about $300. Like i said im a new b.

[Rock Star]

I don't know anything about that bike. Looks likes its made by Kent.

http://www.amazon.com/GMC-Topkick-Dual-Suspension-Mountain-Bike/dp/B000BT4W2C

I would suggest looking at some hard tails in your price range from the local bike shop.

The Trek 3700 or Specialized HRXC might ride better and last longer.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/3_series/3700/

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32288

The GMC might be ok, but I would recommend trying to stretch into a nice hard tail in your price range if you're serious about mountain biking. Full suspension bikes in that price range usually rob you of lots of pedaling energy and bob like crazy.

Honestly unless you are going to spend $1500 or more I think a good hard tail is a much better buy. At the same price point you get a lighter bike with better components compared to full suspension (usually, almost always).

[longhaultruker2]

PLEASE don't spend hard earned cash on a bike with the name GMC or JEEP on it!they're heavy,use crap components that won't last a week on the trail,and you'll end up hating mtn biking over said bike.

i'm shocked anyone even offers a full sus rig @ that price besides wallymart:eek:

like rock star said,you can get a decent entry level bike (not a "bso",or bicycle shaped object:p) in your price range @ a lbs (local bike shop),especially if they still have any last year's models left.

@ that price point,you should expect strait gauged alluminum frame,budget fork (most likely an rst),21-24 speed of shimano shifty bits,at least tektro v-brakes,and house brand cockpit/wheels/tires.

a lot of guys will tell ya that you just can't get a trail worthy bike anywhere near that price point...not true!while you hafta weigh the pros n cons harder,you can get a moderately upgradable frame that'll last you a several seasons,and let you get out on the trails and have some fun.experience on the trail will let you know down the road if and what parts will better serve you,or if yer bike's fine as is.

i bought a used gary fisher opie (he paid something like $360 new) from a freind to ride while my primary geared bike (i ride a lot more SS-that's singlespeed) was down,he'd put almost 1 entire,hard ridden year on it,kept it well maintained (usin my tools no less:rolleyes:),and it served me from fall,thru winter till last week when i sold it back to him...he'll do a couple upgrades/overhauls,and ride it all year this year too:)

and don't rule out quality used bikes,too.you can score a year old bike costing hundreds more for yer budget with some carefull shopping.check out the "flea market" forum right here to shop,or get an idea.i've bought stuff here...even my "goto",most ridden bike the last couple years,my ol monocog (that's my SS).

hope this long winded:o opinion helps,and i wish you lots of good luck!welcome to mtn biking and the forums here:)

steve

[bomberbarnes]

^ what they said

300 bucks = Hardtail, preferably a good quality 2nd hand one.

I still ride a 1990 C'dale M800 that you could find on ebay for less than 300. It's a far superior frame than any you'll find new for that price. (of course I have other, much shinier bikes aswell, but where would we be without moar bikes?)

If you go the 2nd hand route I suggest you find a friend who knows his/her bikes, so you don't end up with a lemon. A nice frame and non-obsolete running gear will give you a great ride and a good upgrade platform.

I'm assuming you're in NA, if you were in Europe, I would suggest a trip to Decathlon. their own brand (Rockrider) bikes are very capable and well speccd, despite appearing to be a "supermarket" brand.

[trh87]

A buddy and I just got into mountain biking as a form of cross training for racing ATV/dirt bikes cross country. Also just to get into some kind of shape. We both got Iron Horse Warrior 1.3's that we're really pleased with. For $300-$350 you get front and rear disc brakes, shimano shifters/derailers, 24 gears, a rockshox fork with adjustable preload, and a light weight aluminum frame. We got them Tuesday and we've already put 45-50 miles on them total (today is Thursday)

[Rock Star]

We Iron Horse Warrior 1.3's that we're really pleased with. For $300-$350 you get front and rear disc brakes, shimano shifters/derailers, 24 gears, a rockshox fork with adjustable preload, and a light weight aluminum frame.

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl;jsessionid=0a010c451f437deb36be7b04 40e999a0c0f3a5154154.e3eTaxiMa38Te34Pa38 Ta38Tb310?it=A&id=14617

Pretty good spec for that price.

[WVMTNBIKER]

Hello. If you are looking for a good bike, you might want to check mine out. I have a really nice and fully upgraded Trek 8000(USA made bike) for $375.00:) You can go to the Flea Market forum and you will see my bike listed at Vintage Trek 8000 for sale. Honestly, this is the bike you need to check out.

[Ripp]

WV's trek may be a good buy, not sure.

But I know the same money will buy you a Specialized Hard Rock, which is a great (if a tad heavy) frame you can upgrade (or not) as your needs change. There is no better starter MTB available than the Hard Rock. Please, if you are are savvy enough to p[ost your question here, don't buy a GMC branded bike, it will let you down. Buy something from a local bike shop (LBS), you will get a product that will allow you to enjoy MTBing, as opposed to a piece of crap destined to break to soon and leave you feeling like MTBing is for suckers, it isn't! Buy a decent bike and enjoy!

[skidder]

I agree with the previous comments. The most important thing is to get something that fits you comfortably. Check out your LBS

[skidder]

Bike Shop Bikes come in several frame sizes to fit you better. Department Store Bikes are usually Mens and Womens

[davkatreb]

A couple more bucks will put you on a new Monocog. You will never regret it and you will never outgrow it. You can take that to the bank.