Total noob couple - Help us buy bikes

[Elsh]

Hello,

Anyone want to take a stab at helping my wife and I buy bikes?

A little bit about us:
Neither of us has any experience with mountain biking but we are really interested in getting out and getting some exercise. Our goal is do as much cross country riding as possible on a bike that won't cry if we meet some stones or branches. My research implies that I want either a XC bike or an all mountain bike. A DH bike seems like overkill for both of us.

Our unanswered questions:
Is there a best brand for bikes in $300-$1000 price range? Are there a couple brands that we should focus our search on? Every bike shop we go to, guarantees us that their brands are the best and most dependable for our needs, someone has to be wrong.

Are there specific models that you would recommend for a somewhat large man (6'1", 210lbs, Medium frame)?

Are there specific models that you would recommend for a smallish woman (5'5", 130lbs, medium frame, really small hands)

Is the idea of being 'cute' and buying the same bike in our appropriate sizes a good idea? Or does our size difference mean that we should gravitate towards different bikes?

We've looked everywhere and gone to many stores, each time we walk away with more options and more uncertainty. We want to make a solid investment in bikes and bike frames that we can upgrade over time. At the moment we are strongly leaning towards a full-suspension frame so that we don't have to worry about upgrading that for a long time.

Some of our top picks, though in now way an exhaustive or exclusive list and their prices in my area.

1. Giant Yukon FK
2. Haro Swift
3. Haro Shift r1
4. Haro Shift r4
5. Trek 6000
6. Trek 6500
7. Trek 6500 WSD
8. Giant Trance 2
9. Giant XTC 1

If you have any hints, tips or advice that can help us make a choice we'd really appreciate it. Feel encouraged to point out other companies or models that you think we should really consider, comment on these or note anything else you think would be helpful.

[rockhound]

You will get a lot more for your money if you get a hardtail instead of a full suspension. Don't assume that you "have" to upgrade to a full suspension.

Some of us own over ten bikes and don't even have a full suspension. I live in the midwest and I don't think it's necessary for me. Some around here have them. I had one at one time, but I didn't care for it. Less maintenance, the better.

I had a Giant XTC at one time and loved it. Great bang for the buck and the frame is just as light as many bikes costing thousands more. Definitely upgradeable.

[50 Mission Cap]

I've heard good stuff on the trek 6000 series. I'd look into that. Downhill would be total overkill.

[rockyrider]

A couple of key questions: where are you riding and how old are you?

Trail surface and elevation will help decide if a suspension bike is useful. If you have really rough trails (lots of rocks, roots and ruts) then a full suspension bike can make riding more pleasant, and you can ride longer with less fatigue. If there is lots of elevation change, then a bike that climbs well is very important. The Trance 2 fits both those bills.

If you have fairly smooth trails then a hardtail works well.

If you're closer to the far side of the 30's or into your 40's then a good full susser can really reduce the beating on longer rides with a minimal weight penalty.

And avoid buying matching bikes unless they happen to fit. Your wife may benefit from a Women Specific fit bike like Trek and others produce. At your height you're looking at 19" or 20" frames in most lines.

Most of all, get fit properly by a bike shop that knows what they're doing. Nothing collects dust as fast as bikes that don't fit well (other than exercylces or stair machines - which also double as clothing racks).

[longhaultruker2]

i've never owned a dual squishy bike,so i can't offer any opinions there,other than mba recently did a $800+/- trailbike shoot out,and the giant yukon won it (all the others placed 2nd:rolleyes:).

if yer looking @ hardtails,keep in mind that there is more than 1 choice in frame materials too.budget steel as well as alluminum.alluminum is more stiff,and wastes no wattage when in contact with the ground,but the ride can be harsh.steel weighs a little more (usually),but has some inherant flex in the tubes (obviously diffrent steels/purposes,but think leaf springs under a truck).

be sure you're buying frame quality,and not just a blingy derailluer or fork,as a quality frame will last years,and is worthy of upgrades.

with that said,rockyrider gave some excellent advice (as usual:D) on type of riding,and keep in mind,most manufacturers are putting similarly speced parts on similarly priced rides.a good shop outweighs a $50 cheaper price.

happy shopping,welcome to the lifestyle/sport,welcome to the forums,and post some pics when you get em!

[Elsh]

A couple of key questions: where are you riding and how old are you?

We are both in our early 20's.


Trail surface and elevation will help decide if a suspension bike is useful. If you have really rough trails (lots of rocks, roots and ruts) then a full suspension bike can make riding more pleasant, and you can ride longer with less fatigue. If there is lots of elevation change, then a bike that climbs well is very important. The Trance 2 fits both those bills.

If you have fairly smooth trails then a hardtail works well.

If you're closer to the far side of the 30's or into your 40's then a good full susser can really reduce the beating on longer rides with a minimal weight penalty.

And avoid buying matching bikes unless they happen to fit. Your wife may benefit from a Women Specific fit bike like Trek and others produce. At your height you're looking at 19" or 20" frames in most lines.

Most of all, get fit properly by a bike shop that knows what they're doing. Nothing collects dust as fast as bikes that don't fit well (other than exercylces or stair machines - which also double as clothing racks).


Thanks a bunch for the advice.

We have only visited one trail, we did some hiking and it was pretty rough from my perspective. The few mountain bikers we saw on the trail were on full suspension bikes but they were also pretty serious riders (one of them used to race semi-pro I believe). His daughters were there in very entry level hardtails and we got the impression that they couldn't hope to keep up with him or his son who were on much higher quality full suspension bikes. Both of their bikes were in the 5-7K range, way more than I hope to spend. I know its an apples and oranges comparison, but its all I have. It wasn't a very technical trail from what I could tell, its just very well situated in the midfield, CT and one of two trails in my neighborhood. It did have a lot of climbs though, it would be nice if whatever I bought could handle those okay.

At the moment we are on the fence between a really friendly all-purpose bike shop and an 'unthusiast' bike shop, both in our area. We'll probably opt to buy from the all-purpose store just because we feel more welcome as noobs.

[Elsh]

be sure you're buying frame quality,and not just a blingy derailluer or fork,as a quality frame will last years,and is worthy of upgrades.


How can you tell that a frame is quality?

I read the MBA action article you mentioned, and it left me a bit perturbed mostly because I don't know their reputation or their willingness to frankly evaluate bikes and gear. The fact that no bike was less than second place didn't inspire confidence. I also didn't see much mention of how the bikes were selected for testing. I couldn't tell if the five bikes they chose were five of the best for under 880 or just five bikes that sell for under 880.

[Moe\/elo]

Dirt Rag does the best bike tests, hands down. There was a DR article recently just on this subject. Linky someone.....

[cMc]

Rigid singlespeed 29'ers. With disc brakes. ;)

[RandomDood]

I recommend hitting your local bike shop and asking them the same questions. If you can, shop around. Hit two or three LBS's and find one you like. Then when you are ready to buy, get fit for the bike, by a good bike mechanic. Can't push the fitting hare enough. It makes all the difference. Then get a helmet and go have fun. You've chosen a great sport. Welcome and enjoy.

[RepublicanSS]

i agree with rockhound, the list you provided i'd got with the xtc.

[althegud1srtakn]

as said before: you'll get more bang for your buck on a hardtail.

what hasn't been said before (or maybe i just skimmed over it): don't get the same bike to look cute. get the same bike if it fits you both well. your size difference won't mean that you should get different bikes, but your body type will. the length of your arms/torso/legs will determine how the bike fits for you. try on a few different bikes for fit and go with what fits best and has the best compnents in your price range

[bomberbarnes]

...and make sure that the bike you get is *slightly* better than the one you get your GF. This is important :D

If you're in your 20s and new to the sport but willing to spend good money (from the list above it looks like you have a good idea of budget for a quality (better than) entry level bike then I'd go with a hardtail over a full suspension. Regardless of terrain

Did I just say that? Yes and here's why.


Flexibility and efficiency. You can ride a racing XC hardtail down the alps (ask my missus, she did last year) albeit slower than your mate on the big full susser (that'll 've bin me). you can ride up them too. Something he will struggle to do more than you (indeed I did). there are some very nice FS bikes out there now that may be approaching the pedaling efficiency of hardtail bikes, but I don't believe they're there yet and they're all the bloody pricey ones anyway. This is a controversial point, but this is my opinion on it.
Cost. You get more HT than FS for the same money
Longevity and Obsolescence. FS = (I admit less and less) developing technology. An HT is unlikely to become "obsolete". A quality HT frame can last you decades. I am still riding the HT I bought in 1990. none of the parts are original but the frame is still going strong. I have other bikes as well, but that one is still going and going
Maintenance. HT = less to go wrong. FS has pivots and all that stuff


At any pricepoint (except the one Rocky operates at ;)) you will be balancing frame quality against component spec. My suggestion would echo those made above. Get a hardtail with a high quality frame. This will mean sacrificing some in componentry but nevermind. Believe me, if you enjoy the sport you'll be upgrading parts pretty quickly. Any quality bike shop should understand the concept of an investment frame and be able to point you in the right direction.

But above all ... Make sure it fits and have fun!

[mimbresman]

Full rigid, geared (if you can find one)...and teach yer self some skills.

[singletrackmind]

get the nicest hardtail you can. If you love biking (as we know you will) you can take the parts and through them on a full suspension frame later if you really think you need it. I bought a specialized stumpjumper $1400 with the intent of swapping the parts over to a full suspension but after 1 1/2 years of racing I dont think I will. it is light and fast and it wins races.

also check into the Cane Creek thud buster seatpost.

fat tires and tubeless is good

[cogmarks]

Here is my recommendation for your wife. I think she would like the Trek 6500 or 6500 WSD. My first mtb was a Trek 8000 which is basically the same bike with better components. At 5'5", your wife is on the borderline as to whether she needs to bother with trying to find a women's specific bike. I will depend on her proportions. My 8000 is a rock solid bike, but it is light weight enough to be easily maneuvered. With a properly set up fork and correct tire pressure, the hardtail works just fine in rough terrain. I don'y see the need to have a dual suspension, and I ride on rocky, rooty trails in North GA. Good luck on your purchases.

[Nick Verstain]

If I were 30-some years younger and inexperienced on the bike, I'd go for a steel hardtail. You're young and supple and should be able to deal with the increased pounding.

I wouldn't go full-suspension yet, because a hardtail is a better teacher. You need to learn how to pick lines on the trail. A FS bike lets you get away with sloppier lines, which can result in a false sense of security on more technical (difficult) trails. But wouldn't go totally rigid unless you're into S&M.

Most original-equipment tires aren't necessarily the best for the trails you ride the most, so ask your bike shop to swap the factory rubber for something with approriate tread and bigger air volume. That will serve as cheap full suspension until you get your skills down.

And please, don't get matching bikes. Cute is good for puppies, but you'll generate a lot of snickers on the trail. Same thing goes for matching jerseys unless you're on a real team or club.

If you want to spend money, concentrate on your contact areas: handlebar, pedals and saddle. All the suspension in the world won't help if your ass hurts, your hands are numb and you're using the plastic flat pedals that came with the bike. The sooner you can you switch to clipless (actually, clip-in/out) pedals, the better.

You will fall many times, especially when you're making the transition to "clipless" pedals. Invest in a good helmet, glasses and padded gloves.

Instead of spending a lot of money, spend as much time as possible riding with better riders. You'll learn quickly by riding behind someone who knows what they're doing. Real mountain-biking is not easily self-taught and you'll find one of the great things about the sport is that we're pretty much nice people who have a lot of opinions but we're also caring and eager to help newcomers.

Just don't get cute.

[OTBSkinloss]

And please, don't get matching bikes. Cute is good for puppies, but you'll generate a lot of snickers on the trail. Same thing goes for matching jerseys unless you're on a real team or club.


Just don't get cute.

What he said!
:D

[Elsh]

Just to clarify, is the advice not to buy two bikes of the same model and size or not to buy two bikes of the same size?

Is the idea that we should make completely independent shopping decisions?

[tryandgetme]

getting matching bikes is just cosmetics as far as the above is concerned, but you need to get sizes that fit you, and you specifically, and a different size as needed for the other person, rather than just buying two bikes the same size. If yours is slightly a different size than the other one, that's fine, and that's good. A poorly fitting bike is the worst kind of bike.

[davkatreb]

If you're twentysomething, I can't see for the life of me why you'd need gears or squish. I'm 56 and have never ridden anything but a rigid singlespeed in the woods. But hey, it's your money.

[Mo0se]

I know it's been mentioned somewhere in here,
but I was to0 lazy to read the whole thread.

My suggestion is to demo everything in your
pricepoint and go with what feels best and
fits. Ignore brand names, and hype. (most of
the popular brands are made overseas, more
than likely, in the same factory or same area.)

If the bike feels good and fits, it can be
ridden anywhere. Look for lifetime warranties
as well. Allow some of your budget for good
quality helmets, gloves, hydration packs,
air pumps, spare tubes, tools, lights for
night riding, (if you are inclined to do that.)
Shorts, jerseys, socks, shoes. Bike racks
if needed. Buying all these things for two
people is a big expense, and commitment.

Some bike shops will have leftover 07 models
for huge savings. There is nothing
wrong with buying the same model for you and
your spouse, whether they match or not is
completely irrelevant.

The most important thing you can do is
keep it fun, and real.

[Elsh]

We're getting closer and closer to making a final decision:

I've narrowed my selection to:

Trek 6500
Specialized - Rockhopper Comp Disc
Giant XTC - least likely to get at this point

My wife's choosing between
Specialized - Myka HT Elite
Trek - 4500 WSD

[Rock Star]

Excellent. I think you are the right track. I own a Rockhopper Comp Disc and I like it a lot. My buddy owns a Trek 6000 and it seems to be a very good bike as well.
I woud suggest that your wife consider the 6000/6500 series of Trek over the 4500, she will be happier and if shes happier you will be too. And she should check out the equivalent level Specialized bikes as well.

What everyone has said about fit is important. As far as matching bikes, they are just trying to keep you from looking matchy poo poo dorky. Think of couples who wear the same outfit.

I do think you probably want to buy both bikes from the same local bike shop though. It will make things easier and avoid multiple trips to different shops. If you have a shop that sells both Specialized and Trek thats great and you can each choose which ever fits and feels the best.

Dont forget to get helmets, gloves and camelbacks too.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with!

[dirtworshipper]

Sounds like a good selection. I hadn't looked at the current crop of bikes in this price range for a while, but my girlfriend is talking about buying one, and we've been checking out a lot of the bikes you mentioned. They all seem like great bikes.

Good luck!

[myron]

I have no idea what you people are talking aboot.

[Ripp]

Elsh,
You touched briefly on what I think may be the most important factor from this point. Which shop do you feel the most welcome at? If you get into mountain biking (which you will!:D) you will be seeing these people on a semi regular basis, it's important that you get along with them at least a little bit. As a beginner you will need to ask questions (of course this forum is a great place for that!) and will also be adding things to your riding bag camelbak, clipless pedals and shoes, etc. so you want to feel like you get honest advice from the shop.

That is more important that Specialized vs Trek vs Giant. Those are 3 of the 4 largest MTB companies in the world, and they all make good bikes, buy from the shop you like the best!

[skidder]

get a Fisher 29 hardtail. They are simple and ride great. My buddie`s girlfriend is 5-2 and she loves hers.

[billsfan]

Be sure to buy a bike for your wife that she will be happy with. (Even if it means you get a lesser bike so she can get a better one) :) If she isn't happy or comfortable she won't want to ride and she will get discouraged. :( Also look in to taking a riding skills class. I went to one and I learned alot, It was worth it. Also check with any organizations with womans groups. It seams woman like to ride and learn together with out feeling intimidated before thay try to keep up with the boy's. Here in vermont there is a Club Called the Fellowship of the Wheel and they have a seperate group for woman called the Bellaship. WWW.fotwheel.org.

Learn some skills before you get in the woods and just start winging it. Beware of freinds that may have good intentions of teaching you, some times it dosen't work out. I had some freinds that tried to teach me to downhill ski and the first year was hell.:eek:

Have fun!:D