dipstik
03-28-2004, 06:31 PM
I've determined that I want to buy a new bike because today was my last day of skiing, and my next won't be for another 8 months.
Right now I'm on a 5 (maybe more) year old Specialized rigid rockhopper. Last year I threw some slicks on it for road riding because it's not so good on the trails. The thing is in great shape considering how much I ride it and how old it is, but I really want to get a new bike so that I can take it on the trails.
I'm looking at getting a hardtail for around $700-$800. I'd consider going over $800, but only if I were getting a good deal. Is this too little to spend? Do I need to spend more? Could I get away with spending only $700? (preferable)
Any ideas of something in that range?
There are a few bike shops in my area that I'm planning to go check out this week. What kinds of questions should I be asking the people there? What are you supposed to look for in a bike? What makes similarly-priced-bike-A different from similarly-priced-bike-B?
One last question - are bikes like skis? Are there hardtail bikes that are going to be directed at more of an "advaced" rider than a "beginner" one? (like me) I'm pretty sure the answer is no, but I just want to make sure.
The shop I'm going to first has a list of all the bikes that are on sale here (http://www.bikealley.com/sales/sale_bikes_mtn.html). So if anyone wants to go out on a limb for me and check out what bikes are on that list that you think would match what I want, I would really appreciate it.
Any other suggestions on where to start would also be great.
Thanks!
Right now I'm on a 5 (maybe more) year old Specialized rigid rockhopper. Last year I threw some slicks on it for road riding because it's not so good on the trails. The thing is in great shape considering how much I ride it and how old it is, but I really want to get a new bike so that I can take it on the trails.
I'm looking at getting a hardtail for around $700-$800. I'd consider going over $800, but only if I were getting a good deal. Is this too little to spend? Do I need to spend more? Could I get away with spending only $700? (preferable)
Any ideas of something in that range?
There are a few bike shops in my area that I'm planning to go check out this week. What kinds of questions should I be asking the people there? What are you supposed to look for in a bike? What makes similarly-priced-bike-A different from similarly-priced-bike-B?
One last question - are bikes like skis? Are there hardtail bikes that are going to be directed at more of an "advaced" rider than a "beginner" one? (like me) I'm pretty sure the answer is no, but I just want to make sure.
The shop I'm going to first has a list of all the bikes that are on sale here (http://www.bikealley.com/sales/sale_bikes_mtn.html). So if anyone wants to go out on a limb for me and check out what bikes are on that list that you think would match what I want, I would really appreciate it.
Any other suggestions on where to start would also be great.
Thanks!