Moutain / Trail Bikes?

[PimpinD2]

Well since I probably won't have a drivers license for a while, Ive decided it's time to invest in a nice bike. I am use to riding mountain / trail bikes and decided that even though I will be using it to commute to work / run the dog / run basic errands I want to stick with a trail bike.

Any suggestions? My budget it around $500 - $1000. I have seen some nice Giant Yukon FX along with some Gary Fishers.

I will most likely hit up some trails around here when I can actually drive my car to them, so Id like something a little higher up on the scale.

[E.J.]

All fairly close to your top end....

Cannondale F3
GF Hoo Koo E Koo
Jamis Dakota Comp
Klein Attitude V
Specialized SJ'er
Trek 6700

I think looking at used bikes is also a great avenue, sort of like boats....

I REALLY like the Santa Cruz Superlight, which can be had new with the D build for around $1300... It is the only FS that I tried, that I really liked.

In the end, I still didn't find anything that had me paying to replace my 17-18 year old GT Avalanche.... Came VERY, VERY close with the SC....but the guy ended up saying they didn't have what I wanted and would have to order...so I walked out to "think".... 2 days later, received a reply to an e-mail I had sent before going into the shop, saying they had it, but I never made the 30 minute drive back....

[Commodore]

E.J., I loved the GTs. I used to drool over them at the local shop in college. My bike was such a POS.

[goofyboy]

you can get a decent Gary Fisher for around $750 - 800. i have one and have beat the hell out of it for 8 years.

[Lop]

I have had a Kein for 12 years, indestructible

[goofyboy]

what ever you go with, make sure the frame is good. you can replace components and upgrade them, but the frame needs to be strong.

[atolman]

[DRAGON88]

Personally I'm a big fan of the Mid to late 80's Huffy Techra. The construction is just, well, unbelievable! I'll sell you mine, but it's going to be on the upper end of your budget after shipping....

[siuski]

I have a GT and would say to stay away from them. Don't get me wrong they are nice, but their hardtail frame design is VERY unforgiving especially their AL frames. Your rear will thank you. In FL I can't imagine that you'd need a FS, but I also like the Santa Cruise SL's. There is no reason anymore to have V-brakes. The performance and lack of maintainence is worth the minimal extra weight.

[ohsix]

I've got a Specialized Rockhopper Comp that I've been happy with. I put a lot of trail miles (~30 miles a week) when it was new. After a few months it got warm and I quit riding. I don't have a lot of experience with mountain bikes, but I think the shop you buy from will be important. I bought a Specialized because the dealer was good and they included free lifetime maintenance with the bike purchase. I would drop off my bike every couple of weeks to have the wheels trued, worn parts replaced, and the linkage adjusted. So the maintenance was worth a lot.

[jjaszkow]

Recently became a big fan of Kona bikes. How far is your commute? Not sure if I'd really like a mountain bike for commuting. Lifetime maintainance is the shiz.

[PimpinD2]

Well, my roommate and I walked into the local bike shop and walked out with bikes. God we are suckers.

My commute is 3miles each way, but i ride another 1.5hours each day with the dog. Also I was into trail riding a while ago and would like to get back into it. I turned in my Giant Boulder SE and picked up the Giant Yukon FX, with lights and computer is came out to paying a difference of < $400 so not bad. My roommate got one step down with a hard tail frame Giant.

I use to love my old gary fisher, but it got stolen.

[PimpinD2]

oh yea, the shop is great, they do all the tuning and setups for you for lifetime like jjaszkow mentioned.