biknfatty said:
What's a good bike for a beginning MTN Biker who will attempt to do some light to medium trails and bike to work on the street to assist in getting in shape. I'm looking for something to hold a 280lb guy
without breaking. Not looking into spending more the $500 either.
Thanks!
No $500 bike will hold up to daily trail riding under a 280# guy. You might be able to get a bike to last 3-6mos before needing some component changes. Things will break or wear out and you'll fix/upgrade incrementally.
Cranks, tires, wheels and front fork can be problems. I weigh 260# and ride all but daily. I regularly swap tires but have upgraded the fork and wheels that were on my bike... along with everything else over the years.
Technology has come a long ways since I started.
Make sure you get a splined botom bracket/crank. They are exponentially better than square taper BBs.
The better front fork is money well spent. Us heavy guys have problems with flex in the forks.
Get at least 24 speeds(3x8.. prefer 3x9). it keeps you in the better parts.
Everything else will work itself out over time. I bought an '03 specialized hardrock pro disc for my son and have played on it a bit. It seems to be a pretty solid <$500 ($429 +tax)bike.
I helped a buddy pick out a Trek for ~$500 that has been holding up to his abuse, i mean, use
It was out the door for ~$550.
Just don't think that breaking or wearing out a part makes them bad bikes. Even the best parts break under heavy guys.
FWIW,
Mark