"Penny S" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Specialized27 wrote:
> > I need some advice on a good first mountain bike. Any info is welcome, but I am looking for a
> > bike in the 200-400 USD price range. I dont need to get a new bike if any of you know a good
> > place to buy a used mountain bike that would be great! Thanks for any info,
> >
> > See ya
> >
> > Kyle
> >
> >
>
http://bbauer.gomen.org/newbike/
That's an excellent resource and much-needed; but I disagree with some of his qualitative
assessments.
Shimano LX is not a "minimum standard" for hard riding. It has been called the "gold standard" -
meaning that every boutique manufacturer should strive to match LX's durability and precision as a
minimum requirement. I would also argue that XT is the practical peak of MTB components, with XTR
falling well into the "diminishing returns" range. I agree with many others who have said that Deore
(one step down in quality from LX) is the best component value (price/performance) on the market.
Hi-tensile steel bikes are at least as durable and tough as any other frame material. Ultralight
aluminum "beer can" bikes are much more likely to fail catastrophically than oversized thick-walled
straight-gauge hi-ten steel frames. Where cheap steel bikes are found lacking is mostly in the
wheels, handlebars and other cheaply-built components. However, many low-end bike-shop brands are
only a hair's breadth away from better-quality dept store bikes in component choices, while their
prices may be 2x as much.
7-speed cassettes are *just fine* for any application. There is no practical argument against them,
on any score, especially since replacement parts are plentiful and cheap. Seven speed is fine for
steep climbing, too: Shimano makes Megarange 7-speed cassettes with a 34T cog - the largest rear cog
on the market - and they put them on many low-end bikes. A 21-speed bike can go as fast, shift as
well and climb as easily as any other bike on the market. Period. The only gearing impediment might
be a crank with too-tall gearing (28-38-48 is not uncommon on cheaper bikes.)
Just my $.02 worth...
-=B=-
