A
Albert N. Mouse
Guest
Hi all.
Thanks for the many helpful replies to both of my previous threads... Everyone has been extremely
helpful and informative. And I appreciate it!
So, I've visited two relatively local LBSs and looked at several bikes. I've even ridden a couple
(which must've been pretty comical to the sales staff...) just to see what's what.
At this point, I've decided I definately want to move forward in purchasing a bike. I've set a
budget range of $300 to $500ish bucks and browsed/test-ridden what is available... I decided to deal
with one LBS in particular - they're relatively close to my home, seem to have a good selection, and
the guy at the shop who I chatted with seems to know his stuff and be pretty honest/pleasant.
He stocks 3 real brands in the price range I'm looking for - Trek, Specialized, and Raleigh. I
haven't ridden anything at his shop... The reason is simple. Like a wine neophyte taste $20 Turning
Leaf and a $1000 Chard, I can't appreciate the stuff enough to *really* tell the differences. The
other bokes I rode all seemed equally odd, which I attribute to my out-of-shapeness more than
anything else.
I went to the Moutainbike review website (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2003_hardtail/) and
looked at what people had to say for the: Trek 4300 and 4500 Raleigh M50 and M60 Specialized
Hardrock and Hardrock Comp
My dealer recommeded the Hardrock, though according to reviews on the website there are often issues
with the front suspension. With my weight, I don't want to have a problem. Co-workers have
recommended the Raleigh (good components, but the dealer says not as well constructed as they used
to be) and the Trek (no one can really tell me what's so great about the Trek).
Anyone have any experience with these bikes they'd like to share? At this point, I'm leaning towards
buying the Hardrock (~$330) based on the dealer advice and paying some extra $$ to upgrade some of
the hardware out of the box... Appearantly, the derailleurs are weak and I should be able to upgrade
them well and stay within the price window I've set. Perhaps look at different forks as well?
Any feedback, suggestions, and the like is greatly appreciated as before!
Thanks everyone again for taking the time to lend a hand. Hopefully
I'll be able to give back soon.
Best wishes, A Nony Mouse
Thanks for the many helpful replies to both of my previous threads... Everyone has been extremely
helpful and informative. And I appreciate it!
So, I've visited two relatively local LBSs and looked at several bikes. I've even ridden a couple
(which must've been pretty comical to the sales staff...) just to see what's what.
At this point, I've decided I definately want to move forward in purchasing a bike. I've set a
budget range of $300 to $500ish bucks and browsed/test-ridden what is available... I decided to deal
with one LBS in particular - they're relatively close to my home, seem to have a good selection, and
the guy at the shop who I chatted with seems to know his stuff and be pretty honest/pleasant.
He stocks 3 real brands in the price range I'm looking for - Trek, Specialized, and Raleigh. I
haven't ridden anything at his shop... The reason is simple. Like a wine neophyte taste $20 Turning
Leaf and a $1000 Chard, I can't appreciate the stuff enough to *really* tell the differences. The
other bokes I rode all seemed equally odd, which I attribute to my out-of-shapeness more than
anything else.
I went to the Moutainbike review website (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2003_hardtail/) and
looked at what people had to say for the: Trek 4300 and 4500 Raleigh M50 and M60 Specialized
Hardrock and Hardrock Comp
My dealer recommeded the Hardrock, though according to reviews on the website there are often issues
with the front suspension. With my weight, I don't want to have a problem. Co-workers have
recommended the Raleigh (good components, but the dealer says not as well constructed as they used
to be) and the Trek (no one can really tell me what's so great about the Trek).
Anyone have any experience with these bikes they'd like to share? At this point, I'm leaning towards
buying the Hardrock (~$330) based on the dealer advice and paying some extra $$ to upgrade some of
the hardware out of the box... Appearantly, the derailleurs are weak and I should be able to upgrade
them well and stay within the price window I've set. Perhaps look at different forks as well?
Any feedback, suggestions, and the like is greatly appreciated as before!
Thanks everyone again for taking the time to lend a hand. Hopefully
I'll be able to give back soon.
Best wishes, A Nony Mouse