kmf <
[email protected]> wrote:
>>>> Looking for a new bike. Last bike I bought was a bmx (about 15
>>>> years ago). Looking to do about 50/50 offroad/onroad. Looking to
>>>> spend between 500-800 USD. Things sure have changed..
>>>>
>>>> Any pointers on the mountain bikes that offer the best bang for the
>>>> buck (quality and qty)?
>>>
>>> Original poster here,
>>> I have found a good deal on this bike at a local bike shop:
>>> http://www.harobikes.com/2003/ics4.html
>>> Any comments? Can get it for about $550-600 USD including taxes..
>>
>> I've seen worse for more money. At that price range, the spec isn't
>> bad. I've got no clue about the frame itself, but I've seen a
>> similar component group on bikes costing hundreds more.
>
> Do you think it would be good for the type of riding I originally
> described above, about 50/50 offroad/onroad?
As it's configured right now, no I don't think it would be your best bet.
The bike you show appears designed to be a low-end mountain bike. It
probably relatively heavy and not the best thing to put in miles on the
road. The suitability of it for your need depends more on what type of "off
road" riding you want to do and how much road riding you want to do. If
you're talking gravel paths and groomed but unpaved bike trails, you're
probabaly better off looking at a hybrid machine. If you are talking about
standard off-road mtb terrain (hehehe, whatever that is?) then you may want
to sacrifice some road-riding efficiency for better performance off road.
The bottom line is that you can always ride a MTB on the road, but not
vice-versa. The question you need to ask is what you'll give up in the way
of speed and effiiciency in favor of comfort and off road performance. You
can always "roadie-ize" a mtb with slick wheels, changed the stem and fork,
etc.
My advice -- go talk to a well regarded bike shop. Let them show you the
type of bike that meets your needs in the price range you want. Then have
them make sure whatever you buy fits.
Tom
