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
