Suggestions for entry level mountain bike?



Joselin

New Member
Jan 22, 2005
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Hi all,
You seem to be willing to offer advice to newbies like me so I'll give it a go. Thank you in advance as this is all very confusing!
I'm looking at buying a bike. My last one was a late '70s Raleigh 10 speed so that tells you my level of knowledge!! I think I'd like to try some off-roading when my fitness level gets a bit better, but in the mean time I'd like to do some road and bike trails and maybe fire trails.

I want something decent but not too expensive and have been looking in the $500-$600 range, roughly. Currently looking at a Trek 4300, Felt Q600, Avanti Escape. I've heard good things about Kona but don't know where to get them on the Central Coast of NSW. Specialized is highly recommended by a local shop - no bias there, of course!!

Does anyone have recommendations or advice about these or other good bikes to consider? Also, is anyone interested in some recreational biking on the Central Coast or north shore of Sydney?

Thanks
Anne
 
Had a look at the bike specs on the web.



Personally, I believe that there is not alot of difference between the Trek and the Avanti. I did not go and look at the Shimano website for the differences in the components.



The Felt is another story. I believe that the FELT Q600 is not a 2005 model. From the website http://www.feltracing.com, FELT are now offering only 3 models. All relatively high / top end mountain bikes, and would be out of your price range. (The price shown is probably US dollars, so would have to be increased for Aussie dollars).



From my understanding TREK may offer lifetime frame warranty (probably for the original purchasee), or some other warranty. I am not sure about Avanti.

You may wish to check this out, in addition to whom the warranty is made.

For example, one of my mountain bikes is a GT (which came with lifetime frame warranty against defects). I purchased the bike when Southcott were the importers of GT bicycles. This has now ceased. Southcott now import another brand of bike, and GT would be imported into Australia by someone else.

Now, if my frame was to crack / break, would it still be replaced because GT is NOW imported by another company, or is the warranty issued by the bike shop were purchased (and because they are still in business, the warranty is still valid).

You should check this out, because if the importer changes, your warranty may be null and void, and in the reverse circumstance if the local bike shop ceases to trade.



Additionally, all brands you mentioned are manufacturers of good quality bicycles.

You should also consider the shop from were the bike will be purchased. You will have to take it back to the shop for repairs and/or service.



OH my smiley.:)
 
Had a quick look at the Avanti and the Trek. I personally would go for the Trek. Has disc brakes rather than v-brakes, alivio rear derailleur which is better than acera. The Trek also has a better fork. I wouldn't know the difference in the quality of the frames, but at that price range it is probably very similar.

But, this is judging by what is on paper! My suggestion would be to try them both out to see which one feels best for you as the geometry from different bike manufacturers can differ greatly. Also take into consideration the shop(s) that the bikes will be bought from, making sure you are comfortable with the staff, service, etc.

My 2c.
Hope that helps.
 
Joselin said:
Hi all,
You seem to be willing to offer advice to newbies like me so I'll give it a go. Thank you in advance as this is all very confusing!
I'm looking at buying a bike. My last one was a late '70s Raleigh 10 speed so that tells you my level of knowledge!! I think I'd like to try some off-roading when my fitness level gets a bit better, but in the mean time I'd like to do some road and bike trails and maybe fire trails.

I want something decent but not too expensive and have been looking in the $500-$600 range, roughly. Currently looking at a Trek 4300, Felt Q600, Avanti Escape. I've heard good things about Kona but don't know where to get them on the Central Coast of NSW. Specialized is highly recommended by a local shop - no bias there, of course!!

Does anyone have recommendations or advice about these or other good bikes to consider? Also, is anyone interested in some recreational biking on the Central Coast or north shore of Sydney?

Thanks
Anne



I'm sorry if you already know this, but the Avanti Escape is a hybrid with 700c wheels, so can't go much further than bike trails. I am looking at the same bike!
 
As a general rule, look for a bike that has the same frame as more expensive models; you can then replace any broken or worn part with one from a more expensive groupset if that's an issue for you. A cheap, heavy frame with expensive components will always be a dog; a good, light frame with cheap components may start a little doggy but can gradually be upgraded to greyhound level if you want to :)
You will appreciate light rims and tyres more than any other potential strong point. A bike with cheap, heavy wheels will ride like a dog until the wheels are improved.
Unless you're keen on rough dirt roads or singletrack, swap the knobbly tyres for slicks before you leave the shop.
Appreciate that no bike with big (700C or 27inch) wheels is a mountain bike. "Comfort" hybrids can look like mountain bikes but offer the worst of all worlds.
 
THanks everyone for your input. I didn't know the Avanti Escape is a hybrid and specifically asked them not for hybrids. I heard the message that they can be the worst of both worlds, not the best, loud and clear! I appreciate the comments about frames, wheels, weight, warranties... eeks. This is why I started looking over a year ago and gave up! It's so complicated now!

You've given me lots to consider. Is the Trek still worth it with v-brakes instead of disc brakes? The disc brakes are about $200 AUD more and I don't think I need them at this stage. I've only been mountain biking once, many years ago, and I'm very out of shape. I can always upgrade if I enjoy it.

Thanks again to everyone. More advice? It's always welcome.

And here's my smiley... :cool: It reflects my confusion
 
Many ladies I know ride Flat Bar road bikes, Avanti Blade, Felt SR71/81/91, Giant Perigee, Giant CBX, these are more comfortable than drop bar bikes with the speed but not the off road capabilites of a comfort/MTB style bike.

The Avanti Axis is designed for ladies, 26" wheels and a shorter top tube. Also Specialised now have many Women's specific bikes in their range.

A local bike shop with good prices is http://www.ettalongbikeshop.com.au
 
gclark8 said:
Many ladies I know ride Flat Bar road bikes, Avanti Blade, Felt SR71/81/91, Giant Perigee, Giant CBX, these are more comfortable than drop bar bikes with the speed but not the off road capabilites of a comfort/MTB style bike.
Many cyclists would dispute this statement and would maintain that drop bars offer considerable comfort advantages over flat bar bikes. This is one reason for touring bikes having drop bars.
A flat bar road bike cannot be taken off bitumen without a high risk of wheel damage or worse, and would be very uncomfortable on trails even if strong enough.
 
Another brand to consider for that price range is Haro www.harobikes.com .
Dont know if they sell in your area but for Melb prices check out http://www.bikes.com.au/
eg V3 mod- 24 speed Deore , disk brake F R for $620
I have one and find it very comfortable, light, good off road and for commuting. V brakes wear the rim walls out fairly quickly if used in the mud and muck.
You dont pay as much a premium for this brand as not as established in Aus but they perform well IMHO.
 
Most of my riding has been on Kona and Specialized, both of which brands I like.

The bikes I've been riding would be above the price range you're looking for, but as a generalization I find the Kona bikes a little more fun to ride, but Specialized a touch quicker and better for racing. As such I think Kona gives better value for money, as the people looking to pay more $$ are often those racing.

If I were to buy a new MTB today I would probably buy a Kona.
 
Originally Posted by Cheesy .

Most of my riding has been on Kona and Specialized, both of which brands I like.

The bikes I've been riding would be above the price range you're looking for, but as a generalization I find the Kona bikes a little more fun to ride, but Specialized a touch quicker and better for racing. As such I think Kona gives better value for money, as the people looking to pay more $$ are often those racing.

If I were to buy a new MTB today I would probably buy a Kona.

Hi,

I agreed with you. It help me to think about my ideals.

Pls keep posting. Tks and best rgs.
 

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