looking at buying a newer MNT bike

[iman501]

well a little history on my biclcling backround. I used to live next to a state park growing up that had a bunch of bike trails, I loved riding them, expesically the rougher bumpier ones haha. Yet I was alway riding my dads old bike (from way back when!) it was a fine bike, and got the job done...most of the time, I cant even remember what brand it was, i know it wasnt a specialized or anything nice like that.

This bike had no suspension or shocks at all, so as much as i loved the rougher trails, sometimes the trails got the better of me.

I now am living in TN pretty close to Land between the Lakes park, and wanted to get back to some trail riding. But to do that i need to buy myself a new bike. Anybody have any suggestions on a good trail bike? If it helps i'm roughly 5'9" and 140 LBS...

 

[dmp0001]

I would suggest going cheap at first, like go to wal-mart cheap. Just find something lite that fits you and go for it. If the hobby takes then go spend some money on something better.

 

[iman501]

i guess i should clarify more dmp0001 lol sorry, i know its a hobby. I know i said "growing up i rode a lot" well i just joined the coast guard, and just got stationed in TN, so as far as "growing up" goes i'm only 19, and it was a hobby i've had for a wile, i just miss riding the trails!

 

[xb12r04]

Specialized makes some pretty good bikes but they are a little pricey. I have one and I couldn't be happier with it. Are you stationed at fort campbell by chance?

 

[iman501]

nope, in the coast guard right on the KY lake in Buchanan TN, fort campbell isnt to far away however

 

[Tyler Oxton]

a middle of the road trek wont run u too bad and will work fine. get like 4300 series with disc brakes for 600

 

[xl_cheese]

Most major brands are going to be good. Specialized, trek, etc...

The most important part is getting the right fit. All makers fit different for a give size.

I'm a real geometry dork on bikes and being 5'11" I always had to ahve a bike with a 23.25' effective top tube.

At any rate go try a bunch out. Make sure the seat is set at the proper height too.

29er bikes have been gaining popularity. I went to a 29er years ago when they first started coming out and never looked back. A 29er finally took a win on the world cup a couple weeks ago!

 

[Bicyclebob]

Take a look at a Redline D600. Disc brakes, decent shock, 29" wheels and a good group of components. Plus it's fairly inexpensive. ($900.00)

 

[Bicyclebob]

@xl cheese, I've been riding a full rigid single speed 29er for years. Best bike I have ever had! Oil the chain, saddle up and go riding....sometimes I even was the chunks off.

 

[iman501]

Xl Cheeese, your right i do need to get sized up, i'll have to find a local bycicle shop sometime, and find that out!