[rjh200]

Ok so I am looking into getting a bike to do some riding to help me get in/stay in better shape for the summer. This is all new to me and I really don't want to spend a fortune. I am looking for some suggestions on a good quality entry level bike. I will mostly be doing street riding but I would like the ability to be able to handle some gravel and dirt trails as there are some decent ones not far from my house. I do not intend to do any hard core trails at this point. I went into a local cycle shop and although a little helpfull I would rather get some unbiased opinions.

Thanks,
Randy

[benVFR]

Mountain bike..

$300-500

- All aluminum frame

- Suspension fork, basic, with coil springs if possible (avoid elastomers)

- No rear suspension

- Probably stick with V-brakes at these price points..

- Traditional wheels with 32+ spokes

- Make sure it fits...

Avoid anything that says "hybrid", "comfort", etc..

Giant, Trek, Fuji, Cannondale, Specialized, etc..

That's your best bet for cheap, go anywhere, be decently durable.

If you're really light on the trail part & want a road style bike you could get a "Cyclocross" bike but you'll be looking at closer to $1000 there probably.

[joberly]

Yeah I'm with Ben. Hybrid would be the way to go... can handle light dirt roads and does great on the street. Something like the Specialized Crosstrail for example. Or the Trek 7000 series. They range from $300 to over $1,000.

[black]

i thought ben said stay away from hybrid??
Troll Craigslist buy one for $150 about 4 years old.
Take off the knobbies and put some slicker type tires for street when when you want to hit the trails put the knobbies on( takes 5 minutes)

trek 4300 is a good intro bike to trails. i beat mine to death.
Even an older cro moly frame is ok

just make sure the chain is in good condition. the rings are straight and teh everything shifts ok. it isnt rocket science. but people can make it into that.

Raleigh M40 men's moutain bike
19inch Trek 4100 MTB Needs a good Cleaning/ tune up

the suspension I assume on these is very basic but if you're just hitting light trails its fine.
For me i'd never geta hybrid..... cant do anything well. but that's me.

[joberly]

Woops... can't read apparently!

[SSearchVT]

I'm partial to Trek and Gary Fischer (same company). Troll the bike swaps going on, craigslist, Ebay, and MTBR.com, ask the shops if they have any leftovers.

For what you're looking to do - definitely hardtail. If you find one with front suspension - the air forks are really nice. They're even better if they have a compression lockout. If you're looking at just dirt roads and trails you could even use a rigid front end - everything is upgradable... Disk brakes are great - go hydraulic over manual if you can.

Good out of the box bikes - GF Wahoo, Wahoo disk, or the Marlin (all about $600).

If you get into technical trails just remember - it's not the bike - it's the rider... There are guys that spend thousands on bikes and get it handed to them by someone on a rigid single speed...

Lastly - be careful - it's addictive...

[rjh200]

Thanks for the info. I was looking at the hybrids but I will do some more research.

[evile]

All good advice so far. Stay out of the department stores, don't get a hybrid. Get good shorts too. Best advice I would give a beginning cyclist is to go see the guys at JRA Cycles in Medford, they will hook you up.

Just Riding Along Cycles - 229 Salem St, Medford MA 02115 - 781 391 3636

^-- check out the iron Horse Maverick, I think they're around 300 bux.

[rjh200]

Thanks Evile that was going to be my next question. I am leaning to buying something brand new rather than used if not for the simple fact of trying to develop a good relationship with a dealer. So I am interested to hear opinions on some local shops. I am in Chelmsford, MA and the most local shop for me is Chelmsford Cyclery. Anybody have any other reputable local shops?

Thanks,
Randy

[evile]

I would stick to the shop where you live, I have lot of good things to say about JRA and Riverside in Newburyport but neither is worth going an hour out of your way for an entry level bike purchase.

Ask for a discount on accessories when you buy a bike and make sure they give you a free 1st tuneup.

[benVFR]

Chelmsford Cyclery is kind of "eh" unless it has new owners. I used to go there for quick things when I worked in Chelmsford and was riding a lot.

The guy seemed like he was out of it most of the time and if you don't know exactly what you want (parts, etc..) he'll be no help, and if you do know what you want the chances he has it are not that great. I never let him turn a wrench on any of my bikes.

Pedal Power in Acton is pretty good at keeping things inexpensive and they know what they're doing. ATA in Concord is quite good, but expensive as they tend to lean towards European stuff which is through the roof right now due to the exchange rate.. Both ATA and PP are Giant dealers though.. Giant has some of the best values of any bike company.

[rjh200]

Hmm pedal power is right down the street from my work so maybe I will stop in there and check it out. Thanks for the heads up.

[evile]

Pedal Power is a good shop. If Clayton still works there, he's the man to talk to.