Input on MTB

[jason gregory]

looking for input/experience with either of these bikes- Im looking for a bike that can take a beating and not fall apart- If these are a no go please point me in the right direction for a good bike in the $250 range

links are family/workplace safe-

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-ALUMINUM-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-DISC-BRAKES-SHIMANO-24s_W0QQitem Z140138206378QQihZ004QQcategoryZ98083QQrdZ1QQcmdZV iewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-ALUMINUM-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-ROCK-SHOX-SHIMANO-LX-DISC_W0QQit emZ140138205562QQihZ004QQcategoryZ98083QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

(Message edited by Lil_j_sun1 on July 14, 2007)

[Nathan Chaszeyka]

The buzz is pretty good on the Motobecane bikes, depending on the components they come with.

(Message edited by natec on July 14, 2007)

[Andrew Thompson]

I have not ridden these bikes myself, so I have no first hand knowledge to offer.

However, I quickly looked them up on Mountain Bike Review's web site (www.mtbr.com w/f safe) and posted the links to the reviews.

If you have not already checked out www.mtbr.com, it is a wealth of information for everyting from bike and part reviews to trail reviews to a great message board.

Have fun on the trails! It's one of the best palces to be!

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123953.shtml

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123955.shtml

[jason gregory]

Thanks for the link andrew- Looks like they have some decent reviews

[Peter Keller]

Jason, I bought my bro a Motobecane single speed from this seller. I would say the seller shipped fast and the product was as described.

As far as the bike I ordered (different from your picks) goes, I would say good bike overall/ great bike for the money.

However, I saw reviews about poor warranty coverage on Motobecane. I don't have any experience here, but I suspect that would be the case. These days, I believe Motobecane is a no-name brand.

Also, to speak to your larger desire- I seriously doubt any geared bike in the ~$250 range will be bombproof- gears are finicky, especially on cheap rigs.

[jason gregory]

Peter- yea I know my expectations are high- To me $250 is a lot for a bike- but ive been lookin and I know you cant get much for it either-

[jason gregory]

Just ordered the one on the 2nd link- now ill just cross my fingers :080402gudl_prv:

[Jeff Edmonston]

In the $250 range you won't find much for a new and quality bike. Best bet may be craigslist/used.

At $400 you are getting a bike that will last for a beginner. If you want a quality intro bike you are probably want to spend around $600.

Of those two links you sent, the cheaper one will get you off the ground, but if you do much riding you will probably want to replace it within a year. I wouldn't recommend buying the more expensive one for more than $400, the rear derailleur is LX, but the rest of the parts are so-so, a common tactic used when shops put parts on bikes is to make that one part nicer so they can point to it.

However, a full LX bike is probably going to be in the $700 range.

So figure out how much riding you will do and whether you want to spend your money on a bike that will last, or a bike that will last long enough to let you decide whether you will make use of it.

[Clay Jones]

Jason, you definitely picked the better of the two bikes. Decent fork for the money, mostly mountain componentry, decent set of tires. The first bike has a junk fork.

If you have a lot of hills in your area you might end up replacing the freewheel with an 11-34, which that derailler can handle.

Sadly, $250 is not a lot of money for a mountain bike these days . . . I spent that much on my last set of brakes. . .:angry:

[jason gregory]

clay- thanks for the input- I looked for days and days- It seemed like you buy junk ie.huffy from Walmart- $150 or great bike ie trek/giant.... for $700- I seen some bikes for $5000+ thats just crazy to me-