Moutain bike advice needed

**CNECloneFan** · 03-03-2013, 03:31 PM

I need to replace my Bianchi Timberwolf, which I loved, but was recently backed-over in the driveway.

Bought it in 1994, so I haven't been bike shopping for myself in a long time.

I do mostly street riding (1 mile round trip to work) and some very light duty off-road riding, like on dirt paths at the park with my kids. I prefer the wide tire of a mountain bike.

I am 49, with some aching joints and other injuries, but I'm not ready for an orthopedic bike.

I plan to spend 400 - 600.

Any ideas? Thanks!

**colbycheese** · 03-03-2013, 03:54 PM

I's say there are a few options to consider.

First, it sounds like, based on how you say you use the bike, you might be better off with a hybrid bike rather than a mountain bike. That may be something to consider, and $400-600 would get you a pretty nice one.

You could also get an entry-level mountain bike and get some different tires on it - I'm thinking the urban/trail tires that are almost like slicks in the center, then has knobs on the edge to bite into the trail on turns. This type of tire will be faster than knobby mountain bike tires, but still would work on the "light duty off-road riding".

As far as deciding between a mountain bike and a hybrid, it really depends on what position you prefer when riding. A mountain bike will be in a lower, more aggressive stance. Hybrids are more upright.

For brands - I've always been a fan of Trek. Giant is generally a pretty cost-effective option. If you're an REI member, REI's "Novara" brand use the same components as the big name brands, and the frames are made by Giant, but cost significantly less than the rest.

**CNECloneFan** · 03-03-2013, 04:01 PM

Thanks for the info. I don't think I want a hybrid, but I love the urban/trails tire idea! I have two bike dealers in town - Trek and another that sells a brand called Specialized. Know anything about them?

**iahawkhunter** · 03-03-2013, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by CNECloneFan

Thanks for the info. I don't think I want a hybrid, but I love the urban/trails tire idea! I have two bike dealers in town - Trek and another that sells a brand called Specialized. Know anything about them?

Specialized is pretty cashy. I don't know specific pros/cons for brands, but when I was looking at road bikes a few years ago I felt that the Trek I got was a better value. I wasn't looking for anything super special, so Specialized was out of my price.

**JP4CY** · 03-03-2013, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by CNECloneFan

Thanks for the info. I don't think I want a hybrid, but I love the urban/trails tire idea! I have two bike dealers in town - Trek and another that sells a brand called Specialized. Know anything about them?

Specialized, Trek, and Cannondale are some of the bigger brands that are all close to each other in price range. One model vs the competition's might cost a little more or less.
I'm personally a Trek person. I've owned a couple in my life and they are great.
For an option that costs a little less, my wife got a Fuji, and it seems to be pretty good so far.

**colbycheese** · 03-03-2013, 04:23 PM

If those are your options, I'd recommend Trek. In your price range they have the 3500 and the 3700 (w/ or w/out disk brakes). I'd recommend getting the disk brakes. They don't add much weight, but really help when stopping in the rain or going through puddles/mud.

When you talk to the dealer they might be able to swap out the stock MTB tires for the tires I mentioned for no cost.

**CNECloneFan** · 03-03-2013, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the help folks!

**JP4CY** · 03-03-2013, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by colbycheese

When you talk to the dealer they might be able to swap out the stock MTB tires for the tires I mentioned for no cost.

Skunk River Cycles in Ames did that on a Raleigh mountain bike I have. It came with big Geax tires but I had them put on Serfas Drifters for town riding.

**Rabbuk** · 03-03-2013, 04:55 PM

I'd pm veloclone, because he seems like a big biker.

**CNECloneFan** · 03-03-2013, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by Rabbuk

I'd pm veloclone, because he seems like a big biker.

thanks!

**CNECloneFan** · 03-03-2013, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by colbycheese

If those are your options, I'd recommend Trek. In your price range they have the 3500 and the 3700 (w/ or w/out disk brakes). I'd recommend getting the disk brakes. They don't add much weight, but really help when stopping in the rain or going through puddles/mud.

When you talk to the dealer they might be able to swap out the stock MTB tires for the tires I mentioned for no cost.

Thank you. Maybe I'll see you at SSSA or GSA? Beer on me!