Mountain Bike advice

[Goatnapper'96]

My wife is looking to purchase a mountain bike. I spent some time visiting this webpage for Trek Mountain Bikes.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/

I just googled "Mountain Bikes." I was led to the following website http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/
This fellow has some sexy ones called the Hi-Fi. The carbon models sound pricy, but what are the benefits of these different types?

I genuinely have no clue what most of the technical terms mean. Those of you who have owned mountain bikes what is your advice on the type of bike she should get, and what stuff is helpful?

I doubt she ever takes it on some real hardcore mountain trails, but it will spend a great deal of time on gravelled country roads. So anyone that wants to chime in, especially any of the Cistern, would be very helpful.

In looking at the Trek bikes I was surprised. The bike industry has come a long way since my first Schwinn from Sears in the late 70's. Back when I was a kid the sexy options were RedLine or Mongoose, both of which might have surpassed $100, I think. Are there even higher end models than Trek? Am I looking at the most economical models and expect her to pay even more for a decent mountain bike?

[RC Vikings]

Goat I'm not a big mt biker but I would spend enough to get her a nice bike. I would look for something pretty light and something with good components so that she doesn't have to struggle shifting the bike and you don't have to worry about it breaking down on her in the middle of Idaho. Buy her some padded shorts and good shoes also.

[Goatnapper'96]

Goat I'm not a big mt biker but I would spend enough to get her a nice bike. I would look for something pretty light and something with good components so that she doesn't have to struggle shifting the bike and you don't have to worry about it breaking down on her in the middle of Idaho. Buy her some padded shorts and good shoes also.

She should be so lucky to be broke down in the God's Country that is South Central Power County! No padded shorts either, we are looking for rock hard gluts that could break open a walnut!

Saying that, perhaps my point should be what is a good bike and what are good components? I believe one gets what they pay for but exactly at what point are the models aimed for serious mountain bikers who enter races to the top of Mount Whitney and what models will accomplish the purposes to which you allude?

[RC Vikings]

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...4_series/4500/

I would probably target something similar to this. A aluminum frame should be plenty strong for her and it's hard to go wrong with Shimano components. A hardtail with front forks should be plenty for her also.

[Goatnapper'96]

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...4_series/4500/

I would probably target something similar to this. A aluminum frame should be plenty strong for her and it's hard to go wrong with Shimano components. A hardtail with front forks should be plenty for her also.

Can I admit that the words hydroformed biaxial downtube sound really sexy? At least when grouped together in that sequential order. Biaxial downtube hydroformed doesn't do it for me the same way and sounds like a Northern European Dike Punk Rock band, but the sweet images that my mind can conjure up when I think of hydroformed biaxial downtube has El Jefe blushing wherever his virtuous soul may be located.

I was thinking more along the lines of the 6000 or 6700 model on the female side? Can anyone explain the advantages or disadvantages?

Thanks for the help RC...leading your way to fame bro!

[Shaka]

Gary Fisher makes fabulous bikes. They are made in the same factory as Trek. I loved my old Hoo Koo E Koo

[mtnbiker]

I doubt she ever takes it on some real hardcore mountain trails, but it will spend a great deal of time on gravelled country roads.

It's hard to suggest a particular type of bike based on a one-sentence description of the type of riding she'll do. Does she just want to do an easy ride down to the end of the road and back? Ride around the block with the kids? If the roads are fairly smooth, a rigid frame and fork might be fine.

If the roads are a little rough, but not too bad, then a hardtail would probably be great. The suspension fork soaks up a lot of chatter from the road, and relieves stresses on the hands and arms. The Trek 6700/6000 that you mention look like pretty nice bikes. The differences are in the components. The 6700 has a little better wheels (roll better), a little better derailleurs for smoother shifting, and better brakes (hydraulic vs. mechanical, which aren't quite as smooth, and can pick up dirt in the cables).

If the roads are washboardy, then it can be hard to keep consistent pressure on the pedals, because the rear wheel can skip from bump to bump. Then she might like a full suspension bike. The rear shock can smooth the ride even more, and keep the tire on the ground by soaking up the bumps.

The best thing to do would be to take test rides on the roads or trails that she's really going to ride on. Some shops won't let you do that, but others will let you rent a bike for a day and apply the rental price to the price of the bike if you decide to buy.

You don't need a carbon frame. For a first bike, I would probably suggest staying at or below the $1500 price point. You can get some really good bikes in that range. The Trek hardtails you mentioned would be fine. You could also check out bikes from other manufacturers, such as the Specialized Rockhopper or Myka FSR, Rocky Mountain Vertex, or Santa Cruz Juliana. It kind of depends on what bikes your local bike shop carries. Gary Fisher bikes were bought out by Trek a number of years ago, but they have tried to keep a bit of a different identity.

[cowboy]

I have a Specialized XC Comp and I love it. I don't ride often, but I use it to cross-train about once or twice a week in summers. I paid around $1,300 for it three years ago. It has a split tail, and LX components.