Looking for hardtail

[lionel]

With my one and only mountain bike spending way too much time in the shop recently, I'm thinking I need a second bike to keep me tearing through FATS and other trails while I wait.

Any used bikes, or suggestions for around $500 are most welcome.

Thanks in advance!

[dgaddis1]

You can get a brand new redline monocog 29er around that price. singlespeed, rigid. nothing to break.

www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/mtb/2010-monocog-29er

[ted]

Without putting one brand ahead of another, go to one of the local bike shops that support SORBA CSRA and test ride a few.
Most have models that begin below and around $500.
Bikes in this price range are relatively similar.
Unless you want to blow out your knees and rattle your teeth loose, get a geared bike with suspension.
Sorry Dustin...your suggestion, being a good one and making complete sense, is just too hardcore for most.

[lionel]

Thanks guys.
Ted, by the way I'm the guy with the Rush in the shop with a broken swing arm
The problem with getting something new around $500 bucks is that it's going to be of lesser quality. I had a Diamondback Topanga for 2 weeks and it was just a miserable experience.

I was thinking about something along the lines of the SC Jackal (minus the hefty price tag!). Basically a grownup's version of a BMX bike: a little bit of front suspension, SS or geared, 26" wheels, light with a low standover.

[ted]

Just do what you're doing. Ask around. Keep in mind sometimes a used bike for $500 will cost you more in the future.
Also, new bikes have warranties as well as no reluctance (which you may encounter) to be helped out should you have a problem.
Sounds like you need some burliness for the riding you want to do and you should settle for nothing less.

[seenvic]

I dunno. FATS is the perfect place for a SS.

FATS is pretty smooth and if any trail could be ridden fully rigid with the least amount of uncomfortableness (is that a word?) I would think FATS would be in the top 5 of trails I've ridden in my life.

I'd agree w/ Ted that SS'g can hurt the knees, but about half of FATS is hardly steep at all and the parts that are steep are not steep relative to sections of other local trails we have. I've chugged up Tower and Big Rock on my SS, and while it isn't as easy as it is w/ gears, it isn't that difficult either.

For $500, I'd get the steel ss as it will be higher quality than a $500 bike with a fork and gears. Later you can add a fork to it as $$$ come to hand if you don't like the fully rigid ride.

Riding a SS will make you a better rider. More aggressive and stronger both physically and mentally.

[ted]

Reflecting on our phone conversation the other day, this guy rides all the trails around here. Hence my front sus suggestion.
Besides, he breaks bikes and would surely break a rigid machine.

[lionel]

In the end, I headed down to my LBS and picked up a Rize 4. Obviously, I completely blew the budget, but hey you only live once. Some nice King/ZTR wheels on the way too.

Took the Rize out for a quick ride around Brown Wave this afternoon. Unbelievable the difference between this bike and my Rush 7!

Thanks again for your feedback.

[ted]

Dang Man

That's another way to do it.

[seenvic]

Oct 11, 2009 7:06:54 GMT -5 ted said:

Dang Man

.

+1