Mountain Bikes....

As stated before, you should not have to replace both chain and cassette together at the time. On average, just chains should be changed approximately every 2000 miles on a road bike, and about 1000 miles on mountain bike. The purpose is to replace the chain before it stretches too much and starts to wear the cassette down rapidly. Each rider is different (depending on normal riding conditions/styles/bike/chain/lube/etc...), so some chains/cassetts may last them the life of the bike. However, this is what we usually suggest to customers at the bicycle repair shop I work at...
You can check your own chain wear with this tool:
http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=5&item=CC%2D2

 

So it looks like we're both right! Just a different train of thought. My bike guy isn't greedy at all I can assure you of that, we've been good friends for over 10 years, I've bought 2 new bikes from him and he always gives me a really good deal. I've seen his cost sheets! I did take what he said out of context in that most of the bikes he sees need both replaced due to lack of maintenance. Also I run my chains until they are pretty much shot, I'm not interested in throwing away a chain if it still shifts alright, so when my chain needs replacing, so does my cassette. I know if I changed my chain out more regular it would probably be better, but if its still shifting, its still good in my books, also I ride a lot in mud and grime, plus a new cassette with a shiny new chain shifts ohh so nice, the extra $30 or so dollars really isn't an issue, he lets me do all the work on my bike anyway, so no labour!

 

I apoligize for the...

But what do you guys think about this bike.
http://bikebarn.com/product/specialized-hardrock-sport-disc-29er-57511-1.htm

 

BTW I am a new to this. I will be riding mostly street but WILL go to state parks and try some trails there. I might even try a few small jumps.

 

No action shots, but my 04 Stumpjumper. Have some Mavic Crossmax wheels on it now:

 

I love my Hardrock. I have the 26" non-disc but I love it. Havent had an issue with Specialized and will probably stay with them.

 

So what do you guys think? The bike is on "sale" for $580.

 

I have been riding a GT i-drive for the past 6 years. It's about time for an upgrade as well. Check out some of your local bike shops that rent out high end mtb's. At the end of each year they sell off the rentals for a really good price. Here in LV, a very high end used bike is about half the price of a medium range brand new bike. If you don't mind scratches and such.

 

That's a good idea. Thank you. Rep for you sirrr.

 

Personally, I'm a full suspension kind of guy. 29ers are a whole new ball game to me as well. I rode one once, but didn't like it because the frame top tube was to high for my liking. It was a go anywhere do anything bike. That one in the link has cheap components, hence the price. You could always upgrade the components later, I guess.

I rode with a guy this past weekend on a 29er single speed. He was an animal on it and swears it's his favorite bike.

29 or 26 comes down to preference.

 

I considered getting a full supesion bike, but I think that might be overkill for the type of riding I will be doing (60% street 40% dirt). So I thought a hard tail would be good. I was also told by the guy at bike barn that a 29er would be great for street use cause it would its "speed" longer. What are the cheap components do you see on this bike. Like I said I am new to this and need some help. what do you recommend I 've also looked at some Giant 29rs but there a little over a grand.

 

Specialized took their frame and added lower end components to just about every part. You said your new at this: 60% street and 40% dirt. That's just because you're not addicted yet. I actually rode the Giant 29er. And it is pricey, but for a reason.

Here is the Giant Ride Demo Calender: http://www.giantbicycles.com/enus/page/107/ I don't see any dates in Texas, but many other companies do demos as well. This is by far the best way to find a bike that fits your needs. A drivers' license and credit card is all you need. And you can test ride any of their bikes. The demo mechanics set the bike up to your size and needs and then your off on your own. When they came to Vegas I rode everyone of their mtb's for free all day.

Another route is go to meetup.com and see if there is a mtb community in your area. Go out on a few rides with them maybe w/ a rental and see how you like the sport before you spend the money.

Only reason I say this is because, you don't want to buy a lower end bike, fall in love with the sport, then kick yourself in the ass for not having 150mm of front and rear travel or not riding a bike that weighs 20lbs. Everyones likes and dislikes are different with any sport. You just have to find something that fits your style.

 

Haha, how true.

I was blown away to hear that a friend spent $1600 on a MTB in 1993. I said "I would never in my life spend $1600 on a bike". 2 months later I tried mountain biking and bought a $2500 bike soon after. And to this day that was by far the cheapest bike I've bought since. Plus I have 3. One for downhill, one for trail riding and one for dirt jumping.

Hopelessly addicted.

Mountain biking... as addictive as crack, twice as expensive and more likely to land you in hospital.

 

Thank You so much! You have been a lot of help.
Looks like I am gonna have to do some more research and give my self a little bit bigger bike budget......
I really don't need that OME lift anyways.

 

I've got a gary Fisher Cake III that I would let go for $700.00.

 

To any one else looking for a moutain bike this is a good site to do some reseach.

www.mtbr.com

 

Just bought this bike for $500. Someone please let me know if and how bad I got ripped!

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/bik/1662048463.html

 

It's been deleted.