how's this for a beginner mtb

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150417584319&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I know it's not going to be top of the line but I really can't invest more than $300 and there isn't many used bikes I have found that aren't top of the line custom built. Anyone ever ridden one of these?

 

Ok...... what does that mean lol

 

oooooooooooo, wow... I'm smart. Yea, I know it's not gonna be high quality or anything but I think this is the same frame they use on some of their higher end bikes and i just need something to get into the sport with that I can upgrade some as i learn and then eventually get a high end bike.

 

if you want to stick to bike paths its fine, for any type of off road use, I would not put much faith in it performing very long. It only has a 28 tooth cassette, this will make any slight hill feel like everest unless you have pro legs and lungs.
never heard of that company before. if entry level is what you are looking for, get something used by a reputable maker. if $300 is all you have, then don't buy new, a few months from now you will be wishing you had more bike.
look for aluminum HT, 32 or 34tooth cassette, V-brakes are usable, you may be able to find something used with disc.

 

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-hardtail/motobecane/300ht/PRD_364028_1527crx.aspx

 

Looks just fine for a starter, I wouldnt do big jumps with the front shock Im pretty sure a good 2-3 foot drop would blow it. But it does have a lifetime warranty so if it covers it then your good.

I vote to buy it.

 

My first real bike was a jamis durango sx. Its been great and I dont think it cost more than $350. (it is an '04) Just a suggestion.

 

my cousin has a higher end motobecane and he loves it. i say go for it

 

If that is your total budget, you need to buy used. Try to find someone that has either grown out of the bike or are upgrading themselves. You will get more for your money. The bike you have linked is very novice. I believe as your interest grows in biking, it will surpass that bikes abilities quickly.

 

Motobecane is a french company that builds very reputable bikes in europe...depends on what type of riding your going to be doing..dirt packed bike paths - great find

rocky, rutted, rooty silty xc style lots of up and downhills - ala more serious mtb...look for something used with disc brakes and a larger casette.

an inbetween option that you can do this time of year..go to your local bike shops and ask what they have in last years model - 90% of the time the only changes are paint color and they will be marked off by at least 25%

 

I have a good friend - cheap friend - but good friend none the less - He has one of these and it's not terrrible but the difference between this and a good used $1000 bike that you could pick up for $300-400-500 (you could probably pick up through your network of friends) would be an amazing step up. As they said, you can get a better work out on a bike like this.

 

Great tip! I did that on all 3 of my bikes! Also make sure you get someone to advise you on proper frame size too! It can make it a far more enjoyable experience.

 

ok.... now this, lol http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190377949564&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/2004-SPECIALIZED-EPIC-COMP-DISC-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-PRISTINE_W0QQitemZ170455647672QQcategoryZ98083QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D20%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8399045769788150893#ht_2351wt_1165

Although I am partial to Specialized... A bike like this, as long as it fits, is a smokin deal.

 

HEYYYYY, I found a 2009 Trek 3900 Disc that was bought and set up at a bike shop. The guy bought it and only rode it a few times....or so he says. what ya think. I have no clue so that's why I keep asking advice.


Make that a 4300 disc not 3900..... yea, I can be a moron sometimes.