JC Cyclists.

Anyone have reccos for a MB in the $500-700 range? Id actually prefer a hard tail as my local systems don't warrant a price bump for quality suspension, and would still be suitable for some parks farther away.

Seems like the Trek 4300 or Wahoo might be what I am looking for to get into it. Of course, last years models on clearance.
 
n57flyguy said:
Anyone have reccos for a MB in the $500-700 range? Id actually prefer a hard tail as my local systems don't warrant a price bump for quality suspension, and would still be suitable for some parks farther away.

Seems like the Trek 4300 or Wahoo might be what I am looking for to get into it. Of course, last years models on clearance.
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I did a test ride on the Cannondale Trail and liked it a lot.
 
n57flyguy said:
Anyone have reccos for a MB in the $500-700 range? Id actually prefer a hard tail as my local systems don't warrant a price bump for quality suspension, and would still be suitable for some parks farther away.

Seems like the Trek 4300 or Wahoo might be what I am looking for to get into it. Of course, last years models on clearance.
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What kind of terrain do you ride? If mostly flat I'd try to put together a single speed. Although a good quality frame usually costs about 700 bucks and that is cheap.
 
BEEF SUPREME said:
What kind of terrain do you ride? If mostly flat I'd try to put together a single speed. Although a good quality frame usually costs about 700 bucks and that is cheap.
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It is going to be some intermediate stuff, elevation changes of around 500 ft, some technical stuff, some downhill, and single track. I probably have about 200 miles of trails from five minutes to twenty minutes away. I'll probably venture from there once I build my skill set.

I understand its a tough price point and I would love to bump it up, but it is what it is.
 
If the climbs are not too steep I'd consider a cruiser BMX or cheap single speed. It will help you save money. I'd look for something used at that price point. I'm not too familiar with bikes in that price range. Although you should stay away from a box store bike and try and go with the local bike shop has on offer.
 
BEEF SUPREME said:
What kind of terrain do you ride? If mostly flat I'd try to put together a single speed. Although a good quality frame usually costs about 700 bucks and that is cheap.
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I don't know you from Adam, but you sound like the elitist type that drives people away from biking. There are some great value bikes in the sub $1,000 price point. I hate the guys that turn their nose at people that are on cheaper bikes. Sorry I can only afford 105, I like it and it gets the job done for me.
 
Gonzo said:
I don't know you from Adam, but you sound like the elitist type that drives people away from biking. There are some great value bikes in the sub $1,000 price point. I hate the guys that turn their nose at people that are on cheaper bikes. Sorry I can only afford 105, I like it and it gets the job done for me.
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$700 is cheap for a bike? I guess I have a "Peasant's Edition."
 
BEEF SUPREME said:
If the climbs are not too steep I'd consider a cruiser BMX or cheap single speed. It will help you save money. I'd look for something used at that price point. I'm not too familiar with bikes in that price range. Although you should stay away from a box store bike and try and go with the local bike shop has on offer.
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Good point, I'm just trying not to box myself in. I have not had a shred in years on my (heavy) BMX.

Either way, I will be checking out the local shops. They have the lower end Trek's on sale so I might give them a test. The next step up is on sale for around $800. Not dead set on any brand, just what I saw first. Craigslist is not drawing up anything decent right now locally.

Seems like a single speed would be good for what I am looking to ride now though.
 
Gonzo said:
I don't know you from Adam, but you sound like the elitist type that drives people away from biking. There are some great value bikes in the sub $1,000 price point. I hate the guys that turn their nose at people that are on cheaper bikes. Sorry I can only afford 105, I like it and it gets the job done for me.
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I get where he is coming from, try fly fishing. Those forums are the best, lots of knowledge but some guys have the "you can't buy a Sage XHGEN90000, you can't fish." The one I frequent gets it and gives you great advice for new gear purchases on a budget. You just ask and someone has tried it/done it/had a friend that has one (and is good enough to gauge from)/bought one/sold one/etc.

That being said I throw a $250 retail rod with a $100 reel and $75 line. Including my vest, it is probably worth $300+ in boxes, flies, tippet, etc. Waders: $150. Wading Boots: $150. And that's "beginner/intermediate" level.

I have learned to buy the best quality I can afford, and if I cannot, I wait a bit till I can. You really do get what you pay for.
 
Gonzo said:
I don't know you from Adam, but you sound like the elitist type that drives people away from biking. There are some great value bikes in the sub $1,000 price point. I hate the guys that turn their nose at people that are on cheaper bikes. Sorry I can only afford 105, I like it and it gets the job done for me.
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Uh, I've actually been working really hard at getting everyone I can on a bike. I'm also the last to recommend a high end bike. Although I've seen more people upset with a low end bike than the other way around. My point was that it is important to think about quality rather than buy it right meow. I feel it is important to try and start with a reasonable quality bike, rather than try to ride something of questionable quality.

I'm not happy that the cost of cycling has exploded over the last 10 years and that it can stop people from getting started but I didn't make that happen.
 
n57flyguy said:
Good point, I'm just trying not to box myself in. I have not had a shred in years on my (heavy) BMX.

Either way, I will be checking out the local shops. They have the lower end Trek's on sale so I might give them a test. The next step up is on sale for around $800. Not dead set on any brand, just what I saw first. Craigslist is not drawing up anything decent right now locally.

Seems like a single speed would be good for what I am looking to ride now though.
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If I were home I'd get the DL on the best Trek in that price range. I can help a bit more next week.
 
BEEF SUPREME said:
I feel it is important to try and start with a reasonable quality bike, rather than try to ride something of questionable quality.
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Let's be real, this is the same line the elitist give me when they put down my bike. "Yea the 105 group set is ok, if you don't know better. I just want people to ride nice bikes".
Is the 105 lower end? Yup
Do I recommend it to friends who want to start riding on a budget? Yup
There are a ton of bikes that you might turn your nose at, but they are a great gate way in to cycling for a lot of people. Giant has some great value priced bikes that are nice first bikes for people. My get around town bike is a Giant Escape and I could not be happier, fits my needs at a great price.
 
lowrider-bicycle-14.jpg


This is what I roll, biz'natches.
 
Gonzo said:
Let's be real, this is the same line the elitist give me when they put down my bike. "Yea the 105 group set is ok, if you don't know better. I just want people to ride nice bikes".
Is the 105 lower end? Yup
Do I recommend it to friends who want to start riding on a budget? Yup
There are a ton of bikes that you might turn your nose at, but they are a great gate way in to cycling for a lot of people. Giant has some great value priced bikes that are nice first bikes for people. My get around town bike is a Giant Escape and I could not be happier, fits my needs at a great price.
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Sorry you had a bad experience. I raced on a 105 equipped bike as a junior a trek 1200. It is a more than adequate group for racing IMHO and there are a few tiers of components below that in terms of price and quality at least on the shimano side. Currently, I have a road bike with 105 equipment. Now I will admit my DH racing machine is redonkulous. But if you saw what I was doing with that bike I'm certain you would say not for me but fair enough.

Not really certain why you consider me recommending the 1000-1500 dollar range of bikes as opposed to the below 700 dollar category as an elitist thing. If you just save money for a few months you can buy something that will last much longer. But really if you could find a new 105 equipped road bike for less than 1000 dollars on a shop floor (not mail order) I be very surprised. I'm not saying hey look if you don't have a custom Moots with the latest and greatest components then why bother.

You may be interested to know that I have been trying to work with the NICA league on creating a standard bike that would cost less after doing volunteer fittings for the less affluent kids at a development camp. The kids from Marin were riding around on 10k race sleds and the kids from out of town were on a donated bike 3X too big. It made a big impression on me and I was very upset about the inequity in cycling. I have not made much progress but when ever I see the NICA admin around I try and bug them about it.

I'm sorry that you perceive me as you do through the interwebz. Really I'm about as far from your portrayal of me as you can get. For some odd reason it actually stings a bit. Cycling is really my life (outside of aviation) I do everything I can to build trails, get the youth involved with cycling etc. I love seeing people out on a bike regardless of what type it is. Also this year I started a non profit to try and promote heathy recreation in areas that do not have access.
 
Gonzo said:
Let's be real, this is the same line the elitist give me when they put down my bike. "Yea the 105 group set is ok, if you don't know better. I just want people to ride nice bikes".
Is the 105 lower end? Yup
Click to expand...

I have 105 on my cyclecross bike and it has been flawless for 5 years. It doesn't necessarily make sense to put Ultegra or Force on that kind of bike as a recreational rider. It would turn a $1800 bike into a $2300+ bike. $500 more for less than half a pound of weight. Yeah, it would be nice, but...

Anyway, I consider 105 solid middle of the road.
 
Maybe you can find a bike with SLX components under 1K? IDK I run SLX on my XC bike. On an aluminum hard tail. I'm not exactly big pimpin' on the trail bike. LOL.
 
Now that I'm out of the school house, back at home, and summer has (finally) shown up, I'm back on the bike again. I'm training for the Ore To Shore race in August.

http://www.oretoshore.com

I'm also doing some other random 50 mile race this summer in Traverse City. What's everybody else have lined up?
 
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