OT: Mountain Bike Questions??

[letsgoagainsoon]

DH and I are thinking about getting bikes for light trail riding. DH is looking at a Cannondale F4 or F5, and a Specialized Expert Disc 29. I'm looking at something less expensive and more comfy like a Trek Navigator 2.0 or a Specialized Expedition Sport.

I don't know anything about bikes and DH used to ride some but hasn't bought a bike in quite awhile.

Anybody have any of these bikes and have any opinions or suggestions??

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

Anybody??

 

[trustknoone]

Ok, I don't Mtn Bike but I do ride 5 days a week on a Road bike completely diff styles of riding but I'll try to help you. What does "light trail riding" mean to you? Are you sure a Mtn bike is really what you are after?

DH has been riding for about 5 years and I have been riding for a little over a year. We both started with the low end of good brand bikes. My first bike was a Specialized this one (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2007&sid=07Crossroads) It was around $350 You said you were looking for comfy entry level, I really enjoyed this bike and would recommend to anyone, its like an SUV bike, tires aren't super skinny like road bikes but it's not as wide as mtn bikes the seat is very plush and it has great shocks.

I just upgraded to a this http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=09Sirrus
after riding for the last year unless it was below 40 or snowing I rode 5 days a week. This bike was $1200 on sale.


If it were me I would not suggest either of the bikes DH has selected until he has ridden for at least a few months, he may hate it, you may hate it. And it's alot of money

Find a reputable bike store and get them to let you test ride if they won't they are not a good store and move on. THey should also be knowledgeable about bike fit (did you kow bikes come in sizes? I sure didn't) Determine where you will be riding at least 80% of the time and choose that style of bike. Mtn bikes are generally for rough terrain, they can be ridden on roads and light trails but is probably not your best choice as an entry level. And avoid the bikes with the very very wide handle bars (touring bikes maybe) I did not find them at all comfortable to ride although they are very cute. Also a good helmet and gloves are priceless.

It took riding at least a dozen bikes to find the one that felt right.

As far as Cannondale , they have a good reputation but I have no first hand knowledge of their performance.

Was this any help? If you have more questions just post them back and I will see if I can answer.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

trustknoone thanks for your help!

We have been to a couple of local bike stores that seem to be pretty good. The one did measure me for fit. So, I do know what size I'm looking at, however, when we went to the shop that sold Specialized, they told me they come S,M, L...instead of an actual measurement like the Trek. Is that just how the Specialized are? I think the Expedition I road is very similar to the Crossroads you posted a link to.

Are you familiar with Trek at all? The Trek I "test drove" is a comfort bike, as well. Both of these were around 350.00. For some reason, I'm "stuck" on Trek, I think only because of the name and the Trek shop seemed just a little more knowledgeable, maybe?? Both rode very similar.

DH rode quite a bit years ago, so he is set on a bike like that. Now he is even talking dual suspension...this is all pretty foreign to me!

Even though I'm looking at a less expensive bike, I want to make the right choice. It's hard when different shops are saying the Trek is better, the Cannondale is better, the Specialized is better. I'm just confused. We are going tomorrow to look at them again.

By light trails, I mean like rails to trails, hard packed dirt. Some bike paths also, and even on the road. (This is for me, DH may have his own ideas...)

 

[Kit'smommy]

I am not biking currently, but I did for several years with DH. I have a Trek that has been a really a great bike.

DH had issues with his Specialized that should have been covered by warrantee, but their customer service was awful. That alone would sway me away from another Specialized.

Honestly, I would get online with one of the bike forums and get some feedback.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

I am not biking currently, but I did for several years with DH. I have a Trek that has been a really a great bike.

DH had issues with his Specialized that should have been covered by warrantee, but their customer service was awful. That alone would sway me away from another Specialized.

Honestly, I would get online with one of the bike forums and get some feedback.

I did read that Specialized customer service wasn't great.

 

[trustknoone]

Sorry it took so long to get back, real life happens.

I have no knowledge of Trek, the few I have seen have Shimano components which are supposed to be one of the best.

Getting on a bike forum sounds like a great idea.

I have never had a reason to deal with Specialized customer service so I don't know how they are.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

Sorry it took so long to get back, real life happens.

I have no knowledge of Trek, the few I have seen have Shimano components which are supposed to be one of the best.

Getting on a bike forum sounds like a great idea.

I have never had a reason to deal with Specialized customer service so I don't know how they are.

No problem.

We both ended up getting Treks over the weekend. I actually think all the bikes we looked at were great, it just came down to personal preference and comfort!

 

[trustknoone]

So glad you found ones you liked. You are right it is all about fit and personal comfort. Good luck and have fun