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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 8:52pm

Wanna ride bikes?

//sad story

Some time around the age of 11, I outgrew my rad Huffy BMX bike and sold it at a garage sale. When I turned 12, my parents gave me a birthday card promising to buy me a new bicycle. We were in the process of moving to Oklahoma at the time, so bike shopping had to wait until we got here.

When we got here, I lived in a neighborhood where riding bikes wasn't a safe thing to do. We had a rental house, so the promise became "once we get a real house" and I had to wait. Then we moved to the country and had a gravel road with crappy ditches on either side, and the only traffic was wheat trucks driving 80mph down the street. This too was deemed unsafe, and my bicycle owning dream was left to rot in the wheat fields.

I'm 25 now. Still have the card, and damnit, I'm gonna get my bike. After all these years, my folks are still tired of me pulling the "oh, like that bike you promised and I never got" comment. They've offered to get me one, finally.
//end sad story

I need to get out of the house and lose some weight, do something physical. I'm looking for suggestions on a mountain bike or similar that can take the abuse of potholed roads and gravel. Any suggestions on something durable and strong? It seems that 10-speeds barely exist these days, and all the bike makers I used to know are the pits. Also, it needs to be below $300, as I understand the offer.
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airbornflght
McLovin
airbornflght
5,567 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 9:06pm
Well. I own an older 18 speed huffy with shimanoo shifters and brakes (
I believe) It's a nice ride. It is rigid suspension i.e. none. But I've given the bike hell and it is still working fine to this day. What can I say. I've had it from the time I was twelve or so. Has a tad bit of rust, but that is to be expected I guess.
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GHoosdum
tequilavangelist
GHoosdum
10,277 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 9:06pm
This one looks decent.

Also, Bikes Direct has some decent prices. Only problem is that their frames are all knockoff "Made in China" versions of the professional counterparts. Even some brands you'll find in bike shops, like Giant, are made in China though.

I checked out an Orbea at a local bike shop recently. It was really nice, but it's $1500. Ouch.
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 9:07pm
Quoting Wiki
On 13 August 2004, Huffy announced that a review of its financial statements had revealed accounting irregularities. As a result, the price of Huffy stock (Stock symbol: HUF) declined by 40 percent on the next NYSE trading day. On 16 August 2004, the NYSE suspended trading of Huffy stock and announced that it was taking steps to remove Huffy as a listed stock. Finally, on 20 October 2004, Huffy announced that the Huffy Corporation and all of its United States and Canadian subsidiaries would file for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
No more Huffy. Schwinn went overseas, too.
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 9:09pm
Thanks for the suggestions GH. I think I'm looking for something with knobby tires though. I'll give that website a look.
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GHoosdum
tequilavangelist
GHoosdum
10,277 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 9:09pm
Wal-Mart killed Huffy.

I'm not as knowledgeable on MTBs because I've done my research on road bikes and hybrids, but Bikes Direct does sell some MTBs.

The bike I've got now is a "mountain style" bike from "Vertical" at Target. It's made in China and has a sticker on it that says "not for off-road use."

In other words, I'd advise sticking to the higher end of that budget from your parents.

Also, here is a good write-up from one of our local bike shops about buying an MTB.
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Zanthian
Icrontian
Zanthian
817 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 9:10pm
someone must have bought them then: http://www.huffybikes.com/
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Zanthian
Icrontian
Zanthian
817 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 9:11pm
Also you might want to check out this site: http://www.mtbr.com/
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Sledgehammer70
Sledgehammer70
Sledgehammer70
7,274 Posts

» Subscriber

4 Oct 2007, 10:35pm
Huffy went Chapter 11 opened under a new name.. I think they still make the same bikes tbh.. I knwo this cause i lost a ton of cash in their stock.

I have a nice BMX bike with spinners
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Gargoyle
We can't stop here...
Gargoyle
4,685 Posts

» Subscriber

4 Oct 2007, 10:36pm
I'd focus on geting a used one if you want to stay in your price range. I paid $250 for mine, and it was worth more than twice that, new. I would not buy a new bike from Wal-Mart or Target under any circumstances. Generally those bikes are too heavy, and of questionable build quality.

That guy selling the Hardrock on Craigslist wants too much money for it. You can get it new for $20-$40 more. The Hardrock is a good bike, though. If I were you, I'd narrow your search down to that model and see what you can find used. Or convince your folks to just buy it new for $370 or $390 (check the reviews at the second link). Inflation over the last 10 years has been cruel, you know

I have a GT mountain bike, and it's been great in the city. I just replaced the front tire with one that was still knobby, but had much less rolling resistance. Feels like a whole new bike . Having the front suspension makes bumps, curbs, and cracks much easier to deal with - I wouldn't get a road bike for what I think you're wanting to use it for.
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 10:39pm
I know. I tried to pull the inflation comment in exchange for a motorcycle. It didn't work (yet).

I'll keep checking craigslist, and I'll swing by our local bike store, Al's Bicycles, and see what they have to offer. They have a great reputation locally for outstanding customer service.
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edcentric
Must keep folding
edcentric
2,480 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 11:17pm
To shop and get ideas check out the REI website. Specalized and Trek both make a lot of models in your price range.
Honestly I don't like suspension, I prefer a rigid frame. Unless you are planing on riding down mountains you don't need them, just more stuff to break.
My family has bought three bikes in the last year so I have been keeping up with stuff.
Speeds, you will mostly see 18 and 21. It doesn't really matter.
Brakes, discs front and rear are nice. They will stop when they are wet. If you don't plan on ever being out in crappy weather then conventional cantilevers are fine.
I'll look up a few options for you.
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LawnMM
Oppressor of Crackheads
LawnMM
994 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 11:22pm
Stay away from anything you buy at walmart, target, and the like. They're cheap but its crummy steel, its heavy, and there's a lot better stuff out there.

Honestly you want to go with a name brand Mountain Bike if you want something decent. If you spend a little extra money you can get a real nice ride that will last you a lifetime and have room for upgrades if and when you deem it necessary.

I think Specialized gives you the best bang for buck. There's also Gary Fisher, Cannondale is making a comeback, Trek, and a slew of others. I'd throw a little money of your own in and spring for something nice over something cheap but thats just my opinion.

Within your pricerange...
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...d=07HardrockXC

Little more money but better components...
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22177

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22091

The main thing that changes as you go up in price are frame materials and component weight. I would sacrifice component quality intially for a better frame as that will make the largest difference in weight and overall durability of the bike. You can upgrade the components fairly cheaply here and there as you go down the line as needed. I would avoid the idea of buying a 'cross bike' as its really the worst of both worlds between a cruiser and mtn bike. Get yourself a mountain bike, go for an aluminum frame from a reputable company, have somebody that knows what they're doing size you on the bike.
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Nomad
-
Nomad
3,503 Posts
4 Oct 2007, 11:58pm
My recommendation goes to Trek from personal use. I was very into biking and mountain biking for a year and a half and my Trek was well worth the $330 I spent for it. I recommend buying Trek models between 3700 ($280) and 4200 ($400).

Alternatively, I'm a big fan of buying used things to conserve on spending money. To be honest if I was buying a bike now, I'd go to a specialty place like Cylce and Fitness to see what they have. I'd then check the newspapers and Craig's list to see if there was something similar for cheaper.

Don't buy from Target or Wal-Mart, or any of that jazz. It's all extremely heavy crap and hard to fix yourself if something does go wrong. Trek's and Gary Fisher's are lightweight so you don't have to expend all your energy just getting the things to move, and most of them have pedals designed to put the chain back onto the gear if it pops off in motion (very useful).
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GHoosdum
tequilavangelist
GHoosdum
10,277 Posts
5 Oct 2007, 1:27am
I like the component specs of the second and third bikes Lawn posted.

Personally, I'd go with the recommendation Lawn made of kicking in some of your own money and buying the quality.
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CB
Doktor Schnabel von Rom
CB
5,964 Posts
5 Oct 2007, 1:36am
Must have:

Spokey Dokes.
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Lincoln
Snapperhead
Lincoln
15,963 Posts
5 Oct 2007, 1:45am
Quoting Nomad
My recommendation goes to Trek from personal use. I was very into biking and mountain biking for a year and a half and my Trek was well worth the $330 I spent for it. I recommend buying Trek models between 3700 ($280) and 4200 ($400).
My Trek bike has been pwning the trails for the last 6+ years. I have an aluminum frame with front shocks and 21 speeds and it's perfect.

//edit: Closest modern equivalent I could find (top/main one)
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
5 Oct 2007, 2:52am
Thanks guys. The Hardrock interests me, so I'm gonna look for a local shop that carries them and I'll go check it out. I'll look into the Treks too.

No worries about buying a drug store bike... Mom worked in a bike shop back in the day and has seen a lifetime's worth of bent rims, twisted forks and cheap derailers. I figure bikes are like buying tools. Buy a good one and it'll last you a looooong time.
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
5 Oct 2007, 4:18am
Anne, you were right:
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/bik/440369398.html

It's down to $300. I wonder if I could get it for $250? I'd tolerate yellow for that.
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Annes
Leching since ought-five
Annes
1,129 Posts
5 Oct 2007, 6:22pm
Quoting Buddy Jesus
Anne, you were right
QFT

Also, I think it needs to be noted that Keebler's bike has not only survived 6+ years of use, but 4 years of constant theft. :-D
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 4:08am
Got a Specialized Hardrock Sport today. It's black with a gold stripe. I love it.
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CB
Doktor Schnabel von Rom
CB
5,964 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 4:10am
With Spokie Dokes?
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 4:27am
Yeah. The hot pink really works with my matte black frame.
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CB
Doktor Schnabel von Rom
CB
5,964 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 4:30am
And pegs on the rear wheel?
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 4:42am
For tricks when I take it off sweet jumps.
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CB
Doktor Schnabel von Rom
CB
5,964 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 2:16pm
And banana seat?
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GHoosdum
tequilavangelist
GHoosdum
10,277 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 3:29pm
Nice choice, Buddy J.
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Buddy J
Dept. of Propaganda
Buddy J
7,439 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 3:34pm
Quoting GHoosdum
Nice choice, Buddy J.
Thanks!

Quoting CB Droege
And banana seat?
With a sissy bar!
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yagga
Nickelodian wreckd Camp Snoopy
yagga
2,309 Posts
13 Oct 2007, 3:38pm
Quoting Buddy Jesus
No more Huffy. Schwinn went overseas, too.
Schwinn sold their name to either Huffy or Magna or some other cheap brand, I believe they are only sold at Walmart, possibly at Target, but I don't think so. This happened around 2002 or 2003. So, in other words, Schwinn is no more, but the cheap brand gets to defile the Schwinn name with $100 bikes, pathetic.

I had got a Schwinn in 2001, a Mesa GSX, top mountain bike of the Mesa line without disc brakes (which was sort of a mid line bike in the line anyway). 27 speeds, red walls, cushy front suspension, uberly low gear. I love that bike. But now, ahem I see you got one already? ahem, Trek (also Gary Fischer), Specialized, and Releigh are all good companies. Releigh I believe makes a lot of crossover mountain-city, with nice suspension, comfort, taller and skinnier tires than standard 26" mountain bike tires. I must admit I haven't looked into bikes in quite sometime, although I was interested in a crossover just to have a tougher road bike for an occasional ride.
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