Inexpensive Mountain Bikes? - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

mickf66 · 12-15-2006, 02:38 PM

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the $100-150 mtn bikes from Academy, WalMart, Target, etc? Are these bikes worth the money? I'll use them in town and might try them on some easy trails, but nothing crazy.

Also, any opinions on the $30-60 bike racks that hook on the trunk you car? I notice that most people on this board use the +$100 racks, but I was curious why.

thanks!

mickey

Shannon · 12-15-2006, 03:16 PM

Really, you need to ride a bike to tell if it is going to suit you properly. I do not know how sturdy the bikes you are referring to are but if you are not sure how much you are going to ride they might be just fine as starter bikes. I would still buy from a bike shop vs. Academy because you can get some first hand guidance and the bikes they sell tend to be more adaptable -- eg. you can put a new seat on if the stock one is uncomfortable (most are), you can get new pedals or whatnot, etc. A $100 bike is not going to be worth anything if its too uncomfortable to ever ride.

As for bike racks, you want something sturdy. I value my vehicle and my bicycle too much to put a flimsy rack on my vehicle to hold my bike, not to mention the disastrous results if a cheapo one failed or fell off while driving (cause an accident, etc.) If you have a new car or one whose paintjob you intend to keep looking nice, you also want a rack that won't move around so much as to cause scratches or dents... a $30 rack is probably not one that will have the kind of fit and protection of a $80 or $150 rack. (Mine was $140 or so, but is a two bike model and highly configurable to work on either a sedan, SUV or minivan.)

I have a small size SUV now and my bike can fit in the back with the seats down, but before that I got a sturdy and not altogether expensive Saris "Bones" bike rack for my sedan -- the rack also fits my new SUV, by the way, if I want to use it.

Think about long term value, not just immediate purchase price.

tinneyr · 12-19-2006, 06:28 AM

Mickey, the first thing to realize is that a bike from Walmart, Target etc. is a mountain bike in name only. Consider that these bikes are built by whomever is working in that department at the time and typically has no experience with building a bike. Now, I'm not here to put anyone down but you get what you pay for. Such a bike would be good for one or two rides before you got frusterated with the mechanics of it. Any off road riding would further complicate matters. Bottom line is it is a much wiser investment to visit your local bike shop. Even purchasing the basic bike they have would let you take advantage of their mechanical expertise and to help fit you to your new bike. I started out with a basic bike and then got hooked on riding. I gradually upgraded over the years (don't ask how much my current bike cost) and started racing and taking mountain biking trips all over Texas and the Southwest. As far as which brand to buy, people have their preferences but they are all pretty much the same in quality. I hope this 2 cents helps and keep us posted.

toejam · 12-19-2006, 07:33 AM

Yes, the cheap stuff is worth the money. The good products are not worth the money if they don't get used. Go with the cheap bike & rack and see if you like it. If you decide you really want to ride regularly it will be worth spending for the good stuff. I'll bet 90% of all bikes purchased of any quality do nothing but clutter up somebody's garage.

As a warning, I know of no group of people more elitist about the price of their gear than bicycle riders. Kayakers are bad, but not even close to bicyclists. And you'll never hear a more intense up-sales pitch than in a bike shop.

tinneyr · 12-19-2006, 08:14 AM

Toejam, I would concure that "no" item is any good if it goes unused but I feel as though I have somehow hit a nerve. I was under the impression that Mickey was looking for advice and not warnings. Had I had a bad experience with buying a tent I wouldn't label all campers as you have cyclists.

toejam · 12-19-2006, 08:56 AM

Campers/backpackers are generally cheap and don't equate dedication and expertise with money spent. Not so with bicyclists.

I haven't had a bad experience, that's just my conclusion from 46 year of observation.

Shannon · 12-19-2006, 12:00 PM

Interesting. I can't say I agree with the "elitist" comment at all, either.

Camping and backpacking aren't competitive sports, whereas some types of cycling (and kayaking) are. I would say THAT is the distinction, not the sport itself. I think you'll find people who talk up their $X,XXX+ equipment and downplay competitors' equipment if you walk in any circle that involves competitive athletes.

I'm sure competitive runners get pretty worked up about a particular shoe, and baseball players get worked up about a particular glove or bat, etc.

I spent more on my digital camera, by far, than my mountain bike... same for Justin's road bike that he's put over 1000 miles on in the past year. Some would say spending $X,XXX on a camera would be 'elitist' too, but again, it's about the nature of the use. I don't think we should be so quick to cast aspersions on an entire group of outdoors enthusiasts... it's no more useful than doing the same about a group of people in the population at large.

Shannon · 12-22-2006, 11:06 PM

On the topic of cyclists and getting into cycling (be it mountain biking, road biking or a happy medium between the two) --

My husband and partner here at WildTexas.com, Justin, is too busy to read most of the threads that get posted here (that is my job!), but I know he has some terrific knowledge and guidance he would happily share to those new to the pasttime/sport/exercise.

So, if anyone who happens upon this thread wants to chat or glean info from a cycling enthusiast -- one of the many non-elitist ones, at that (nicest guy you could ever hope to meet, in fact!) -- then do wander over to Justin's bicycling website --
http://bike-geek.blogspot.com/

I would characterize Justin as 60% road cyclist (including the 2-day, 150 mile Valero MS-150 under his belt, proceeds benefitting the Multiple Sclerosis Society) and 40% mountain biker. Thus far, he has me beat hands down on mileage put on his bicycles, and I don't think you can go wrong picking his brain on cycling-related topics... and he won't make you feel bad one way or the other... not about how much you spent on your bike, or how many miles you ride, or what brand of bicycle you ride (though he has his favorites, as any real enthusiast of any hobby does develop over time and experience). He just wants to see more of you out there enjoying the great outdoors and getting in shape.

So, do check out Bike Geek, and be sure to tell my dear husband that he's awesome. (OK, sorry... I just had to add that. Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones plus the holidays making me really cherish what a wonderful man I've shared the past 18 years of my life with, 10 of which we have shared as husband and wife.)

Whew.... I think I need a Kleenex now.

Shannon · 12-29-2006, 03:39 PM

So, Mickey, have you purchased that bike or bike rack yet? Do share when you do.... plus, depending on where you live, we might have some good suggestions on bike-friendly places you could hit the road or trails.

Do get a decent helmet, btw... and, depending on how much you will ride, you might want a pair of padded bike shorts (to protect those "sensitive areas" -- even if you have a fancy saddle, the padded shorts make all the difference in the world.)

If you find you have any issues with numbness or blisters or plan to go on long rides, a pair of cycling gloves is useful too... they do not have to be fancy, but I prefer ones with gel padding vs. just foam -- they seem to hold up longer and, at least for mountain biking or rough roads, seem to cut down the vibration a bit better. I have notoriously pain-prone wrists due to all my computer use, so I am sensitive to vibration and extended pressure on my wrists.

The only MUST HAVES though are your bike and a helmet -- protect your noggin from fallin!

:cool:

Similar Threads