mountain bike recommendation

[bluspwr]

I am looking to buy a new mountain bike. 5'11" 220lb. 52 yrs old. Looking to ride some in neighborhood as well as moderate trail riding.
Budget up to $1,000 or so if needed. Want to get a good bike with good gears, forks, brakes, etc.
The primary brands at the dealers around here are Specialized, Trek, Giant, Felt.
I currently ride my Felt Z85 road bike 2 - 4 times a week. More for fun than super serious. Usually ride anywhere from 10 - 20 miles.
Can I find one for this price? If not, what do you suggest?

[mgarrison99]

I haven't mountain-biked in several years, but the Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 800, Fuji Thrill, and Giant Iguana were the ones I considered at the time. I would think Specialized and Trek will hold their value the best in case you ever decide to trade up.

[MRCHILL4]

love my cannondale

[pedalcr8z]

I work for one of the premiere bike shops in the country. The best advice I can give you since you'll be riding it on pavement quite a bit it sounds like is to get a 29er 1 by Giant. Having a 3" taller tire on the pavement will be less cumbersome to ride and on the trail they help you roll over obstacles with much more control. Giant builds over 70% of the bikes on the planet and will naturally be able to offer more value for the money as they aren't paying a middle man to build their bikes. My second choice would be one of the 29 er Cannondale Trail series.

[bluspwr]

Originally Posted by pedalcr8z

I work for one of the premiere bike shops in the country. The best advice I can give you since you'll be riding it on pavement quite a bit it sounds like is to get a 29er 1 by Giant. Having a 3" taller tire on the pavement will be less cumbersome to ride and on the trail they help you roll over obstacles with much more control. Giant builds over 70% of the bikes on the planet and will naturally be able to offer more value for the money as they aren't paying a middle man to build their bikes. My second choice would be one of the 29 er Cannondale Trail series.

I talked with a bike shop that would sell the Giant Talon 29er 1 for @ $850 and the Giant XTC 29er 2 for @ $1150. (2011 models)

Is the XTC 2 worth the extra cash?

[In Absentia]

If you are doing trail riding and community riding, I would think a Hybrid would be more appropriate. Are you sure that you need a mountain bike?

[xk49w]

Sounds like you want a Surly Karate Monkey (29er)

[bluspwr]

Originally Posted by In Absentia

If you are doing trail riding and community riding, I would think a Hybrid would be more appropriate. Are you sure that you need a mountain bike?

I already have a nice road bike, so I thought a good mountain bike would be the next addition....
Needs to be able to do off road. Don't want sissy front forks that can't handle some rough stuff.

[bluspwr]

Originally Posted by xk49w

Sounds like you want a Surly Karate Monkey (29er)

What does one of these cost????

I am a little reluctant to stray from bikes that are sold locally. Easier to get service and/or parts.

[Glenn D.]

Originally Posted by bluspwr

I talked with a bike shop that would sell the Giant Talon 29er 1 for @ $850 and the Giant XTC 29er 2 for @ $1150. (2011 models)

Is the XTC 2 worth the extra cash?

I can't find the specs of the latter bike online to compare. I do echo the suggestions of a 29er. What brands do your local shops carry? We can see what else may be out there.

[Slackerprince]

I have a Trek 4300 that I like.
It rides nice, but it's little heavy.
I used to be a Specialized guy, but
I find the top tube is a better fit for
me with Trek.
I have a Spec. Sirrus Comp flatbar
bike that I use for fitness riding, and
right now it's my primary bike.
Other is a Spec. Allez Elite with Shimano Ultegra SL.
Just ride a bunch and take notes.
One thing with local bike shops, some of them offer
lifetime free adjustments. That is huge for me.
Good luck.

S

[Zuper]

Cannondale or Giant 29er is a good recommendation. See if you can demo one at a local shop. Sounds like you'll be doing very mild riding. Go with something that you're comfortable with, budget-wise, and upgrade components if you want, as you start to ride harder and/or they fail.

[Slackerprince]

FWIW, I'm 6'2 and low 200#'s and I didn't care for the ride of a 29.
YMMV.

s

[plagtr2]

Rigid 29'er. Most of the riding I get to do is pretty mild off road river trails here around Chicago. LOTS of fun & very simple. I'd give a big thumbs up to this one--I ride it myself & like it a bunch.
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/mountain/xxix-11/

[FlyingDutchman]

The Surly single speeds are a cool concept that may be worth trying. 29'ers is the new fad right now..Not sure its for everyone. Worth a test ride as well.

Scour your local Craigslist for a good deal on a used bike. Ive seen some pretty impressive bikes on my CL lately for low prices. If you grab a used one, get it tuned up by a pro. Just like a guitar, a good setup can deliver the best results.