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Mountain bike

1,826 Views | 15 Replies | Last: 15 days ago by aggies4life
aggies4life
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AG
Trying to help an older gentleman find a mountain bike - I doubt they will actually take it to any mountain - maybe local trails etc

Anyone have recommendations on best bang for buck brands in the $150-300 range? Can anything even be found in this price range that is decent or will they need to spend more?

Thanks!
cupofjoe04
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AG
All I can say is that anything in that price range will be a WalMart special. Nothing wrong with them for casual rides around TX trails. Not terribly useful for anything serious in the mountains, though. But you won't get a serious upgrade without adding a zero to the end of those prices.

I scoffed at USED mountain bike prices when I moved to CO. I was clueless. So I trotted down to Wally-World and got me a shiny new bike for like $200. After the very first trial ride (not even that difficult), it would no longer shift gears. It was fine to chase the kids around the circle at our house, but other than that it was useless.

At those prices, he just needs to pick his favorite one out at Academy or WalMart, and go have fun.
swampstander
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AG
I'd find a used mid 80s to mid 90s steel frame mountain bike.
mandevilleag
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This appears to be a fairly nice bike and within your price range.

https://texags.com/forums/50/topics/3498350
zooguy96
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AG
Find an older aluminum frame bike with a front fork on classifieds (FB, Craigslist, etc). You should be able to find one pretty easily in that price range. I found a newer GT for $200. Good enough for my old ass to ride around.
ags4rocks
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AG
Lots of decent ones on eBay, find an older model Trek or Specialized 29" wheels, they will have decent components and be easy to work on for a bike shop. I may have one if my kids aren't using I would part with.
Streetfighter 02
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AG
mandevilleag said:

This appears to be a fairly nice bike and within your price range.

https://texags.com/forums/50/topics/3498350
This was a $700 bike in 2004/2005. I would expect more than ~50% depreciation over 20 years. $300 is high.
jrrhouston98
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AG
What size bike? I have one I'd talk to someone about selling. Size medium, I'm 5-9.
Farmer_J
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Disc brakes are a requirement. Dangerous without them.


Leggo My Elko
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AG
If you go the new bike route you honestly won't find anything worth buying.

Facebook Marketplace and reburnished used bikes at bike shops are probably the best route. IF you up your range to $300 - $500 then you should be able to find plenty of used options.
Streetfighter 02
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AG
I would think for low maintenance, not riding off the pavement, disc brakes are way overkill. They require bleeding and more tuning than a rim brake. I doubt anyone is screaming downhill at 25-35 mph.
NRH ag 10
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AG
There are cable actuated discs that are very simple to adjust. Good (the key being good) hydraulic discs are very easy to maintain and require very little work.

I agree they're not really needed if the main goal is cruising paths. A reliable drivetrain that isn't constantly messing up would be my main focus. Almost everything Shimano makes fits the bill here.
Bald Eagle
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If you are still interested I have a Trek navigator 100 that i never ride anymore and need to sell Excellent condition. . I have hardly ridden it because I'm 84 and probably should stay off of it.! If y;ou are interested call me at 713-539-6169 and i can give you all the details and a picture., $225
SoTxAg
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AG
Yeah, i was gonna suggest looking at hybrids or cruisers more than true mountain bikes. If he's not taking it on trails he may not need a lot of the accessories that come with mountain bikes. A pee-wee herman style cruiser would probably be more comfortable for him too.
jmazz
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AG
Still looking? And where are you/he located? I'm in CS and have a Giant Rincon (front suspension, disc brakes, good tires, medium frame - 5'7" to 5'10" rider). I think it's the 2009/2010 model which was the last year of production per my research. I'd make a great deal on it (cheap, trade or maybe even free so I can replace it with a 'new to me' bike and have garage space).
aggies4life
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AG
Thanks. They are in Houston - looks like went with an e bike instead.
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