Could anyone suggest a decent entry level mountain bike? I'm probably only going to use it once or twice a month this summer, so I'd like to stay under a thousand, but I'd like something better than Walmart. I know that limits my options, but it will only be used occasionally on very easy trails.

Pretty sure you will get a very nice bike for under $1000. Especially for your intended use. We have giants and I like them. I also have a huffy fat tire for fun. GF can keep up with me if I take that tank Try your local bike shop they can probably get you a bike that fits your body good.

If you want to buy online and set it up yourself I have heard good things about Bikes Direct but I have never purchased there.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/

I think you will likely want a “fitness” or “hybrid” bike. You can find a great one for 500-600. I have a trek dual sport 2 and love it. It has a front shock that can be locked out with a quick lever. For light trials you can use the shock, but when on the road you lock it out. Great bike.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/e...hybrid-bikes/c/B528/

I have a Giant carbon road bike as well and love that brand as well. I have heard The Roam is a great bike.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-roam-disc

I think many brands are good it all depends on what brand your local shop carries.

I see nice ones at pawn stores all the time. I buy used when I can. Also check CL.

Do you have an REI around you. If so go check out what they have and you can test ride them and get sized properly for a bike.

Comfort and fit is everything. I do understand the appeal of buying a slightly used bike, but it needs to fit you. I saw an awesome deal on a road bike, but it was too big for me. Sure, I could ride it sort of, but it was just too big.

I'd suggest visiting a local bike shop that has been in business awhile and starting a relationship with them ... you may end up riding more than you think.

quote:

Originally posted by xantom:

If you want to buy online and set it up yourself I have heard good things about Bikes Direct but I have never purchased there.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/

We bought our adult daughter a mountain bike listed on close-out on Bikes Direct about four years ago. It had a number of nicer features that would have pushed it close to the $1000 range at bike shops. We got it delivered for less than $400. Setup was easy, though we did take it to a local bike shop for their $49(?) tune-up. She hasn’t ridden it as much as she expected but said she really likes it.

I have this Specialized one, it's a very entry level model but it's better than a Huffy. I very much like it.

I have a new Giant Roam 3 that I use as my beater and its been a great all around bike for dirt, gravel or paved trails.

I have a Giant Revolt, its a cyclocross, a much higher end bike from the same maker and its good on some trails but the drop bars are not what I want on trails and no front suspension so I have relegated it to use for more road and paved trails.

I am finding I now like the Roam better - and it was a third the price... and has handled what little I can muster pretty well

quote:

Originally posted by xantom:
Pretty sure you will get a very nice bike for under $1000. Especially for your intended use. We have giants and I like them. I also have a huffy fat tire for fun. GF can keep up with me if I take that tank Try your local bike shop they can probably get you a bike that fits your body good.

If you want to buy online and set it up yourself I have heard good things about Bikes Direct but I have never purchased there.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/

I used Bikes Direct for my mountain bike and was very pleased.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackks:
.....very easy trails.

Do you need a mountain bike? If it's technical or uneven dirt trails, I'd say yes. But if you're on pavement or solid dirt, I'd suggest a flat-bar hybrid with 700x28 (up to 700x35) tires. Mountain bikes are much heavier and not as efficient because of their shocks, struts, etc.

I haven't used bikesdirect.com, but I hear great things about it.

What part of the country are you in?

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:

quote:

Originally posted by xantom:
Pretty sure you will get a very nice bike for under $1000. Especially for your intended use. We have giants and I like them. I also have a huffy fat tire for fun. GF can keep up with me if I take that tank Try your local bike shop they can probably get you a bike that fits your body good.

If you want to buy online and set it up yourself I have heard good things about Bikes Direct but I have never purchased there.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/

I used Bikes Direct for my mountain bike and was very pleased.

I am pleased with my Motobecane HAL6 from bikesdirect.com.

I have a Giant Roam 2 (2014) which has been perfect for rail trail use.

Go to local shop and get fit for frame size. Makes a big difference. Also, try different saddles.

I have this bike and love it. The price is right, but get fitted for size at your local shop.

Specialized Pitch Comp

quote:

Originally posted by steve495:
Comfort and fit is everything. ...

I'd suggest visiting a local bike shop that has been in business awhile and starting a relationship with them ... you may end up riding more than you think.

There's a reason so many are telling you what Steve did. Bikes are like shoes. You don't want to buy them unless you've tried them on. If they don't fit, you won't use them, and if you do you'll be miserable. If they fit good, you'll appreciate it. If they fit great, your riding enjoyment will be over the top. My road bike is like this.

Go to a couple of local shops. Giant and Trek would probably be in your price range. If you look for a last-year's model, it will save you a bit. Good luck and enjoy!

There are some deals online if you know what you are looking for, but I think there is more benefit to try out bikes and get the right fit at a local bike store. I would look at your local bike shops at Specialized, Giant, and Trek bikes. The Specialized Rockhopper is a classic. I don't like hybrid bikes if you are going off-road, get a mountain bike. If later you end up on the road only, you can put road tires on it. The internet has a million pages just written on 27.5 vs 29" wheels and they are both good, but I will say if you are 6 feet or taller I would for sure be looking at 29ers.

Under a thousand I would look at a front suspension only bike. You will get a lighter bike with better components. In hindsight, I made a mistake of buying an inexpensive dual suspension one time and it was really heavy with cheap shifters and brakes. I would have been much better off with a well made front suspension bike.

I got this shipped to me from wally world for $250 . I swapped out the brake handles, shifter, seat, pedals, and added some mud flaps. Removed all the decals with a heat gun. It's a tank but it was cheap and is really fun to ride.



Might upgrade to a lighter frame FT at some point. I have a Giant Defy 2 that I love to ride when the conditions are good.

^^^ It's not the frame slowing you down, it's the massive rolling resistance of those 4" tires. Ride a bike with anything skinnier and you'll feel like you're on a rocket. I have 1.75" slicks on my old hardtail and it flies compared to my downhill with 2.5" tires. Frames and geometry of course matter too, but had to tease you a bit.

I'd too recommend a fit at local shop to get started. A good shop will usually have both new and used bikes. You can also narrow it down and check out a place like PinkBike. I have friends who've bought used on their marketplace. If you're really uncertain you can also demo bikes. Out here that is popular when you're going to plunk down on a pricey ride. So you spend say $75-100 for a demo day on a bike and decide if you like it. Often they put the fee towards the purchase. Another option to consider if you're having trouble making up your mind.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
What part of the country are you in?

Utah and I'll be using it on dirt trails up canyons.