Bikes?

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Rogue

Rogue

Joined
Mar 27, 2003
Threads
29
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968
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Jefferson
Hey all. So I recently was laid off and am in the market for a bicycle. My price range is no more than $500 and I want to get a quality bike. I'd like to get a sturdy bike that will work for day-to-day stuff as well as trail rides. Also, I want disc brakes.

I've looked through the GT, Trek, Haro and Specialized lines and like the Trek 4500 best so far.

What are your experiences with bikes and what should I look for? Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
Rogue,
Sorry to hear about your job loss.
I've recently been looking for a new bike as well. You should also take a look at Giant. I think they have a great offering in just about any price range. Their frames are good for the money and the components are usually a step above the other bikes in the same price range. At a $500 price cap I'd seriously consider non-disk bikes as well. Above all find a bike that is comfortable and fits your body well.
:beer:
 
sucks about the job.....

Buying a cheap bike sucks IMHO and w/ $500 you can't really get a nice all around bike....I would use the $500 and consider buying a nice used bike. One thing about bikes is that most people dont ride them too much....

GT's are good quality, but are typically heavier than most bike b/c of the triple triangle frame (strong thought).
Treks are usually middle of the road for price, but seem to be well built
Giants back in the day were fantasic bikes - i am not sure now - Giant bought Gary Fischer, which are great bikes at one time, again not sure now
Haro's will give you good componets (sp), but the frames are heavy - fair price
Specialized - i would say i like them the best out of this list - you will pay a touch more, but i feel you get a better quality bike.

most middle of the road bikes today will give you disk front brakes and a front shock.

try www.bikeman.com - they are in Bath, ME and usually have good prices on used bikes
also, there are websites that are just for the sale of used bikes....
 
Sorry to hear about the job. $500 probably won't get you decent disk brakes and decent front suspension. Of the two, I'd go with decent front suspension and rim brakes. A lot of us raced on that setup with great success. Cheap disk brakes are bad news. I just bought my wife a Specialized with decent front sus and good mechanical disks, last year's closeout, $600. My daughter's boyfriend paid about the same for a Specialized with very good front sus, and rim brakes. He really wanted good front sus and disk brakes, like you, but couldn't find it in his price range, and he shopped around. My son's Trek was a bit over $600 with a very good front sus and rim brakes. For $500 you'll have to make some compromises, and I'd pass on the disk brakes. My disks are pretty high-end, and pretty expensive. I like them for ease and consistency, I expect they'll be better in the snow, but they do squeal, they're heavier than rim brakes, and they're not much better than good rim brakes most of the time.
Bike Colored.webp
 
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Rogue said:
Hey all. So I recently was laid off and am in the market for a bicycle. My price range is no more than $500 and I want to get a quality bike. I'd like to get a sturdy bike that will work for day-to-day stuff as well as trail rides. Also, I want disc brakes.

I've looked through the GT, Trek, Haro and Specialized lines and like the Trek 4500 best so far.

What are your experiences with bikes and what should I look for? Any help is greatly appreciated.
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Rogue,

if you look at this link,

http://www.fisherbikes.com/compare/results.asp?bike=Marlin&bike=Wahoo_Disc

it will compare two Fishers that are close to your price range (identically priced) one has discs, the other has V brakes.. Compare the components and you will see that the Marlin with the V brakes has components that are 1 - 2 steps above that of the Wahoo Disc.... You'd get a lot more bike in your price range going with the V brakes.

..and for the record, Trek (not Giant) owns Fisher.
 
x2 on a used bike. I bought my Trek 6 years ago for 1/4 the price of new (I paid $600.00). It is now an outdated full suspension bike (VRX400) but has full XTR components, Hayes front and rear, Mavic rims, full length forks and shoes. The rims new cost almost as much as what I paid for the whole bike. The guy set it up for and was racing competitive downhill but got hurt (broke his back) so he had to sell it.
 
You could probably score an "only rode once" bike from a local want ad - lot's of people will buy a nice set up and never ride it - so you could end up getting a $1000 bike for $500 - just another idea.....
 
I agree on the used, but take your time and know what you're buying. If you learn the different levels of Shimano components, you'll be able to judge most bikes pretty quickly. Most have Shimano components, and most are priced based on the level of their components. There are a few good shock makers, each with many levels of quality. Higher-end shocks usually have more adjustments available. I haven't shopped wheels in a while, but mid-level bikes seem to come with nice wheels these days. Most important with used bikes: don't buy a bike that doesn't fit you well, even if it's a killer deal. Unless it's just for show like mine. :grinpimp:
 
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I've sold many a 4500 over the years. It's a good bike at it's price point. mechanical discs are fine. If you can bump up to the 6000 it's got some nicer components to hold up off road. If not no big deal.
 
scottm said:
I agree on the used, but take your time and know what you're buying. If you learn the different levels of Shimano components, you'll be able to judge most bikes pretty quickly. Most have Shimano components, and most are priced based on the level of their components. There are a few good shock makers, each with many levels of quality. Higher-end shocks usually have more adjustments available. I haven't shopped wheels in a while, but mid-level bikes seem to come with nice wheels these days. Most important with used bikes: don't buy a bike that doesn't fit you well, even if it's a killer deal. Unless it's just for show.
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x2

Go to a local shop and get fitted. Be honest. Tell the guy you're looking for used bike. Talk about what you're looking for. He might know of one for sale. Also, look for used bikes in your dimensions online, etc. When you buy your bike, take it to the same shop for a tuneup and have them inspect the bike. If you don't know much about bikes, it's a good idea to throw a little $$$ to a good bike shop in the area to help you get the bike you want and need.
 
rouge, there are som many GOOD used bikes for sale on the wasatch front, check mtbr.com they have a good for sale section, stop by bingham, those guys are super helpful, you really shouldnt have a hard time finding a nice used bike for 5-700 bucks..

good luck
 
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