Mountain bike/ transport bike

[Boone]

I'm in school at app state and just moved into an apartment thats only a couple miles from campus. I'm looking for a bike that i could use as a viable mode of transportatiion but would still be sturdy enough for me to hit some mild trails. The primary function of the bike would be as transport not for recreation and definately no knarly stuff or hardcore downhill. I would prefer for the bike to be a hardtail with front shock. i have a budget of about 500 bucks.

Does anyone have any reccomendations as to what i should consider?

thanks.

 

[scottm]

$500 will get you into a new hard-tail capable of the gnarliest trails and competitions. Lots of selection at that price, go to different bike stores and try out different brands.

But I'd find a used beater if you're going to leave it in college bike racks during the day, plan on less than $100, maybe less than $50, ideally something free from a relative. Always park it with nicer bikes. Then get a nice bike for recreating.

If you get a nice bike you'll need to replace the quick-release stuff with hex-nut, be prepared for it to get scratched up and maybe stolen, carry a huge, heavy lock, don't let anyone borrow it, worry about parking it where it's highly visible but not exposed to damage,... get a beater.

 

[semlin]

i agree with scott. if you want only one bike get an old higher end hardtail with a front shock for about $300 and hope it gets overlooked by the thief. otherwise, get two and spend under $100 for the commuter.

as far as what bike, there are plenty. try to stick to a name brand and study up a bit on components. to make it simple for a used bike if you find something with deore lx derailleurs it was probably a decent bike new, and if they are xt or xtr deore, it was a top end bike, but there are other adequate brands. bikepedia is a good place to look up a bike for sale and figure out the original retail price and components. also, when buying used check the gears for wear and budget for a tune up at a bike store. better yet, take it to a bike store during the test ride and get their assessment.

 

[liljlandon]

I may get a bad vibe from some, but I cant complain about my motobecane 500HT. The only issue I have had was the pedal working itself loose, then bombing a hill not thinking and landing with my nutsack in the frame with lots of educational words

Got mine locally, but ive heard about 50/50 good bad on bikesdirect.com
IMHO- Good bang for the buck.

 

[Boone]

Thanks for all the good info everyone. I've been checking out the local bike shops and it seems (like everyone mentioned) that i'll be able to get a nice bike for a good deal less than 500 so thats awesome.

Keep the suggestions/info coming
Thanks again.

 

[Boone]

thanks for all the help everyone. I just picked up one of these Revel 1 (2010) - Bikes | Giant Bicycles | UK / Ireland

today and love it so far.

 

[PRky]

I like to check out pawnshops in towns with a state university. They usually have a selection! Once you get a handle on what brand/type that you like, there are always deals to be found on ebay and craigslist. My mtb hardtail is a 2000 Airborne Lancaster (Ti. XT) I bought it brand new in 2006 for $700.