can I do better than this bike?

[pickled]

don't want to spend more than $500. been looking at this bike:

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/2004/ALP-550-Specs.html

can I do better? what should I be concerned about when buying a decent bike? for use I plan to do 50/50 recreational/XC racing...or attempt to race anyway

thanks for any and all help!

 

[IKON]

Originally posted by pickled
don't want to spend more than $500. been looking at this bike:

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/2004/ALP-550-Specs.html

can I do better? what should I be concerned about when buying a decent bike? for use I plan to do 50/50 recreational/XC racing...or attempt to race anyway

thanks for any and all help!

I would look into the Gt avalanche 2.0 disk
http://www.gtbicycles.com/mountain/catalog/detail.php?id=7

 

[pickled]

Originally posted by IKON
I would look into the Gt avalanche 2.0 disk
http://www.gtbicycles.com/mountain/catalog/detail.php?id=7

thanks, I hadn't looked at that. I do like GT, but at $500 price point the components aren't as good as when I can get on the Ibex 550.

Is there something clearly wrong with Ibex aside from it not being name brand? They seem to get good reviews and are more nicely equipped than anything I can find in the $500 range. I am somewhat new at this so I guess I could be missing something?

 

[IKON]

It got good reviews on here,go with the ibex if u like it better dont go by name.


http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2004_hardtail/product_123857.shtml

 

[i luv dirt]

look in the paper or find a used bike shop. you will get a better deal I saw a 1500$ treck like new go for 500 this spring. just know what you are looking for

 

[noonievut]

If you don't mind buying from an internet dealer (which I think they are?) and having the bike shipped, which of course means you can't try it to you buy it, go for it.