[email hidden] (vjump1) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:Hello,
My husband and I (mid-40's)are looking for good entry level mountain
bikes. We will be mostly riding park trails:single tracks, packed,
paved, sandy conditions, etc. We are both new at mountain biking, but
I believe I would be a little more agressive than my husband. We have
been looking at Trek 4500, Specialized Rockhopper, GF Marlin, and Kona
Fire Mountain. My husband is leaning toward the Marlin or Fire
Mountain-he likes how they feel.
<snip>
Any suggestions would be appreciated,
Quoted message said:Thank you
vjump1
I've just completed a similar quest (also well into my mid 40s). I
rode a lot of bikes before settling on a Trek 4300. I found the Treks
and GFs to be very similar in feel. I liked the light and lively feel
of both bikes. Money was an issue or I may have purchased the 4500 or
the Marlin. I didn't like the Rockhopper's. They felt heavy and
uninspired while riding. "Ho-hum". The Treks and GFs were "Woo-Hoo". I
tried a Kona smoke (more of an urban Mt bike). It was just plain heavy
and sluggish feeling to me. I also rode competing models by Giant,
Marin, and Raleigh, they were fine, but just didn't have that Trek
"feel".
Also, test the brakes thoroughly. I tried 4 bikes with mechanical
actuated disc brakes. Three of the 4 sucked. The disc on a GF model
was OK. I could barely lock up the rear wheel and forget about doing
any endos over the handlebars with the front brakes. I asked one LBS
if maybe the discs were not broke in, he said they should be fine.
Another LBS tried adjusting over and over again and the brakes were
still mushy and feeble. I imagine that high end discs are superb, but
cheap components are just that. Like that shock on my $300 Trek 4300.
It is fine for me, but they are not going to put a $200 performance
shock on this bike. For my needs I decided that a low end disc brake
setup was a poor option. A top of the line V brake will be cheaper and
likely perform better than entry level disc (my limited experience
anyway. I prefer the simplicity of a V brake and the reduced weight of
the V on the front wheel seems to make it a bit more nimble
(especially when pulling up the front wheel to hop a curb).
Regarding quality, the models you listed are all fine bikes. I would
definitely do some extended test rides and chose the one that feels
best. The one that makes you feel like a kid again. The one that just
begs to be ridden. Only you know which model that is.
Also, expect to upgrade a few components regardless of which bike you
choose. Bikes are cobbled together to meet a price point and the needs
of some average bike rider (who ever that may be). After you own a
bike for a while you may find that saddle just doesn't feel right.
Maybe you could use a slightly different rise to the handle bars or
stem. Maybe the shifters just don't feel right after extended use.
Pick the bike that feels the best, then fine tune to your meet your
individual needs.
Also budget in some $$$ for accessories. Helmets, gloves, locks, new
saddle, racks, bags, tool kits, patch kits, water bottles and holder,
maintenance manuals, who knows maybe some bike clothing (if you are
into that). You get the picture. I dropped about $200 after the bike
sale just on needed accessories.
Have fun and post back when you have made your decision.
Tracy
