like to upgrade, need advice

"Craig Suslosky" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Hello, Im not a real hard core biker but would like to upgrade from my "wal mart Mongoose " bike.
It has front and rear susp. 21 speeds but it isnt built very well. It is quickly falling apart and
alot of the adj. do not seem to stay put. It is about 2 years old with not alot of time on it. Im
looking for something better built, but not pro grade. I also need advice on a girls 24" mountain
bike. My daughter seen one at Wal Mart, but after my experience Im a little gun shy. Hers was a
wal mart bike (front susp, 5 speed ) and it seems to be holding up better than mine. I would still
like to do a little looking at other brands. Where do I start? I dont want to spend a fortune on a
pro bike for the little we use them. She rides hers a lot (not mtn biking, riding around the block
and on smooth trails) Thanks for the help, Craig

Standard advice.

Do NOT worry about brands. Anything at a real bike shop will be far more suitable than the offerings
at *Mart or a sporting goods store. Raleigh/GT/Specialized/Trek/etc...etc. All make good bikes.
There are very few truly bad bikes on the market.

Get thee to your LBS, and tell them exactly what you told us. Look at and test ride many, many
bikes. Then, go to another LBS. Do the same If possible, go to a third and fourth.

Ride them again.

Bring home the ones you like the best, from the store that treats you the best.

Pete Then ride lots and lots.

"Pete" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Craig Suslosky" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Hello, Im not a real hard core biker but would like to upgrade from my "wal mart Mongoose "
bike. It has front and rear susp. 21 speeds but it isnt built very well. It is quickly falling
apart and alot of the adj. do not seem to stay put. It is about 2 years old with not alot of
time on it. Im looking for something better built, but not pro grade. I also need advice on a
girls 24" mountain bike. My daughter seen one at Wal Mart, but after my experience Im a little
gun shy. Hers was a wal mart bike (front susp, 5 speed ) and it seems to be holding up better
than mine. I would still like to do a little looking at other brands. Where do I start? I dont
want to spend a fortune on a pro bike for the little we use them. She rides hers a lot (not mtn
biking, riding around the block and on smooth trails) Thanks for the help, Craig

Standard advice.

Do NOT worry about brands. Anything at a real bike shop will be far more suitable than the
offerings at *Mart or a sporting goods store. Raleigh/GT/Specialized/Trek/etc...etc. All make good
bikes. There are very few truly bad bikes on the market.

Get thee to your LBS, and tell them exactly what you told us. Look at and test ride many, many
bikes. Then, go to another LBS. Do the same If possible, go to a third and fourth.

Ride them again.

Bring home the ones you like the best, from the store that treats you the best.

Pete Then ride lots and lots.

PS: LBS equals local bike shop.

To give you an idea, basic bikes for adults start around $200, give or take, but they're well worth
every penny. "pro level" bikes are around $3000 or more! Yowch. Basic kid's bikes (with gears), 24"
wheels, front suspension, figure around 140, maybe a bit less.

Jon Bond