Need a bike ~$350

Looking around other threads, I've noticed that many seem to believe that disc brakes aren't really necessary, and are heavier. I do consider weight a large factor, here, so, please note that as well.

Further suggestions?

I bought a Giant Rincon: http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2004&bikesection=8841&range=145&model=10764

Nice bike 🙂.

Any idea where I can get that cheapest? More ideas, or feedback on the same unit? I am going to a store or two to look some more tomorrow.

Not really sorry, unless you want to get one shipped from Australia (I bet we pay more anyway, us aussies always seem to get a raw deal 🙁). Mine ('05) cost AU$500, which is about US$360. And that was pretty cheap.

I have a Specialized Hard Rock - seems to do the job, although I am a bit of a wimp so I'm not pushing it to its limits.

ncc74656m said:

Looking around other threads, I've noticed that many seem to believe that disc brakes aren't really necessary, and are heavier. I do consider weight a large factor, here, so, please note that as well.

Further suggestions?

yeah, just get V's for the moment, why dnt u try n get s second hand bike for dat price?

I suggest either a Trek 4300 or the Specialized Hardrock. I went cheap and got the Trek 820 but I have to admit for a cheap bike it took a bit of abuse last night on the mountain trails. I hope I didn't mess up the fork! But so far so good. I ride with a few guys and one guy has the 4300 that he paid $350 for. He loves the thing to death and has been abusing it pretty bad but is dreaming of his full sus bike as soon as he sells a car (hahaha). He actually does DH with the 4300. The thing looks like its been beaten up pretty badly. Another guy I ride with has the Hardrock and he loves it also. He's only doing the dirt trails though but he is satisfied with it.

Disc brakes are really not needed unless you are a stickler. Another friend I know has a full sus Ellsworth bike with the disc and I really don't see much difference. Maybe a bit stronger but I really don't know. He lets me ride his Ellsworth Moment which is probably worth as much as a used car. I would never buy a bike that expensive but it sure is nice.

You got to look at what you are going to be doing with this bike. Riding on paved and dirt trails? Or DH'ing and doing 20ft drops and jumps...Good luck.

I went with the 4300. Got the '04 model for $370, and while I'm sure it was probably just a bit overpriced, I was cool with it, the guys were really helpful. I took my first ride today, and man, I love this thing. I go for a bigger ride on Sunday, so, we'll see about it then, even though I'm sure it's fine. Next order of business, can anyone suggest some good biking gloves? Preferably cutoffs, just to protect my palms mostly. When I get in better shape, I'll consider something more, like shorts, if you think it helps, but for now, just the gloves.

Oh, and asking the experts, given that I'll be doing mostly trail riding, do you really suggest a helmet? I mean, is a helmet really more for street riding, or is it really advisable for trails, too? Thanks for the input, everyone.

On the helmet issue yes buy one. Even if its a cheapo Bell $7 one you can get at Wally World. At least you got something protecting your melon! You have to think of it as a seat belt, its just something you need to do. Anything can and will happen.

Not sure on the gloves since I don't wear them (yet). I'd like to hear some suggestions.

Shorts I want to get but they are a bit pricey. I've been wearing soccer shorts for now. But i'd like to get some baggy ones with the padding soon.

Congrats on your new ride! The 4300 is a good entry level (I guess) bike that will probably handle well. Hell, my 820 does! ENJOY and be safe! 😄

On the gloves, they are nice for longer rides. The dodgier your handlebar grips, the more difference the gloves make :P

I've had both a specialized hard rock and a giant rincon, they both work well, but i prefer the specialized.

ncc74656m said:

Oh, and asking the experts, given that I'll be doing mostly trail riding, do you really suggest a helmet? I mean, is a helmet really more for street riding, or is it really advisable for trails, too? Thanks for the input, everyone.

er, dont be a silly billy, GET A LID!!! some ave dropped loads in price recently neway, and u can get some well nice ones fairly cheapish. And Id get gloves as well lol, as that dude did say, if u got [censored] grips ur hands will be like proper majorly callousy!!