Sorry but have to ask the Question

Sam3631

Sam3631

Member
So I'd like to think I'm in the market for a new bike. I ride a 14 year old dual suspension Specialized Rock Hopper. It's in real good shape because I bought it but then basically stopped riding until now.

But, I have the itch for a new bike.

So, which bike should I buy and from what shop?

I searched the forums but didn't find answers to my questions.

Also, new or used?

Is a 2007 great, full susp bike with top components worth $4k new and maybe $1k to $900 now a better deal than a new, $800 bike? My budget is about $800.

I'm leaning towards a hardtail. Like the Cannondale Trail 5 or 6 from Brielle Cyclery so far.

I'm in Toms River and checked out Padi's and Beachwood Bikes. Also, went to place on Mantoloking Rd and a bike shop in Mt. Holly. All people in the shops treated me well.

I'm mot an expert rider but am about 220 so I am concerned with bike strength. I previously cracked a Marin aluminum frame before I bought my current bike.

Sorry if these are repetitive questions, just trying to do homework to make the best decision.

Thanks
Mike
 

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Mike,

Why is your username Sam?

You gotta check out Halters. At least give them a look-see.
 
All really good questions.

As far as the new vs old bike question I'll let other, more knowledgeable people answer the technical aspects of what is technically better.

But I'll offer two suggestion - if you ride near where you apparently live (toms river) a hard tail would seem the way to go., unless you're bombing downhill rock gardens there is no need for full sus....my opinion. Also, recommend that u strongly consider a 29er ( as I would recommend to any full grown adult that is at least a head taller than an umpa lumpa and not riding technical twisty rocky trails).
 
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Wow, fast answers!

Sam are initials (not mine) that went into an email address from a long time ago. I've been using those initials for years now and its just stuck. I tend to sign my name in these threads and a motorcycle forum so the username doesn't have to be written out every time by others.

Yes, I live in Toms River.

Is Halters worth the ride from TR?

I haven't test ridden any bikes yet.

Mike
 
Sam3631 said:
I haven't test ridden any bikes yet.

Mike
Click to expand...

That's a critical step. I am gonna assume that the 2007 full sus is a 26er (like your current bike). You need to try a 29er and see what feels better. Maybe you like the feel of a full 26" sus better or maybe within seconds of riding around on a hard tail 29er you realize that's the way to go for you. Gotta ride to figure it out.

When you test ride the bike make sure they adjust it a bit (eg, correct seat height) so that it vaguely fits you...otherwise u may not get an accurate sense of whether u like it.
 
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Brielle & Beachwood are excellent shops, not sure I would drive the extra distance to buy a bike from someone elses hookup unless it wasn't available at a local location. Even if, for some reason, they gave you a discount, it would be lost in time and travel (especially on a bike that is price under $1k).

As for the other questions, I will let the shop take care of that, but if you are riding mostly Jakes Branch, Allaire, and Wharton (Ocean County local), a hardtail will be fine.

Have fun.
 
I like Halters, but the return trips for tweaks (what is that clicking?), and upgrades would be a drive. I'm sure the reputable shops in the area are a good choice. (Sorry J) Establish a relationship with your local bike shop (bring in beer, fruit, cookies, etc....they'll remember you)

29 Hardtail is a good choice for down south (and central) - If you buy new, and break a frame, they will give you a new one - and if you broke an aluminum Y bike, you now know why they don't make frames like that anymore! 220 isn't that heavy, but probably deserves some thought about wheel selection.

Oh, put your current bike on craigslist for $1000. write one of those really over-the-top ads for it, and that will help pad your budget.....we might even start a thread to help write it for entertainment on a rainy day. You aren't going to get that much, but one never knows....
 
Thanks guys, for all of the advice. I'm going to do some test rides to see what feels right. I think I will reverse course, display some patience and start saving for a bike.
 
First welcome aboard....
Second I would set high limit on what you want to spend on a new bike then test a few in that range 29,27.5 and 26. Halters is a great shop and as they are moving you might be able to get a deal on a close out.
I also like Brielle bikes in fact I picked up a bike from them. Brick bikes is also a good shop his stock is a little low but my friend got a kona hard tail from him and he is one of the better local wrenches and an all around good guy.
Also I kind of know that there are rides at allaire on tuesday nights if you are interested in getting back out in the trails we meet at 6 pm...
 
If you are pretty firm at the $800 range I would recommend trying to buy used. At the $800 new bike range you are at the fringe of product that is capable of holding up to any kind of beating. You get a terrible fork mediocre stopping power, terrible wheels whose hubs will fall apart and a 1" clamp cockpit.

The $800-$1000 range tend to have a noticeably nicer fork and slightly better spec'd gear all around.

If you go used you should be able to pick up something a few years old with nicer stuff. Try and get something with a half decent fork is my best recommendation.

If you dont give a damn about wheel size you should be able to grab a really well spec'd 26". In fact I'm selling a 2010 26" Stumpy Hardtail size M (17") which is pretty damn well spec'd for $750 if youre interested at all shoot me a message! 😀
 
The Heckler said:
If you are pretty firm at the $800 range I would recommend trying to buy used. At the $800 new bike range you are at the fringe of product that is capable of holding up to any kind of beating. You get a terrible fork mediocre stopping power, terrible wheels whose hubs will fall apart and a 1" clamp cockpit.
Click to expand...

I agree with The Heckler. When getting back into the sport, I had the same budget and purchased a new '09 Spec Rockhopper 29r and proceeded to upgrade everything, BUT the stem....literally. In the next two years, I ended up spending over $2k on this bike. The frame was solid....even for a 285 lb guy back then and is still holding strong.

If doing it all over with the same exact budget, I would absolutely go with a very solid used bike with the geometry and components I like.
 
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