Professional Opinions neededd on specs for buying choice Beginner Bikes in LBS

Gary B

Gary B

Member
I went to some LBS last night to look over their models and most are pushing the new 29ers with shock "lock-out" for climbing steep hills. I mentioned that I was looking for an intermediate-type of bike that can handle beginner trails and also "maybe" some intermediate trails if needed on a random basis depending on the group I would be riding with ("beginner to intermediate" group trail rides). Most rides will be on beginner trails. I was shown the 2012 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disk 26er in a catalog at $630 and was shown the same in a 29er at $690. Both were said in the LBS to be able to handle intermediate trails. With that, Dick's Sporting Goods is selling the Diamondback Overdrive 29er (base model) at $500. All three bikes in the stores were "said" to handle intermediate trails with no problems, but the websites and reviews say that all three bikes are really "beginner" bikes and are fitted with the most base models of components. The LBS gives one year free service, Dick's doesn't unless with their extra priced plan. I hope some of you can hopefully review the different specs at these sites below and tell me which is the best for a very "beginner" rider for weekend trail use in groups. Being the 29er is suited for cross country riding with a smoother ride, I'm leaning toward them for the beginner trails and that the shops "were" also stressing that the 29ers are hot items now. All have disk brakes. http://mountain-bikes.findthebest.com/l/3438/2012-Specialized-Hardrock-Sport-Disc http://www.diamondback.com/2012-overdrive http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/hardrock/hardrocksportdisc29#specs Thanks for your experienced help!
 
the DB isn't that badly spec'd compared to the other two and for the $500 BUT!.... LBS will support you head over heels with whatever problems you may have in the future or with the new purchase. Big box sports store tend to hire someone with limited bike knowledge. Also, it's a franchise, so they take you from behind.

"HOT" item haha. Try it yourself and see if you like it. Facebook IPO was sold on hotness...
 
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Pretty close spec wise...the Avid brakes on the specialized aren't bad. You said you can get the DB for $500.00? Hmm.
Manny is right, you'll get a lot more support from the lbs than dicks. Are you handy, do your own adjustments etc? Then it may not matter as much.

Both bikes are pretty basic, with seriously entry level components. The issue with that stuff is not so much "beginner or intermediate" but how well the components function. Lower end stuff just doesn't work as well or for as long, so overall your ride isn't as enjoyable. You might find yourself just saying "ah, this sucks" and stop riding.

I bought my new bike a year ago, shopping a specific price point. It was unrealistic and had to be bumped up a bit, but even then I ended up more than doubling my investment with upgrades. Granted some of that was "want" more than "need" but still I'd have been better served moving up a rung or two, I'd probably have been happy there.

I'm not trying to discourage you from getting into the sport, it all depends on how you think you'll progress. The 500.00 DB would get you out there riding and give you an idea of what might be next. Or keep your eyes open for used, is that 650b redline still for sale? Oh, there it is....
http://www.mtbnj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26302

Take a look here also:
http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/best-mountain-bikes-under-1000-30433/

Good luck!

Oh, I'm nowhere near professional btw...
 
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Thanks for your quick reply! I wasn't clear. Regardless of whatever bike I get, I would ALWAYS, ALWAYS take the bike to a LBS for any service and NOT to Dick's. I agree the LBS has better knowledge and service head over heels. And a tune-up is actually cheaper in this particular busy LBS ( I really like their shop) than the other LBS I went to. I was just skeptical, being these bikes were all rated as "beginner" bikes but that I was told each bike could still handle the intermediate trails, which bike would be the best to survive the longest according to the component specs. Of course I'm looking for a bike that would not spend every week in the shop after a ride, but being the difference in price for relatively the basest of components on each bike, which would really be the overall best for a true beginner, considering that I couldn't tell the difference in ride quality between a 26 and a 29 for my "cautious" beginner riding style. I'm a cautious rider on a bike, I could never ride like I see and hear the real way others with experience ride. I'm just starting out.
 
Any of those bikes will handle beginner and intermediate trails, the question really is for how long. The bikes at this price point are heavy, and while the entry level componentry should work well for light trail usage, if you find yourself getting more into the sport, you may find that the components don't hold up to the abuse of riding more rugged terrain or riding in poor conditions. Rides get frustrating quickly when your bike stops shifting correctly or something else fails.

With that in mind, if you are just looking to get into the sport, try out some canal trails and beginner/intermediate singletrack, any of those bikes could be good options. If you find that you love to mountain bike, you'll likely want to upgrade to a higher end bike. If you think that is likely, your money might be better spent by bumping your budget up front and splurging for something with slightly better spec. I agree that you should purchase from an LBS, not only for the service, but also because they will get you on a bike that fits properly, which is one of the most important things in enjoying the ride.

You might also want to check out the Giant Talon line, which has some models that might offer what you are looking for.
 
The thing that makes a major difference on trail difficulty are your technical skills and leg/lung strength. both built by experience, do get a 29er hardtail/front shock but at that price range they're all gonna be the same. When you're ready to spend 2 or 3 grand on a bike then you can worry about components.
 
I have been rocking a specialized hardrock comp since i bougth it as a leftover when Marty's was still in Sucassuna in 2005/06. Cant remember well. I been riding it on and off ever since, but more on for the past 2 years. I have taken it to the Moochys, the Jungle, the wayways, etc... Ppl look at it as a POS! But i love it!!!. Component wise...they held up pretty good. The more i ride it, the more stuff i have broke... but i have replaced most of them shopping arround for second hand goodies from the good ppl on this site. Good deals btw!
I would buy the specialized if i was you and beat the crap out of it! Buy a better one when you feel more confident riding.
 
The Dicks bike will fall apart, guaranteed, not kidding, I told you so, your gonna get screwed, give me your $ instead, dont be a cheap ass your whole life, the seat will fall off, in the parking lot, your gonna need stitches if you ride it, I told you so, the dicks bike will fall apart, you will waste a weekend arguing with a minimum wage teenage knowitall buttfvk, I dare you to buy it, I will tell you, I told you so.
 
FFT said:
The Dicks bike will fall apart, guaranteed, not kidding, I told you so, your gonna get screwed, give me your $ instead, dont be a cheap ass your whole life, the seat will fall off, in the parking lot, your gonna need stitches if you ride it, I told you so, the dicks bike will fall apart, you will waste a weekend arguing with a minimum wage teenage knowitall buttfvk, I dare you to buy it, I will tell you, I told you so.
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:hysterica this has got to be added to FFT's page!

As for the bike, even cheap bikes will hold up if you ride them gently. But I PROMISE you, you will ride harder and harder and before you know it, you will want/need a better bike. So just spend a few bucks more, head to your local bike shop, let them know how much you have to spend, and let them pick out a bike for you. Personally, I always recommend Halters.
 
Hey Gary,

I just got an email offer from Sports Authority and the DB Overdrive 29er is part of the ad. The coupon is 20% off any single item which brings the price down to $399. Pretty good deal.

I would still recommend an LBS but this offer from SA might be too good to pass up.

In box me your email and I'll forward the coupon.
 
I am the last person to beat the "buy at a LBS at any cost" drum, and don't think I have ever been in complete agreement with FFT, but.... based on your comment that you would use the LBS for repairs/service anyway, I think you already have your answer. It is true that your LBS will do some regular favors if you bought the bike from them. They will also fit you property to the bike (which means more than you can imagine and will cost over $100 if you bring a bike in from another shop). Just to give an example, I went into a store last week looking for a Mavic wheel wrench. The tech came out with one from the back. The first thing he said was "did you buy the bike here?" Take a guess at how much I would have saved if I replied "yes." I saved $200 bucks buying from a shop far from my house but have already paid well in excess of that for "little things" that the seller would have done for free.

Regarding FFT's comments: I find it fun to stop by the bike section of Dick's and check out how poor of a job they did putting bikes together. I have seen loose stems, backward handlebars, backward forks, horribly adjusted brake and shifting cables, loose seatposts, etc. I guarantee that if you plan on actually riding trails and not just cruising down main street to get to the local Walmart, you will want to have the thing reassembled at a shop by an experienced mechanic.

(FWIW: REI is not a big box store when it comes to bikes. They routinely have sales on some decent brands such as Marin and have experienced bike mechanics)
 
You can get a 29er form a LBS for around 500-600. Usually you'll get a free mini tune ups with that. And you know the INITIAL assembly was done correctly. I've see big box bikes with forks put on backwards, etc. I'd pay the couple hundred extra for a decent bike that was put together right. In the long run it will even out with the big box bike.
 
MikeP said:
You can get a 29er form a LBS for around 500-600. Usually you'll get a free mini tune ups with that. And you know the INITIAL assembly was done correctly. I've see big box bikes with forks put on backwards, etc. I'd pay the couple hundred extra for a decent bike that was put together right. In the long run it will even out with the big box bike.
Click to expand...

Buy once... cry once. Buy twice... cry harder.
 
Thanks everyone for your comments. I went to my LBS and ended up buying a SCOTT 40 ASPECT 26-inch. It seems like all I will need for the present and also for the future. At this time of the year most LBS are selling off their 2012 stock waiting for the 2013 models to start coming out in August. I looked at several brands (Trek, Scott and Cannondale) and the SCOTT seemed to have the most value for my price range, and a good beginner bike that could also ride some intermediate trails. It was even slightly below the MSRP. It was also highly recommended by the LBS as best bike for the money. The front lock-out suspension was a better brand than the other two bike brands that didn't have any lock-out, the disks were ok, and the rear derailleur was the only part that was its weak point, but still "good" for my type of use. I also got three years of free yearly tune-ups, lifetime minor adjustments (cables) and 20% off all other repairs after that.

Now I have to start looking for beginner ride groups to start building my cycling strength up. My "exercise only" Wal-mart Schwinn Sidewinder can only do so much for gaining that strength on the area's flat roads at 10-12 mph. The trails will be a lot harder and a lot slower than road miles.

Again, thanks to everyone who replied. The education was much appreciated.
 
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