New-er bike?

[shoerbee]

K...I have just started riding..........my Wal Mart special Mongoose bike that weighs 700 lbs and feels like the Flinstones manufactured the gears.
The more I ride, the more cumbersome it seems to feel....
I am broke, so was thinking about upgrading a little bit by getting a cheap used bike, then going for gold next year:

I hear you should be fit for a frame and all other kinds of stuff...but....found some cheap-ish bikes on Craigslist:

http://rockies.craigslist.org/bik/

If any of you are sitting around with nothing but time on your hands and have time to take a peak at any of those bikes in the $400 and under range...can you tell me if any of them would be a little lighter and better to get me through the winter?

Thanks in advance!!!!!!
Brigitte

[Popoki_Nui]

Hi Brigitte. I had a look on that craigslist page; there are a couple of really good bikes there...all of which would be better than your Wal-Mart bike. Some will be almost as heavy, but all are MUCH better quality frames and have better components. I don't know if any will fit you, but they're worth a look:

http://rockies.craigslist.org/bik/230813865.html The Specialized Rockhopper is a classic vintage MTB; for $100 you'll have a great durable bike, and you can do some component upgrades if/when you wish.

http://rockies.craigslist.org/bik/231225728.html For $400??? If this bike is in reasonable condition, it's a steal for that level of quality. See this page of reviews: http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2003_har...t_121390.shtml

http://rockies.craigslist.org/bik/223505410.html Unless I'm missing something, $225 for this bike is another steal. Definitely worth checking out.
Upgradeable, too. Some reviews:
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123421.shtml

There are also a couple more older Specialized bikes on that craigslist page. They are both nice, older bikes which would be partially upgradeable.
Good luck! Hope this helps a little.
~Sherry.

[shoerbee]

WOW!!
Thanks for all of your time Popoki!!!!
I have been corresponding over this bike: (mainly cuz it's close and cheap)
Specialized Rock Hopper $200:
http://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0...ecda25ef8b01f8

IF that pic won't open, I can email one to anyone willing to help....can't seem to upload it.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

[shoerbee]

Oh...and one of my big requirments is light weight.

[Popoki_Nui]

WOW!!
Thanks for all of your time Popoki!!!!
I have been corresponding over this bike: (mainly cuz it's close and cheap)
Specialized Rock Hopper $200:
http://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0...ecda25ef8b01f8

IF that pic won't open, I can email one to anyone willing to help....can't seem to upload it.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

The pic won't open for me. Please email me a pic (not too large) at:
tikinui at trooper dot ca

~S.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Brigette,
Are you sure a mountain bike is what fits your riding needs?