Colorado Newbie

[CaroMTNBreck]

Although I have lived in Breckenridge for three years, I have not really gotten into Mountaing Biking as much as I intended. Now that summer is coming around again, I would like to start.

So far, I have been renting bikes when going out with friends. What is a good mountain bike for someone who is just beginning? Any tips?

[slinkedog]

My husband is in lust with the Specialized Stumpjumpers. I don't mountain bike, so I can't help much, but he's been riding for years, so I thought I'd add what I'm sure would be his recommendation

[CorsairMac]

I'm a below-entry-level mountain biker and I bought the Trek 820. It was a price I could afford in case I ended up not doing much MTB'ng, it was steel so I didn't feel worried about ruining it when I crashed - and I Knew I was going to crash - and it was Bright Yellow so the search n rescue ppl could find me if they had to! I Love that bike and I Just found some entry-level trails close to me so I might just be giving MTB'ng another try!

[snowtulip]

Corsair, let me know anytime you want go go mountain biking!

I just went with a co-worker to look at entry level cheap mountain bikes. A few that seemed to be a good price were the Jamis Durango and a Gary Fisher Marlin? Both were in the $350-400 price range. Remember fit is so important!

[bcipam]

There have been tons of discussions re entry level mountain bikes. Depends on how much you want to spend and how you plan on riding and no matter how cheap, the bike should fit! Gives us some parameters and we'll point you in the right direction...

[CaroMTNBreck]

Thanks for the tips. I would not want to spend more than $500 since I am new at this and want to make sure I LOVE it before I spend the big bucks. I will probably ride two to three times a week. Everyone keeps talking about fit, which is something that has not been mentioned to me before. What should I look for?

[fatbottomedgurl]

Just a thought... I bought in the 300-400 dollar range about six years ago and got a Diamondback hardtail. It has decent components, fits well, but boy she weighs in at just under 32 pounds! ChroMoly frame and no carbon at all. Between her weight and the 15 I need to lose, I'm packing some serious poundage!

If you really love it, you might regret not spending more for a bike that will last you many years. This is hard to say for someone who lives on a pasta budget, but my dad, who raised nine kids always told me, don't settle, wait until you can afford what you really want (within reason and w/o credit).

Maybe, just maybe you can find a deal on a used bike, and then spend the bigger bucks later. Or at least get bike with a frame you can live with forever and swap out components when the time comes.

I am squirreling away mad money for a roadbike...