Sub-$500 MTB/Urban

[Aseradyn]

Following is an epic tale followed by a few questions. More information is better than less?

So, I have a bike that I absolutely love. It's an early 90's Schwinn Woodlands, which I got new (on clearance) for, oh, $150 or so. I rode it all the way through high school and then all but abandoned biking during college.

About six months ago, I moved close to work and started riding the 2 miles or so to work most days. I also ride on weekend errands - grocery store, Target, that sort of thing. No more than 10 miles in each direction. For the record, I have no interest in competing or doing long rides.

Sadly, every time I turn around I need to fix something. I have a lot of emotional attachment to the bike - not to mention that it's set up exactly the way I want it - so I'm going to just keep fixing it.

I can fix a lot of stuff myself, but some things take me a while, and others wind up going to the LBS, with a minimum 6 days turnaround. So, I want to get a second bike to use as a backup. I love riding, and I want something that won't fall apart on me in a couple of years, but I'm just not serious enough about biking to fork over more than $400-500 for a bike (that's a serious maximum).

So, I went online to see what's out there... Specialized and Trek both have decent-looking bikes in that range, but I have a few questions...

1 - How is the quality of the lower end bikes by these companies? I'm not competing or going very long distances, so I really don't care too much about the performance (speed, efficiency, and so on), just how long they'll last.

2 - Are there other/better companies y'all would recommend?

3 - Most of these are 8-speed bikes. I've been riding a 21-speed for so many years, I worry that I'll miss the range I've got now. Opinions on 8-speeds?

Thanks!

[KnottedYet]

What about checking into a Kona Dew? I use one for my commuter, and even did a triathlon on it. I really love this bike (just as much, but in a different way, as I love my Waterford). My bike shop guys called the Dew "bombproof". Eyelets for all the fenders and racks you could want. Very nice geometry for speedy commuting and visibility.

http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/DEW/index.html

[Aseradyn]

"Bombproof" is exactly what I'm after Thanks for the recommendation!

And, hey, to go test-ride a Kona, I have to visit a new bike shop. Extra bonus!

[Trek420]

KnottedYet "I really love this bike (just as much, but in a different way, as I love my Waterford)."

Yeah right, but you spend the holidays with the Waterford, when the Kona calls you never answer the phone...

I have this, 1997 Gt Outpost Trail.

The new ones have front suspension and aluminum frame I think. This old one's perfect for me: steel frame and fork, no suspension and once I figure out my camera I'll post pictures.

There's a good discussion here somewhere of upgrades to entry level bikes. This sub-$300.00 bike believe I could at least do metric centuries on it now. Love this bike (not as much as my Mondonico and in a different way).

[mimitabby]

to answer your question, i think a 500 dollar Trek is a pretty nice bike.
What you are paying for with more expensive bikes is lighter componentry
which you are clearly not concerned with.
If you're not riding hills at all, I dont know what you need 21 gears for. If you are riding hills, you're going to miss them.

[Aseradyn]

You know, on second look, I think I am mis-reading the specs for these bikes. I'm new to this but the more I looked at, the less sense it made. Take, for example, the Trek 7300

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1033060&f=21

I was looking at the shifters and seeing "8 speed". But this is actually a triple crank with an 8-speed cassette, which would give a total of 24 possible combinations. Right?

So, if that's right, then skip the 8-speed question, because it's a non-issue.

I'll get my terminology down yet!

Also - thanks for the opinions so far I've developed a one-track mind on the topic of a new bike (what else am I supposed to do while I'm sitting in traffic in my car?) and I appreciate the more experienced insight!

[KnottedYet]

Yeah right, but you spend the holidays with the Waterford, when the Kona calls you never answer the phone...

Yeah, but I'll be spending Hannukah with the Mondonico...

[Trek420]

KnottedYet "Yeah, but I'll be spending Hannukah with the Mondonico..."

That's the good thing about those inter demoninational bikes, otherwise the bikes get jealous "you always spend X-mas with Flossie you never...".

But when you have the Jewish bike, Muslim bike, Pagan bike....less hassle 'round the holidays.

[mimitabby]

Yeah, but I'll be spending Hannukah with the Mondonico...

Uh, Knotted, what do you know about the Mondonico?
(better to spend Ferragosto with the Mondonico, since it's Italian!)

[KnottedYet]

Mimi-

Menace the Mondonico is Jewish, Flossie the Waterford is Unitarian.

They have a very nice relationship.

Menace and Flossie on the Golden Gate Bridge this weekend. Together at last!

Aseradyn-
sorry about the thread hijack...