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My girlfriend and I want to get in to mountain biking but we don't know where to start with bikes. We think we both want full suspension with 26" wheels. Is it worth my time looking for deals on websites? What are some good ones with discounts? Will $400 buy a decent bike that will last a few years?

Also looking for recommendations for a cheap fixie bike for me to ride to work. Thanks guys.

Go to your local bike shop and they'll be able to point you in the right direction. You might have trouble finding a decent full susser for 400 bucks, though. Honestly, and this is just my opinion, if you're not doing free ride mountain biking and you don't have terrible back problems, you don't need full suspension. Go with a hardtail. It's cheaper, will last longer, and there are less parts to break. And it's more fun!



It really depends on what kind of biking you think you'll be doing most of the time. . . what are the trails like where you'll be riding?

rubiksnoob wrote:Go to your local bike shop and they'll be able to point you in the right direction. You might have trouble finding a decent full susser for 400 bucks, though. Honestly, and this is just my opinion, if you're not doing free ride mountain biking and you don't have terrible back problems, you don't need full suspension. Go with a hardtail. It's cheaper, will last longer, and there are less parts to break. And it's more fun!



It really depends on what kind of biking you think you'll be doing most of the time. . . what are the trails like where you'll be riding?

Hey thanks man

The trails in the area where I live aren't anything crazy, people even take their horses on them. Of course we want to do other, more difficult stuff in the future.

I think you're right, full suspension is probably overkill.

nectarprime wrote:

rubiksnoob wrote:Go to your local bike shop and they'll be able to point you in the right direction. You might have trouble finding a decent full susser for 400 bucks, though. Honestly, and this is just my opinion, if you're not doing free ride mountain biking and you don't have terrible back problems, you don't need full suspension. Go with a hardtail. It's cheaper, will last longer, and there are less parts to break. And it's more fun!



It really depends on what kind of biking you think you'll be doing most of the time. . . what are the trails like where you'll be riding?

Hey thanks man

The trails in the area where I live aren't anything crazy, people even take their horses on them. Of course we want to do other, more difficult stuff in the future.

I think you're right, full suspension is probably overkill.

Yeah, if people are taking their horses on them then you could probably tear 'em up on a tricycle!

But I would definitely go with a decent, entry level hardtail. You won't need anything more than that for the kinds of trails you'll be riding at first, and then if you do decide to take on some bigger stuff then you can always upgrade components as needed. And if you decide that you don't like it you won't have dropped 800-1000 bucks on a garage ornament.

Get a bike with a good frame, and entry level components.

Go to your local bike shop. They'll help you find the right bike to fit your needs and your budget.


Whatever you do, don't get a bike from Wal-Mart or Dick's or any other big box store unless you want to be buying another bike in 6 months.

Thanks man. Going to my local shop tonight to see what they have.

FLBS I guess?