Bike suggestion, beginner?
03-04-14, 11:58 PM
#2
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Depends on what you plan to use it for. Where do you intend to ride? What type of terrain - flat/hilly? The components are entry level (Tourney), you'd be better served by going one level up (Altus) at least. If you don't need shock absorbers, take a look at the Trek 7.1 FX Stagger (suggesting that since you seem to have a Trek dealer nearby).
The best advice you will receive frequently on this forum is: At this price point, the difference between brands is minimal. Test ride lots of bikes and buy the one that you like the best.
The best advice you will receive frequently on this forum is: At this price point, the difference between brands is minimal. Test ride lots of bikes and buy the one that you like the best.
03-05-14, 02:29 AM
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It is an entry level model, but it is also a step up from the Big Box Schwinns you were looking at. Plus, you'll likely find one that actually fits and you'll have the benefit of the LBS to assist you with fine tuning that fit and help you with minor adjustments.
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03-05-14, 10:28 AM
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I bought a 7.1fx as my first bike and I love it. I wish I had ridden a few more styles because now I also have a cannondale road bike and love it too. Ride a few a pick the one that fits you best then match it with the type of riding you will do. My biggest issue is deciding which one to ride 
03-05-14, 11:12 AM
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+1 on Altus upgrade. I don't know how new Tourney is, but old Tourney is a major P.I.T.A. I am replacing the Tourney components on my wife's bike with Altus because after every ride I have to readjust the derailleurs, and we ride mostly paved trails and the C&O canal which is pretty smooth.
03-05-14, 12:44 PM
#6
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Agree with the others. The shock is an unnecessary cost and weight penalty. A better choice would be a rigid fork that permits a wheel/tire combination that is right for the type of riding that you plan to do. If smooth/paved surfaces are your thing, then you can go with something closer to a Giant Escape or Trek 7.x series, or somesuch...
03-05-14, 03:22 PM
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I wish I knew about this forum before I bought my first bike from Target. That thing is so not fun .. it gets me from one place to another but there is no joy riding that bike! I could have saved that money and put it in buying a better Sirrus instead 
OP - one more piece of advice (advice is free on the internet) - buy the best bike you can afford. Upgrading is expensive.
OP - one more piece of advice (advice is free on the internet
) - buy the best bike you can afford. Upgrading is expensive.
03-05-14, 03:39 PM
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I wish I knew about this forum before I bought my first bike from Target. That thing is so not fun .. it gets me from one place to another but there is no joy riding that bike! I could have saved that money and put it in buying a better Sirrus instead
OP - one more piece of advice (advice is free on the internet) - buy the best bike you can afford. Upgrading is expensive.
OP - one more piece of advice (advice is free on the internet
) - buy the best bike you can afford. Upgrading is expensive.
03-05-14, 04:22 PM
#9
Banned
unlike a big box store your bike shop will be there to keep the bike working well after the sale ..
see if the shop would add a bunch of accessories at point of sale to make it more useful
a rear rack and baskets or bags to carry stuff , Mudguards to keep you cleaner .
maybe add some more money and upgrade the tires to ones with a puncture protection band.
inside the casing..
point of sale add ons usually are discounted with buying a new bike..
another way to go is a hybrid less MTB like wheels, so a nice street ride.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...7_0_fx_stagger
see if the shop would add a bunch of accessories at point of sale to make it more useful
a rear rack and baskets or bags to carry stuff , Mudguards to keep you cleaner .
maybe add some more money and upgrade the tires to ones with a puncture protection band.
inside the casing..
point of sale add ons usually are discounted with buying a new bike..
another way to go is a hybrid less MTB like wheels, so a nice street ride.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...7_0_fx_stagger
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-05-14 at 04:25 PM.
03-06-14, 12:32 PM
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This is great advice. If budget is a problem, then go with either the the Trek Stagger FX, or the Giant Sedona W (the one without the suspended fork).
Last edited by WestPablo; 03-06-14 at 12:36 PM.
03-07-14, 12:54 PM
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Hi all, thanks much. I actually got the bike, I specified in the thread. I wanted to use it to go on the bike trails, and dirt roads. That is why I thought a MTB would be better. I got it from a bike store nearby. It costed me 400$. I think it is a reasonable price. I did a few test rides before buying it. It worked good. And I took it out for 6-8 miles yesterday. No issues thus far. Thanks again to all! Kindly reply for suggestions
Last edited by MeghnaN; 03-07-14 at 01:01 PM.
03-14-14, 10:11 PM
#12
Casually Deliberate
I have a 1995 820 that's not a WSD and doesn't have shock absorbers. Can't find out how much the bike you're considering weighs but mine was originally 29 pounds. I consider mine neither fish nor foul since it's not a city bike, true mountain bike, or commuter but it is a bike that gives you options to make it any of those. Right now I'm rolling 2.25" knobbies instead of 1.5" semi-slicks just for the hell of it. I'd say if you can find a gently used 820, go for it- an 830 would be even better- but I'm not sure I'd buy a new one unless you can get the components upgraded fairly inexpensively.
