Jordank519

Hello everyone,

So a Trek store just opened in the town I live in and several of my friends have decided they wanted to ride some trails together to have some fun and get some exercise. The Trek store set them all up with Marlin 5's. I wanted to do a little research before I followed that path though. The thing is none of us actually know anything about bikes or riding so I need some help! I have been looking around for a used bike that would be good for me and the best I have found is a Giant Roam 3 (2013) for $225. Im also open to buying a Marlin 5 or 6 like my friends but just wanted to explore all options. What would you guys suggest I do? Go for the Giant, Trek, or something else entirely? If I buy a new bike I will most likely just go with Trek since they are a couple blocks from my house. Any advice or ideas help! Thanks.

Grotug

I have no idea what you should buy. I'd suggest test riding some bikes at the Trek store and explain to the Trek folks your newbieness, intentions and budget and see where they direct you as far as bike suggestions for you to test ride.

wipekitty

If you have the money, don't know a ton about bikes, and just want to ride, go for a new one!

The bike shop will set you up with the best bike for your needs that is within your budget, and will almost always offer a tune up after a certain number of miles as well as a basic tune up once a year. For that reason, it's a good idea to make sure that you buy from a shop that you're willing to work with in the future (some shops are great, others are not.)

If you want to save money and learn about working on your own bikes, used can be a good way to go. Only you will know which bike fits and feels the best, and regardless of what you get, you may need to do some basic repairs. This may require an investment in some bicycle-specific tools as well as a time investment for learning about repairs.

CycleryNorth81

It's a no brainer. The Trek store will steer him to a Trek Marlin 5.

Phil_gretz

Decide what your budget is. Bump it up. Buy to 120% of your budget. Look to upgrade the fork in the 2nd year.

ericzamora

Checkout the Trek Roscoe 6 on sale at the web site, maybe get a better deal at the LBS. Be different, go 1x. Plus-sized tires. Still just a coil fork, but that's ok, more travel 100 vs 120mm travel. The Roscoe is a 10speed. You may enjoy the simplicity going 1x instead of 3x. Test ride one if they have it in the shop. I'm not a Trek fan, but they offer good bikes.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...scoe-6/p/24011

eric/fresno, ca.

hcgaloi

On buying used bikes, make sure the size is right for you.

Good luck

Qurran

that's good idea