pitch

Alright, I'm totally new to biking. I have an 11 year old that has started getting into biking and I'd like to go out with him. I've started looking at real mountain bikes and now I'm probably more confused than when I started. I'm 6'1" 220lb guy and from what I've read so far I'm going to need a large frame bike. I've been thinking about buying a road bike for sometime now, but since he has expressed interest in riding trails I'm thinking I need a true mountain bike.

Many years ago I purchased a Novara from REI but didn't ride so I got rid of it. I know mountain bikes can vary in prices, and I'm prepared to buy a nice one but I don't want to break the bank. I've considered buying slightly used but I'm not sure of the brands and I don't really want to waste my money. I've been using bicyclebluebook.com to check on street prices of bikes.

I've seen a lot of GT bikes on Craigslist, a few I'm interested in but I think the frames are too small for a big guy like me. I've considered riding back to REI and getting another Novara as well. We have a local bike shop here I'd like to get to but I don't think I can get over there until next Saturday.

Thanks!

spdracr39

Go to the LBS and try some on. It will get you in the ballpark for size and give you something to compare the online stuff to.

Menel

PerformanceBike having triple points weekend. Some killer deals. 30% back in store credit on a bike goes a long way toward pedals/helmet/clothes.

The make of the frame doesn't matter much, it's the fork and other component features.

pitch

The Brookhaven store is the closest to me (I'm in the metro Atl Area). I figured it was the actual components when I saw a review about a particular fork that was $1,200. That's a bit out of my beginners budget. Regarding forks, which types are best suited for a mix of paved surface and trail riding? Honestly I'll probably spend a lot of time riding the trails at Ft Yargo in Winder (if you're familiar). I've seen forks that say 100mm with lockout- honestly that's all Greek to me.

I'm looking at mostly 29er bikes, and I think I need a 19-20" frame. I saw one on Craigslist that I liked but was 17" frame and I'm afraid that may be too small. I'll probably just wait another week or so when I have time to swing by the bike shop.

Menel

Yes I am familiar.

You ask about two entirely different kind of terrain.

Paved surface, a rigid fork with smooth efficient low rolling resistance tires is best.

For singletrack rooty trails, especially Yargo, you'd want a real mtb. Something with a XC30/XC32 fork. You don't need a $1200 fork.

Menel

e.g.
GT Backwoods Expert Mountain Bike - 2015 Performance Exclusive
$900 (this weekend get $270 back as store credit for pedals/helmet/clothes, whatever) Effectively brings bike down to $630.
Butted Al, 29er, rockshox, deore.

Fuji Tahoe 1.5 29er Mountain Bike - 2015
$1150 (then 30% store credit
adds tapered steerer, and air fork

and it can keep going up from there however much you want to spend.

path and pavement bikes? look here, lots of options, all are probably workable. Skip any that have suspension. Weight and the bouncing drains efficiency.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...y=&searchTerm=

pitch

Really considering the GT Backwoods. I may go tonight. We're actually staying in Ft Yargo this weekend... I can't see anything on the site about $270 back as store credit, where do you see that?

Menel

email, starts this weekend.

pitch

Ok, I see the bike is not in stock anyway.

Canker

Keep in mind that if you buy a bike with a coil fork you will probably need to replace the spring for your weight.

pitch

What is a coil fork? I've seen a whole lot of entry level bikes with Suntour SF15-XCM-HLO 100mm forks. How do I know what a coil fork is? What are the alternatives? I'd rather spend a little extra now and not replace the fork in a year.

Menel

Suntour is generally low end. Some question it's reliability and safety on singletrack.

Coil forks are heavier. The coil spring is tuned to a riders weight. If you are an average 70-75kg you are probably fine. If you are super petite or very heavy it can be non-optimal without having it serviced, and the coil replaced with a different weight one. Rockshox has several different colored coded coils.

Air forks are lighter. They have a air pump valve, and you can adjust the pressure to correspond to the rider's weight.

Bandrada

Pinkbike.com is a really good resource for used MTB's, as is Mountain Bike Review.com.

Tell em I sent ya!

Seriously, good luck and have a lot of fun with it. Your adventure awaits!

dminor 

ftfy.

FrozenK

That is some terrible advice right there. The frame matters, way more than what rear derailleur comes with it. First of all, if the frame don't fit the bike won't be enjoyed. It doesn't matter if it has the best fork and parts in the world.
Second, put this guy on a dirt jumper and it is going to suck for him. And if he goes full suspension, then the frame is key.
For someone riding casually on pavement a suspension fork won't be a problem. Even without a lockout. And the weight won't be such a big deal either.

For what the OP is looking for, a hardtail in the $1000-1500 range should work. On that price range you should be getting air suspension, maybe even a lockout (which stops the fork from moving when riding on smooth surfaces) It won't be light, but it should be fine to get started.

Canker

He said the make of the frame doesn't matter not size or type and what he said is pretty accurate at least on the lower end.

70sSanO

Just to explain how Performance works... You become a Team Member for $30, (have to renew each year), and you get 10% of all purchases as store credit. So if you buy a $1000 bike they give you $100 on the card that you can use in the store or online for as long as you are a member.

Throughout the year they offer double points (20%) or triple points (30%). For someone just starting out they have a nice selection, usually some closeout bikes and occasionally a used one. I think they still offer an upgrade program where you can trade your bike back in against a new bike. I'm not sure how it works.

The only issue is that when they offer triple points and it ends you have to wait till the next offer, which may not be the same.

John

Bandrada

Not my experience. Sorry about yours.

osco53

SR Suntour North America

I did the Raidon LO R Air upgrade, a $350 fork for $189,,,+ LBS fee of $30 to cut and install...

It's true, those SR SX suntour forks found on all bikes under $700 are ONLY for casual trail riding,, a sticker down low on the fork leg says so..
It means the fork Is fine for mellow fire roads or beer runs to the quicky mart..

They blow seals on single track, they twist and flex in fast corners,
they make the bike a wandering pig when you start reaching for the speeds you NEED to ride even Intermediate level single track....

My $650 29er Hard Tail was as good as any $1000 HT when I put the Raidon fork on. It had wet brakes already,,another must IMO..