"Mountain Bike questions" Topic

I bought a 1993 Iguana Giant, only rode it half a dozen times, time marched on, I got fatter and after 4 moves and a stint on a porch near the ocean, the bike basically died. To fix all that is wrong, I got a few quotes, all around $400-$450 I only spent $500 USD on the thing, which seemed like sooo much to a poor college student at the time.

I'm thinking of just of getting a new one, I weigh close to 300 pounds, not an off trail rider but dont want a "beach cruiser" either. I want a lower to middle ranged priced bike that's not a boat anchor. Any suggestions would be great. My girlfriend wants to get me a bike for my birthday, and I dont have any brand loyalty,but one nice thing about the old bike was the frame was tough.

I bought a low-range Gary Fisher while in college. 21-speed, mid-range components, comfortable seat, added a seat leash, lights, lock and rolled out of the store for about $400. USD

Regardless of brand, I would start by explaining my needs to the guy at the bike store (a respectable one, not the rack at Wall World). Good luck in your quest.

Yeah, we have 2 good bike shops in our area, maybe I'll check out some more reviews on line. With my ADHD, I dont wanna buy something $$$$ that I might loss interest in later, like the metal detector, the in line skates, etc…just to name a few.

Being in the same boat as you my local bike shop recommended, and I just bought, a Land Rover Chagan.

So far so good.

Do a search for bikes and include the term Clydesdale, as that seems to be a term US bikers seem to use for the heftier rider

I dont think the Land Rover bikes are on our side of the pond. I did look at some Kona brand bikes on the web, under the "fat arsed" section. Boy, getting older is a B!

The Kona "Hoss" seems to be the one for you from my earlier researches.

link

The frame seems to be made of the same alloy as the Chagan.

I am afraid that this long later, you are going to have to pay more for the same quality as your Iguana. Bikes do give you more bang for your buck than ever before, but when you are a very hefty rider, you need a stronger frame than the less expensive bikes have.

I priced bikes a couple of years ago, and wound up fixing my old Schwinn instead, for c. the same amount of money as a less expensive bike. Thing is, if your old Giant has the right frame and wheels for you, all you really need is fresh brake pads, gears front and rear and maybe shifters; new cables all around. None of that sounds to me like $400! not even with labour.

I would rethink not fixing up the old Giant, especially if it is basically in pretty good shape rust-wise. Otherwise, expect to pay at least as much for a new bike. Having the repairs cost almost as much as a new bike shouldn't be the issue, if the new bikes in a similar cost range don't have the strength in the frame that you require.

(Btw, when you finally decide, make sure you get a really good "gell" seat: don't stint on the price to get comfort where you will feel the most pain for the longest time :) )

if you are sticking to paved bike trails then ditch the off road tires. you'd be surprised how much more enjoyable biking is when you blow by the oldfarts on those knobby things.

I have a mountain bike which I have set up for commuting rather than off-road: slicks rather than knobblys (makes a HUGE difference), carrier and springy cords for carrying lads, flashing lights ALL OVER the darn thing, including small ones front and back on my helmet, and a speedo/trip-meter (not strictly necessary but it makes it more fun).

I do not go for the ultra-expensive jobs. it is not hard to pay 3 grand plus for a bike if you want, but I have never paid more than $NZ1,000 (which is about US$ 650) for a new bike.

I use them too much, leave them chained up in the rain, and jump too many kurbs to be worried about losing or damaging a fortune.

I get about 5 years or 50,000 k out of a bike before it is not worth fixing any more.By then pretty much everything on it has been replaced several times: seats, gears, derailer, brakes, pedals… The only exception being the carrier, which has lasted since bike one.

I am on my third one now, and each bike ahs been better than the last one even though I am not spending a lot more in real terms. Disc brakes are pretty standard now and much better than centre pull, and the geometry of the bikes have changed too.

IF you use your bike, then they are an incredibly cheap, wonderful way to travel and have fun. If you leave it in a cupboard to deteriorate, they are a fat waste of money.

So personally i would go new. Bikes are better now than they were a few years ago IMO. Go to a good shop staffed by enthusiasts, not the bike section of a department store. Get set up on the right size bike for you, and customise one to really suit you.

No need to spend a fortune, but it may help you get the most out of your ride.

You can get a darn good bike for under $650. USD If you can afford that then by all means, what Whatsit said….

Oops, just notice embarrassing typo above. I have a carrier and and springy cords for carrying LOADS, not lads…

Honest.

I read your typo correction, then scroll up and read, "And leave them chained up in the rain"

Dudes, got the estimate, $250 USD tops for fat arsed seat and fixins', plus the review of the 93 Giant frame I had said is was a tuff frame, perfect for the hefty crowd. So I shall step out and on to a 2 wheeled deally. May God smile down on all bikers of the self propelsion kind.