XLR8NSS

iTrader: (4)

Hey

I've been thinking about getting a bike to ride and was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on what to buy. Just looking for a general all around decent bike for some offroad(nothing hardcore) and asphalt trails!

Been so long since I've riden a bike I have no idea what is good/bad/etc. What should I look for in features, helmets, accessories, etc?

Thanks in advance

coyote2020

I recently bought a bicycle this year. I didn't want anything really cheap, but nothing expensive either.
I ended up with a Specialized Hardrock. Disk brakes. (people like disks for offroading because they work when they get wet). Suspension fork (not really necessary, but it's kinda nice).
It's mostly an asphalt trail bike, so I had some Serfas Drifter tires put on. More of a street tire, but still plenty of tread for any casual offroading.
It was about $450, and the tires were $30 each, so nothing fancy.

One thing I can say, is if you are gonna buy a bike from a reputable bike shop, make sure the bike fits you. Like... make sure the top tube isn't gonna hit your boys if you have to step off quick. That's one mistake I made, but I was bargain shopping.

Coban

iTrader: (14)

Asphalt trails... I get thoughts of road rash just thinking about it!!

The above is a good suggestion to a low-mid price range bike. I'm partial to Specialized and Giant. Really good bikes. Definitely get disc brakes and I'm guessing they will all have some form of suspended front fork. The $700-1000 range is what really gets into what I would consider well-equipped bikes.

When you go to your local bike shop, just try a few. If they don't let you ride it around, just leave. Don't buy one based on sitting on it and not moving.

charcoal03silvy

iTrader: (1)

I'm with Coyote, Specialized hardrock or rockhopper!

KySilverado

iTrader: (7)

Dewey

iTrader: (1)

nice roger
i've got a diamondback that i'm particularly fond of and it rides well. i paid about 500 for mine - disc brakes, 100mm front suspension travel, hard tail aluminum frame, kenda klaw tires, all parts are anodized to prevent corrosion, etc. great bike for light trails and roads.
iirc i have a diamondback response XE.

ChevyTruck

iTrader: (39)

I have a Gary Fisher Marlin and I love it, even tho it's like 8 years old. But it's a awesome all around bike IMO.

Chevy Cowboy

iTrader: (5)

Cant go wrong with specialized, kona, or norco....basically anything thats not a department store brand, by the sounds of it something like a front suspension All Mountain class would suit you perfectly, and still allow room for improvement and more aggressive riding without needing a new bike a year or so down the road

EVILGMC

iTrader: (47)

i would look into a used bike....a lot of people drop big money on bikes and never use them. the most important and expensive parts are the components...derailers, crankset, brakes, wheels etc. i prefer shimano to sram...and get at least lx series parts.

as for shocks...air or spring will both suit your needs...air is lighter but not as rugged.

budhayes3

iTrader: (19)

Here's what I have...total street bike though, not really intended for offroad. They have this "foot forward" technology where the crank isn't directly under the seat, it's actually set forward a few inches, so you can get your legs comfy without jacking the seat all of the way up. The bike's really cool, it's all satin black with 21 gears...total cruiser though...I need to ride it more often

(pics from the web, not my bike, but close)