Need a beater...

rides4sanity

Okay, I obviously had some issues with my first mountain bike ride this past weekend. The suspension and sensitive breaks are WAY different than my Madone, so I took a spill. Of course that just makes me want to figure this out. That and the roads seem really dangerous these days...

I'd like to get an entry level bike that I can beat the hell out of while I'm figuring things out. I'm and underly athletic, but completely stubborn and unreasonable about reaching goals.

What do y'all think would work for me?

ntnunk

I basically did the same thing when I started riding mountain bikes. Wasn't sure about it so I found a 5 or 6 year old Jamis Durango on Craig's List for $200. Wasn't the best, but it was good enough. I rode it until I decided it was worth investing in something nicer. Your mileage may vary, but in my area at least mountain bikes are probably the easiest bikes to find on CL. I can usually find everything from Wal-mart specials all the way up to high-dollar carbon, full-squish race bikes.

m1xm0d3

Check CL and local buy/sell bike groups on facebook. When I crashed my Diamondback MTB and needed something immediate, through the fb group, I found a great buy for $150 from a guy in the neighborhood right beside mine. Walked there, pedaled home. It's steel and heavy but very low maintenance and durable as hell. Plus it gives one heck of a workout. Good luck.

BusyRaeNOTBusty

I'd also caution you not to go "too beater". You might not enjoy it due to the bike and then talk yourself out of getting into the sport. A decent bike can be a lot more fun.

jacksonpt

I missed something somewhere...

You have a mountain bike already?
You rode and then crashed your bike?
You want a beater to beat on, presumably to save your good bike?

What is your current mountain bike? Unless it's full of ultralight carbon parts, it'll probably hold up just as well as the beater bike will, and be more fun to ride. And probably more reliable, too. I can't help but think that a beater bike is a waste of money. And that's coming from a guy who is ALWAYS looking for reasons to buy more bikes.

But, to answer your question, I'd look to craigslist. If you really want a beater, I'd look for a steel frame with proven, brand-name parts. Doesn't have to be top-shelf fox or shimano stuff, but should be decent. Jamis, Kona, Redline, Surly all make some good steel framed bikes, but anything from mainstream brand will should be more than fine.

Lastly, I'd look for something fairly similar to your current bike. Going from a 26" HT to a FS 29er is a pretty significant change - no sense having to learn to ride twice. If your current bike is full suspension, look for a full suspension beater. Certainly not mandatory that you do, but it'll make the transition back to your good bike go more smoothly.

BusyRaeNOTBusty

jacksonpt wrote: »

I missed something somewhere...

You have a mountain bike already?
You rode and then crashed your bike?
You want a beater to beat on, presumably to save your good bike?

What is your current mountain bike? Unless it's full of ultralight carbon parts, it'll probably hold up just as well as the beater bike will, and be more fun to ride. And probably more reliable, too. I can't help but think that a beater bike is a waste of money. And that's coming from a guy who is ALWAYS looking for reasons to buy more bikes.

She borrowed one.

And I agree with Jackson. I have beat the crap out of my carbon MTB, crashed it many many times. It's fine (I need new wheels, but that's too be somewhat expected).

A nicer bike should withstand abuse better. And it's way more fun to have shocks that actually work for your weight (and don't take a 300lb dude to compress), brakes that actually stop you, and gears that shift when you want, a bike that isn't half your weight.

rides4sanity

jacksonpt wrote: »

I missed something somewhere...

You have a mountain bike already?
You rode and then crashed your bike?
You want a beater to beat on, presumably to save your good bike?

What is your current mountain bike? Unless it's full of ultralight carbon parts, it'll probably hold up just as well as the beater bike will, and be more fun to ride. And probably more reliable, too. I can't help but think that a beater bike is a waste of money. And that's coming from a guy who is ALWAYS looking for reasons to buy more bikes.

But, to answer your question, I'd look to craigslist. If you really want a beater, I'd look for a steel frame with proven, brand-name parts. Doesn't have to be top-shelf fox or shimano stuff, but should be decent. Jamis, Kona, Redline, Surly all make some good steel framed bikes, but anything from mainstream brand will should be more than fine.

Lastly, I'd look for something fairly similar to your current bike. Going from a 26" HT to a FS 29er is a pretty significant change - no sense having to learn to ride twice. If your current bike is full suspension, look for a full suspension beater. Certainly not mandatory that you do, but it'll make the transition back to your good bike go more smoothly.

I borrowed one from the shop to help with a kids event. Then the guys took me up a different trail. Brakes were way more sensitive than I'm used to so I learned to fly. The brier patch broke my fall...

I just can't drop the cash for a nice bike right now, especially since I'm not sure how much use it will get. Bought a new roadie this summer...

jacksonpt

Gotcha, ok... that makes more sense.

I'd get a solid, middle of the road used bike. Something good enough that you can ride the hell out of if you really get into mtn biking, but something inexpensive enough that you won't feel too guilty if it sits in the garage most of the time.

I'd still suggest used. Check with local bike shops to see if they know of anything for sale, and watch craigslist. I'm not sure what your budget it, but $1000 buys a lot on craigslist, and there are A TON of entry level bikes available (at least around me). I guess the only thing to look for is that the bike is well suited to the trails you'll be riding - i.e. not a DH bike if you're going to be XC riding, not a race bike if you want more of a fun, relaxed trail bike... that sort of thing.

rides4sanity

Thanks...

BusyRaeNOTBusty

You could maybe find one of the $700, $800 ones (like the ones I posted on your wall) used for less than $500.

Bikerchickmomma

My beater bike is an older (90's) Schwinn I bought used back in 2003. I fitted it with clip-in pedals and added a set of used aero bars and a better seat. This is my crappy-weather bike. I use it through the winter and off paved roads. I do not feel guilty if I take a spill on it (though I try not) and it does get used! It's my primary ride in the off-summer months. Certainly got my money's worth out of it as I paid about $100 for it.