APOD Firearms

So how much does a good bike really cost?

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  • vmax

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    Ok the pool is too darn cold to workout in and I want to keep up my cardio routine along with my weight training
    I have talked to the wife unit about cycling
    I have 20 acres with atv trails already there plus in town there are free bike trails all over
    I went to see a very reputable bike shop
    Told then what I wanted to do and how the great majority of riding would be on gravel or dirt trails

    I'm 6'6 and I want a bike that fits me
    They had such a bike
    A Specialized men's mountain bike
    And they set it up for me and I bring it back 2 times for free service and adjustment

    Now here is the bad part...its $520
    Dang that seems high but I know I'm not wanting to buy from a Wal-Mart or academy if if I can help it
    Are good bikes really that much ?
     

    F350-6

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    I'm not a bike expert, but the wife tends to bounce around on different fitness crazes. $500 doesn't sound like it's really that nice of a bike from what I remember when we looked at them. I'd do some research and make sure you're not overpaying for a slightly better than Academy bike.

    I do remember reading that those big fat tire bikes are supposed to be a smoother ride off orad due to tire flex. On a bike trail, it doesn't offer as much of an improvement I don't believe.
     

    Shotgun Jeremy

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    I picked up a decent (to me) bike, and I follow a few forums and groups of bike riders to learn what I can from them. The general consensus is as long as you stay away from box store bikes, you're generally good to go. Find a bike YOU like that is in YOUR budget for what you think is worth it, and go enjoy yourself. My bike is a Cannondale Catalyst that I picked up for around $400. I thought I was buying an el cheapo that I would upgrade as parts broke down. The shop I bought it from insists its a good bike. I gotta say, I haven't been able to prove them wrong. It's held up great for what I do!

    Unless you plan on doing some serious downhill mountain biking (which Texas doesn't seem to offer), or plan on seriously racing (MOST people who own a bike don't), then all you need is a well built bike by a reputable brand/builder that has been gone over by a decent shop.

    If you want a champaign bike on a beer budget, then go shop used. There's plenty of people who spend a lot on a new bike and then decide they don't like the way it fits them, or they aren't as into biking as they thought. If you go used, just avoid the carbon fiber frames. They're too much of a risk.

    With all that said, it seems like $1,000 is about the average number I see thrown around for what average riders are looking to spend.

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
     

    txinvestigator

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    Specialized makes good bikes. In January I purchased a Diamondback Insight II hybrid. It retailed at $550. You are not going to compete, so you don't need a thousands of dollars bike.

    Upkeep is important...reminds me, I need to take mine for a tuneup this week.
     

    vmax

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    I don't know crap about working on them if you have a real problem, like with the gears so having a dealer and a warranty would be a good thing
     

    vmax

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    Specialized makes good bikes. In January I purchased a Diamondback Insight II hybrid. It retailed at $550. You are not going to compete, so you don't need a thousands of dollars bike.

    Upkeep is important...reminds me, I need to take mine for a tuneup this week.
    I have a friend who rides alot and he also said Specialized is a good bike. I am only riding for cardio and exercise. I'm not going bonzi downhill at 30 degrees anytime soon!;)

    I just don't want to spend $200 and get wal mart junk and find out nobody has parts for it. I went into the shop thinking that $400-500 was what I could spend and they showed me a bike that will fit me and they will adjust everything for me
     

    Dawico

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    I don't think you can get a bike at an actual bike shop for less than $500. My buddy had $1200 into his 20 years ago. It weighed about a pound.

    Honestly, it sounds like the store is getting you set up with an entry level model which should suit you well. I am surprised it wasn't more.

    But just an opinion of an outsider though.
     

    Mikewood

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    Your 6-6. I am 6-3. Normal bikes from Walmart don't fit us. We need a larger than normal sized bike. Plan to spend $500 and look for Shimano shifters, midrange shocks and a good setup. Do your homework and price out the bike you are looking at part by part. If you can get all that for $500 consider yourself lucky. I have a cruiser that is oversized and it fits me like a glove. Literally the most comfortable bike I have ever owned. Knees and joints and back dont ache after a ride and I am not hunched over.

    I would not waste my time and money on another $200 academy or Walmart bike that is too small again.

    Specialized is good stuff.


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    robertc1024

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    That's a decent price for a low end bike shop bike. I worked at one for 6 years and our most piece of crap bike was light years in quality ahead of what you could get at a Walmart or Academy
     

    kirk10100

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    Dec 21, 2011
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    Ok the pool is too darn cold to workout in and I want to keep up my cardio routine along with my weight training
    I have talked to the wife unit about cycling
    I have 20 acres with atv trails already there plus in town there are free bike trails all over
    I went to see a very reputable bike shop
    Told then what I wanted to do and how the great majority of riding would be on gravel or dirt trails

    I'm 6'6 and I want a bike that fits me
    They had such a bike
    A Specialized men's mountain bike
    And they set it up for me and I bring it back 2 times for free service and adjustment

    Now here is the bad part...its $520
    Dang that seems high but I know I'm not wanting to buy from a Wal-Mart or academy if if I can help it
    Are good bikes really that much ?

    $520 is about average for an entry level bike. For the kind of riding your going to do this is a perfect bike. Most shops offer the same service and adjustment for free. You usually just need to go back about once a year for a tuneup. Those are usually about $35. Personally I love Specialized. I've had mine for 15 years. Very light and durable. The only thing I've had to replace are the tires.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    vmax

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    Ok, good to know.. thanks
    I'm going to pick it up after lunch
     

    JeepFiend

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    Like most have said, Specialized makes quality stuff, but if you're going to be serious about it, a rear shock is mighty nice! I had a Klein very similar to that and loved the bike on the road and smooth trails, but you could feel every bump in your butt and legs. Rode my dad's Specialized with a rear shock and it was like night and day.
     

    vmax

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    rockhopper_292.png


    Rockhopper 29 in 2X frame.
    The dealer told me since I'm new to riding to not go past 20 minutes a day for a couple of weeks to get used to the seat, but dang, I'm not sure I can get used to it...
    I love the bike though.. its awesome AF
     

    Tex62

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    $500'ish on a Rockhopper is a deal. They probably run $750+ here in Dallas.

    Good bike. Components will eventually fail, but they are easily replaced.

    Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
     

    vmax

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    it was $575 with tax , so good to know
    The thing is a monster. I'm tall AF but my wife said the bike is so tall it makes me look normal!
     

    TxBigfoot

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    My former manager is deep into cycling and he does these insane 100 mile bike rides. He told me to to buy a used name brand bike over a Walmart bike. I bought a used Trek hybrid and it's been problem free. I stopped keeping track of distances, but I've put over 500 miles of trails and pavement on it. A freind of mine bought a new Specialized MTB and he's happy with it. The lower end Specialized and Treks are still a lot of bike for the money.
     

    Shotgun Jeremy

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    Yea, that Cannondale I bought has a solid frame with ok components. I plan on replacing as they fail or as I see a need for upgrades. I can make that a badass bike if I want - its already halfway there!

    You'll get used to the seat. It sucks now, but they all will so don't waste your money. You'll adjust.

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
     
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