Hey guys, I'm in the market for a Mountain Bike, my old one is 16 years old and needs work so I thought I'd look for a new one. I'd like something decent but I'm trying to avoid the big box stores because the bikes won't last me long. I'll be biking with my Daughter but I'll also be riding some trails with a buddy once in a while. My budget is $350. MAX and I don't mind if I get a used one as long as its in good shape. I'm having no luck so far on kijiji because I need a 19" - 20" frame but I'm still looking.

Any recomendations to what I should be looking for and names to stay away from?

 

Spend the money on a good name, Giant, Specialized, GT....even if its a used one, it will last you. The typical Schwinn, Supercycle or any of those Canadian Tire, walmart bikes will let you down. I would keep looking on kijiji.

 

Mountain bikes? haha
Looks like you guys have nice cars though! You guys coming out to CSCS this Sunday??

 

Ya that's what I was thinking Arthur....although I thought Schwinn was a decent Brand I guess not.

The names above plus others like Trek, Brody, Hard Rock are also in my list.

 

I would look into a TREK. They are great all-around bikes. I have used one throughout my childhood and it was the best on the block =P The only place they lack a bit is in the more hardcore mountain bike scene. Which is where specialized takes over as well as other brands mentioned above.

 

What Arthur said.

 

Not sure you will find a real mountain bike for $350. Pinkbike.com is your best bet to find a good used one. Specialized, Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Santa Cruz, Rockey Mountain are some of the best. You might find something for $600 to $1500 used. $3000 to $5000 for a new one. That is if you want to get serious about mountain biking.

 

That budget is a little low.
However, I bought my bike at chain reaction, and they have bikes ranging from all types of different price ranges. They also give you warranty on it and they offer free check ups, etc.

http://www.chainreactionbicycles.ca/

 

If you look around, you can get a nice hard-tail for around $700 new. No need to spend thousands unless you plan on making this a full time hobby. Or you have a lot of cash to blow.

 

Up your budget to ~$500 and you'll for sure be able to find something decent. I just sold my 2006 Norco Sasquatch; sounds like it would have been perfect for you... Norco makes very good bikes too.

I suggest you look for a relatively light bike. My Norco was too heavy for my liking. Also, get a bike with a lockout on the fork. Without it, you'll lose tons of speed and energy when riding in the city.

I'm planning on buying a Trek 4300 to replace my Norco. Saw it at Skiis and Biikes last week for $849.99 new.

 

There is a lady selling a nice Specialized Epic bike for $700 barely used, black, she works for the city, I wonder if she would come down in price. I think the bike goes for over $1200.

 

Be prepared to blow your budget wide open if you want anything worth owning. As said, check pinkbike. Look through the hardtail section as per your local and you'll be able to find a nice used mainstream rig for under a grand.

 

If I wasn't spending upwards of 10 grand on other things this year my budget would be higher so I may have to settle for something that is on the lower end......or keep my 16 year old Vello Sport.

 

I was in the same boat as you. My MTB was made in 1997 or 1998. I was going to buy something newer but I really, really like my old bike. Maybe you should test ride bikes in your price range.. I did and ended up spending the money on upgrading my old bike. I still ride it but am really considering an on road bike.

 

Well keep on the lookout man. Sales happen, and you just have to be vigilant. My mom just got a brand new Trek hard tail for $350 on clearance. So it isn't impossible. Just a bit hard to be patient, at least for me.