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Irvzytom
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Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
08/02/16 at 6:59pm
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Hi everyone. This is my first post on here so I'm sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong place. I was looking to buy a mountain bike for under $300. I'm new to mountain biking so I'll be using the bike on roads and light trails to start. Can anyone recommend a good starting bike? I talked to someone In a bike store that had a used trek 3700 and have looked on Craigslist and have seen a 2012 trek 3900 disc but I don't know how these compare etc. Or does anyone on here have bike in my range they are selling?

Thanks for any help in advance!

Irvzy
  
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jonesn
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #1 - 08/02/16 at 9:35pm
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Either of the Trek's may be a good choice to see if you will pursue cycling. I'd lean towards the disc and see just what it looks like. If it turns out you do like cycling you can always step up and find something nicer and pricier. Maybe post ISO MTB  and name your price range and how tall you are for fitment in the "Marketplace" on this board and see what you could find. Good Luck!
  
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Irvzytom
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #2 - 08/02/16 at 10:03pm
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Cheers buddy! I'll post in the marketplace and see if anyone has anything. I'm hoping my enjoyment with it directly correlates to my expected increase in income so  I can splash out on the next bike!
  
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pearl
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #3 - 08/04/16 at 1:31pm
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$300 is a tough budget, any large bike company will have something very close but over that budget brand new. Have you visited a local shop to you? It's almost end of the year time so they may be interested in moving some stuff out.

I still think $300 is a little too low to get a brand new bike, and finding something used for $300 may be a stretch. Doesn't hurt to keep looking!
  
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Irvzytom
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #4 - 08/04/16 at 4:48pm
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I think I'm going to buy the trek 3700 I saw at the bike shop. Considering last week I was going to spend $50 on a used one that originally cost like $100 from Walmart I'm sure this trek will suffice for the time being! Thanks for your advice! Hopefully I fall in love with it and become a regular on here.
  
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pearl
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #5 - 08/04/16 at 5:44pm
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buying at the shop is going to be better for multiple reasons, but building a relationship with them is key too! enjoy.
  
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IntheBush
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #6 - 08/04/16 at 5:56pm
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You can get a bike for $300 online.

But you're on your own. Not good if you don't know much about bikes. 

The cost of upgrades can cost more than the cost of a complete bike that meets your needs from day one, from a shop. And even then, getting warranty service from an online dealer is questionable at best.

The bike you get at a shop will be more expensive. But if something goes wrong, you have somewhere to take it.

I would definitely recommend checking the bike shops in the area first (we have many), and telling the employees what you're looking for. Some have layaway plans and sales, and customer service you wont touch anywhere else.
« Last Edit: 08/04/16 at 5:57pm by IntheBush »  
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IntheBush
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #7 - 08/04/16 at 6:12pm
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Irvzytom wrote on 08/04/16 at 4:48pm:
I think I'm going to buy the trek 3700 I saw at the bike shop. Considering last week I was going to spend $50 on a used one that originally cost like $100 from Walmart I'm sure this trek will suffice for the time being! Thanks for your advice! Hopefully I fall in love with it and become a regular on here.


This bike gets very good reviews as an entry level bike. And Trek is a very good brand known for its service.

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This is much better than a Walmart bike. And it's a good, solid frame when it comes time to upgrade components or for resale.
  
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jonesn
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #8 - 08/04/16 at 8:18pm
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Good luck there finding that bike that works for you Irvzy!
  
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johnski
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Re: Looking for advice for purchasing my first MTB
Reply #9 - 08/04/16 at 8:49pm
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Irvzytom wrote on 08/02/16 at 6:59pm:
does anyone on here have bike in my range they are selling?

My buddy is looking to sell his hardtail 29er that he bought as a starter bike a few years ago. Size large.  His price is in your range. PM me if you're interested in details.
« Last Edit: 08/04/16 at 8:49pm by johnski »  
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