Beginner

[Jay85]

Hi everyone. I’m sure this question has been answered a million times but here we go. I want to get into mountain biking I’m looking for a bike I think of buy a used bike and upgrading as I progress but I just want to know what is a good platform to start with? Something tough and rugged that is upgradable?

[Alvin Mullen]

for the most part, lower end/starter bikes aren’t that up-gradable.  What is your budget? If you are just starting you can get by with a pretty inexpensive bike until you are sure what style you really want and how much you really want to spend.  The Motobecane 529HT for $399 is pretty nice for the price. Only 8speed, and the fork is spring not air, but has hydraulic disc brakes. My son has one, and it works fine for him for everyday riding and occasional intermediate trails.

[ericshell]

I would start with a good used hard tail and a decent fork (airshock) If you like mountain biking you will quickly go to a new bike instead of upgrading a used bike. If you dont like mountain biking sell the used bike and you are not out a lot of money.

[Jay85]

I found a guy that’s selling a 2008 Giant Rincon. It has disc brakes 100mm fork. It looks like it has a few upgrades bars, pedals and tires. Would that be a good starting point? He’s asking 200 but I’m sure I can get it cheaper than that. Thanks for your time and responses.

[Alvin Mullen]

That bike was $400 new in 2008 and bike blue book rates it worth $60 to $80 in excellent shape. That fork is not very good compared to newer forks, even newer spring forks, let alone air forks. But it would get you by for awhile.

[ericshell]

If you buy a crappy bike your experience will be the same. Maybe try looking for a leftover 16 or 17 at your local bike shop. (LBS). Also ask them about their rentals. Many bike shops will rent out MTBs and sell them at the end of the season. I would talk with a good MTB shop and ask for help. Make sure they are a mountain bike type shop. We have a rail trail family fun bike shop in our town. They are super nice guys but they dont know jack about mountain bikes.

[OhioFatBiker]

These types of discussions usually end up with so much guidance the decision is no easier. Especially for someone new. So I’ll just share my experience. I started riding on a low end bike, similar to what you are considering (an older Rincon than 2008, actually). 26″ quick release, coil fork, 3×8 drivetrain, square taper bottom bracket, pretty much everything that would cause nausea on this forum. And yet, I rode singletracks in the woods and fell in love with the sport. I didn’t have much skill and maybe the bike made it a little harder, but it introduced me to something that is now a huge part of my life.

Get a bike and ride, because the bike you ride is always the best one.

[ericshell]

<h3>iliketexmex Great response!</h3>

[Junkrider]

I myself am new to the mountain bike world. I have always rode bmx stuffs, dirt jump, street and park. Just went to a mountain bike. I purchased a bran new Jamis trail x comp for 650$. I have been on this ride for a month and I like it but could have got a better deal on a used bike with better components. My advice. Get a bike that is your size, you are comfortable on and within your budget. The 2 best things on my bike are the hydro disk breaks and adjustable damper on the fork. Put some between your legs!

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