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Who knows mountain bikes?

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Brit1275
Posts: 5972 - Karma: 11
So I don't know much....nothing really....about bikes. I've always had pretty crappy ones. I wanted to get a nice, but super cheap (i know, kind of a contradiction there) bike to use this summer, and to get to school, so I don't have to ride public transit everyday (I go to the University of Washington, but live quite a ways away). So I found this bike, looks nice enough, and I can get it pretty cheap. Ever heard of Micargi bikes?

This is the Micargi SM90. That's what I'm considering. Again, I don't really want to spend any money, so even if this bike does suck, all I care is that it works, and won't fall apart in a month. Thanks for any help!
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be aware, ski with care
May 15 2003 10:30PM
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Shane_McWannabe
Posts: 1694 - Karma: 73
I'm going to be honest. That bike really sucks. It will probably fall apart real soon. If you want good but cheap look at used bikes.
May 15 2003 10:39PM
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**RukuS**
Posts: 241 - Karma: 15
dont buy that bike
also, if you keep looking, dont buy bikes from walmart, canadian tire or places like that
go to a BIKE store and they will get u an actually good bike for a decent price

May 15 2003 10:41PM
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Papa
Posts: 4718 - Karma: 11
if you're looking for a good cheap bike do not get a full suspsion, one word. shit! you can get a decent hardtail for 1000-1200 bucks which is freakin cheap for a mountain bike, but anything below that will honestly be crap, so i'd suggest a norco sasquatch, 1200 bucks. disc brakes and 5 inches of travel, nice and cheap great for commuting and taking it off the trail, you won't find a better deal on any bike
Seize the carp
May 15 2003 10:42PM
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mariberries
Posts: 800 - Karma: 10
^yes, and ^yes.
it might look nice, but you'll get on it and it will break

premium quality!!
~marian
May 15 2003 10:43PM
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Shane_McWannabe
Posts: 1694 - Karma: 73
go to silentsports.com, prices are canadian, good, good bikes for cheap.
May 15 2003 10:44PM
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Shane_McWannabe
Posts: 1694 - Karma: 73
That bike doesn't look nice, look at the stem, fork, crank, wheels, rear derailler, and basically everything else.

At Silent Sports look at the Thin Blue Line bikes.
May 15 2003 10:47PM
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Brit1275
Posts: 5972 - Karma: 11
yeah, see that's the thing, i don't know what to be looking for. And papa, $1200? See, I know I can get a good enough bike for me for WAY less. I'm not all hardcore, just need something to get around. Even if this bike is crap, what would go wrong? Seems like anything that could break on a bike, is EASILY fixable.
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be aware, ski with care
May 15 2003 11:00PM
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jizack
Posts: 2486 - Karma: 16
how much are you willing to spend?





***NEWSCHOOL UNDERGROUND***
May 15 2003 11:32PM
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mikee
Posts: 7813 - Karma: 5
Is this even for mountain biking? cuz it seems like its not. If not, just buy a bike for like 500-600, like a simple norco. Those hold up if your not doing much and are cheap.

-Mikee LiFsHitZ-

I can't wait for NS radio!
May 16 2003 12:00AM
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Hedekar
Posts: 1816 - Karma: 15
Yeah that bike sucks. If you want a good bike, go to a bike shop, not a retail chain. trust me, I build bikes for a chain, and all of the bikes suck, really really suck. You will find different versions of the same shitty bikes at all chains. That is because the all order them from the same manufacturer. No matter what you are wanting to ride on your bike, it is worth it to buy a quality trusted brand name, such as Norco, RockyMountain, Kona, etc. the list goes on.





Never try to mix cool-aid with a wisk, it just doesn't work.
May 16 2003 12:42AM
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lineskier10
Posts: 11339 - Karma: 796
my mountain bike is crap and i need a new one, its a giant with no suspension that i got in 4th grade, does anyone know a good place to get used bikes, because i need a good bike for cheap
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Creator of the NS Cousin Exchange Program

me think u need realize that we dun give a fuck..' cams

Stealth Ninja of the Silent Army

Viva la Resistance!
May 16 2003 10:11AM
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marlin_102
Posts: 2430 - Karma: 11
the best deal around is a rocky mountain fusion. its like $799 cdn but its definitely worth the extra money. and buying a 'full-suspension' like that one, is just wasting your money on a suspension design that doesnt work and is useless to you. get a hardtail, especially the rocky mountain fusion, and for $800 cdn or $500 usd, tahts a good deal that you wont regret.
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everyone is entitled to the above opinion.

'the walrus is in the barn' - brad holmes

'the bible is the most shoplifted book in the unted states' - Froggy
May 16 2003 10:57AM
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Brit1275
Posts: 5972 - Karma: 11
yeah, i was thinking going used. like Play it Again Sports or something like that. I am going to be using it for mountain stuff mostly, but not downhill or anything too harsh on the bike. But again, if I went with a shitty cheap bike like this, what could go wrong that i couldn't fix? I figure the worst that could happen is the frame actually brakes, but that can always be re-welded. I don't care if it doesn't ride nice or anything.
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be aware, ski with care
May 16 2003 12:29PM
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Concord
Posts: 4700 - Karma: 47
If you want to go Super Cheap just get a Hardtail like Gary fisher advanced or mamba you will only have to spend about $300.00 and they are pretty nice for that price.
May 16 2003 12:34PM
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J-Ho
Posts: 360 - Karma: 10
the thing is that one day you'll be biking in the middle of nowhere and your bike will break.... and thats gotta suck...yeh you can get some pretty decent hardtail (certainly if your not downhilling) at a good price and they can even out perform all of the cheap ass bikes at Canadian Tire and shit that look like there good cuz they have full suspension. Look for companies like Norco, Gary Fischer, Kono (a little more expensive but kick ass) and their are lots more....just take your time and go for a little bit of quality.

dodgeball and nuts = a few guys on the floor crying and many laughing

skiing or sex... good question????

Official Member of the FFC
May 16 2003 5:55PM
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Hedekar
Posts: 1816 - Karma: 15
used bikes: http://www.nsmb.com/buy_sell/





Never try to mix cool-aid with a wisk, it just doesn't work.
May 16 2003 7:49PM
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KaMiKaZe_00
Posts: 552 - Karma: 10
ok check out the 2002 NORCO SIDEWINDER - got it for $500 canadian, and NORCO is build tuff...really tuff...trust me - o and way way up to the guy who said silent sports...ya amazing store

Offical Member of the NS SHAGS

Parents: So, what did u learn in school today?
Me: I learned how to make joints.
Parents: Oh...
(Ten Minutes Later)
Me: In Shop
Parents: **Still worried**

Bones Heal - Go Crazy


Before anything else, make sure you know that this rail is your little bitch, and that you'll nail it



May 16 2003 11:25PM
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iliketoski
Posts: 664 - Karma: 11
well the thing with that micaragi bike is that it isn't very upgradeable, and would be hard too replace most parts. Like the fork for example, it looks like that bike has a 1 inch threaded headset, which is no longer the standard. If the fork brakes, or if you decide to get a nicer one your screwed because you won't be able to find one.



I was born on planet earth
a rotating ball where man comes first. it's been around, for a long long time
now it's time to watch it die.
May 17 2003 12:22AM
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BrodyLeven
Posts: 7016 - Karma: 187
you get what you pay for

that's not a mountain worthy bike.


Brody
i wont drop out of high school for skiing, mom
May 17 2003 11:57AM
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J-Ho
Posts: 360 - Karma: 10
^word... so don't be upset if your 200$ Canadian Tire full suspension bike breaks

dodgeball and nuts = a few guys on the floor crying and many laughing

skiing or sex... good question????

Official Member of the FFC
May 17 2003 6:35PM
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marlin_102
Posts: 2430 - Karma: 11
best advice...dont buy the best of the shit bikes...but the shit of the best bikes...if u know what i mean. eg. dont buy one of canadian tires best bikes...buy a low end bike from a good manufacturer such as norco, kona, specialized, rocky mountain etc.
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everyone is entitled to the above opinion.

'the walrus is in the barn' - brad holmes

'the bible is the most shoplifted book in the unted states' - Froggy
May 17 2003 11:08PM
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k2drewski
Posts: 63 - Karma: 10
Oh my God, you go to the UW. What is your worry about blowin' your money on a bike? The majority of people that come out of that school end up rich anyways. Plus you don't want to be pedaling around the U- district on that piece of metal and rubber. I am in the market to buy a $2600 bike this summer, and it's gonna clean out my wallet. I don't care though. But anyways, I suggest you checking out konaworld.com and any other bike companies web site. Just shop wisely.
May 18 2003 3:21AM
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whashisface
Posts: 298 - Karma: 10
don't buy that. If you want a really cheap bike get a rigid or hardtail- especially if you're just going to college. A cheap rigid- while not being that good will still last longer that pile of shite. Preferably buy a decent hardtail from a big company like trek, giant, specialised or kona.
May 18 2003 12:51PM
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Brit1275
Posts: 5972 - Karma: 11
yeah, i just demo'd a giant yesterday, it was pretty sick. but the guys aid it was like $1500. I'll prolly go used, but i'm still lookin around. and yeah, i go to UW, and I'll be rich someday, but I'm certainly not rich now! haha
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be aware, ski with care
May 19 2003 12:37PM
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Mike-O
Posts: 14593 - Karma: 1,089
Last year Bruiser was still one of the best bikes for jumping.
*******************

Hummingbird style: 70 times in one second.

'Nigga Please- from the makers of Cracker Ass-crackers.'
May 19 2003 1:12PM
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Brit1275
Posts: 5972 - Karma: 11
ok, so i also went to a few used sports places yesterday, before i went to demo that one bike. I found a pretty nice.....um....shit, can't remember the brand. I had heard of them before. it was a hardtail, wasn't used, for $199. That's the kinda of price range i'm looking for. i know some of you will say it isn't even worth buying a bike that is that cheap, but whatever. it'll be good enough for me. Haha, i really want a full suspension though, i just love the feel of it. But I suppose, for the price, i oughtsta be getting a hardtail.
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be aware, ski with care
May 19 2003 2:42PM
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gambino500014
Posts: 6882 - Karma: 12
canadian tire now sells schwinn bikes.... they have all the same components just a hevier frame and shitty forks.... but for riding around town its not bad.... i paid 3570 canadain for my bike so its a bit better and for racing and trials a bit but i know you can still get a decent bike at canadain tire for just riding around town... as long as you take care of it it will ride smooth for a while..... they dont suck they just arent as good as the higher class bikes
_________________________________________________________


one one two.... tha one tweezy

Bitchin, truly Bitchin

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www.level1productions.com

www.onetweezy.cjb.com
May 19 2003 6:17PM
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Jefferson
Posts: 71 - Karma: 12
if u want quality for cheap stick with a hardtail
May 19 2003 7:49PM
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spin
Posts: 1330 - Karma: 11
take a look around at some used bikes, might try some hardtail XC bikes instead. take a look at lomting like a trek 8000. its not great, but its pretty decent and you can upgrade it relativly easily. i got an almost new one that was upgraded a ton for 400 two years ago (the guy was a dumbass) but check around for that kinda deal
May 19 2003 9:51PM
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spinks
Posts: 1426 - Karma: 129
the issues you will run into on a 'cheap' bike are in the small parts. The frame should be pretty solid, and if you were going to be doing the things that the frame couldnt handle, you probably wouldnt have made this post to begin with.

The parts that could go bad easily are in the drivetrain. Your deraulierrs can get worn out, your cables get too much stress, your chanrings get bent, your bottom bracket splits, and other shit, like your wheels become untrue, your chain breaks, your headset cracks, your hanlebars bend, ect. These things are not cheap to fix.

I found what i thought was a good deal for my first bike. Full Suspension, disc brakes, fat tires, and a cool look to it. Little did i know that shimano deore everything, mechanical discs, and sun rims cannot hold up. An $800 bike wont work for what i wanted to do with it. It all ended for me after i bent the frame a month after i bought it. I was also advised to get new derailleurs, upgrade to LX or XT versions, new rims that wouldnt taco as much, the list went on and on.

truth be told, if you want a bike for more than just the to and from in town, you need to make an investiment if you want it to last.

just my take on it


Somtimes I just like to sit back and allow all the ignorent people in this world easily ammuse me. Other times they just piss me off.
May 19 2003 10:38PM
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miss_hevern87
Posts: 2553 - Karma: 12
i ride a purple schwinn






Skifree737:
why you be hatin on puppies, puppies never hurt you
May 20 2003 12:42AM
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jizack
Posts: 2486 - Karma: 16
oclv's are stiff bitches, theres nothing specila about it, m5 is a way better material. it wont beat you up like the oclv. i dont think really any of you fools know what youare talking about





***NEWSCHOOL UNDERGROUND***
May 20 2003 12:45AM
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stickerman
Posts: 2043 - Karma: 147
i have an 06 kona stuff and it is great.  hydrolic brakes,  marzocchi fork...
Feb 3 2008 8:20PM
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zackblain
Posts: 2322 - Karma: 22
I have a diamondback response sport. Got it for 400$us. I like it
Feb 3 2008 8:23PM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
parktool as in the company that makes bike tools?

oh, and idk if you realized this or not, but this thread is 5 years old..
Feb 3 2008 8:26PM
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cpas_
Posts: 349 - Karma: 22
I'd definately go the used route...
some websites with good buy and sells are:
www.nsmb.com
www.pinkbike.com

theres some pretty amazing deals which pop up on these from time to time
Feb 3 2008 8:57PM
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mothaeast
Posts: 2923 - Karma: 13
some people jsut cannot read
Feb 3 2008 9:00PM
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skithesprings
Posts: 9086 - Karma: 1,349
Gary Fisher HIFI Plus

gary fisher bikes are the shit.
got mine for 1200 USD, full suspension, put over 600 miles of hard trails on it this summer, and if youre looking for a solid bike this is it.

check one out, http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/hifi-plus
Feb 3 2008 9:06PM
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-Nick-
Posts: 1479 - Karma: 24
get a specialized! i have two of them and theyve been great apart from some flat tires but that happens to all bikes
Feb 3 2008 9:44PM
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popNfresh44
Posts: 3757 - Karma: 44
that micargi thing is like a walmart bike, just go to a real bike store and get a cheap hardtail with a good name behind it. you should be able to find one for 500 bucks.
Feb 3 2008 10:21PM
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ilikeplants
Posts: 1868 - Karma: 17

I think that $1000 is a bit past his limit if he was looking at a Wal-Mart type bike. (forgive me, I didn't read every post in the thread so I dont know if he mentioned what his limit was)

Anyways, try bikesdirect.com

A lot of people will probably shoot it down but it is legit and they sell good bikes. Just because you don't see Motobecane in every shop window or underneath every pro rider doesn't mean it isn't good.

Here are your choices as to what you can get a single speed which is good for commuting and getting around also a lot of fun for just riding around and stuff. You could also go with a hardtail which is good for an all around bike but to me for just commuting, it is a lot of extra parts and shit to deal with.

A single speed would be the best choice if you want simplicity and don't want to do all the maintanence of a full suspension/hard tail mountain bike.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/outcast29_08.htm

$395 and you get a single speed with 29 inch wheels. Sick deal for a sick bike. Just my 2 cents but that is what I would get.

Feb 3 2008 10:59PM
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bikerocker
Posts: 1427 - Karma: 461
i read all your posts after this, but here is the point.  the average hub life of a walmart bike is 100 miles.  thats it, after that it blows up.  if you think about it, most next bikes get ridden only a handful of times a year, and spend a lot of time in the garage...  this means that they seem to last but they don't.  you can get a solid bikeshop bike for 300 bucks with suspension, it'll be assembled by someone who cares, and will come with some kind of service deal.  all the parts will be properly lubed, and all that stuff you don't see will be taken care of.  It's a big deal.  As for full suspension, you need to spend about 600 bucks minimum.  otherwise bike companies are taking too many shortcuts on parts (the ones you won't notice, bottom bracket, chain, hubs, cassette, headset etc.) to make it last.  look at a low end trek, fisher, giant or specialized.  They are the biggest major bike brands, and can produce quality for the cheapest...  That doesn't mean they are the best, but it's the most bang for your buck.  Otherwise repairs will end up costing you more money in about a years time than a bike would.  assuming you ride alot.    if you plan on riding off road, get a mountain bike, if you plan on commuting more than riding off road though, get a commuter, they are cheaper, and you can ride that around and save money until you can afford a nice mountain bike.
Feb 4 2008 12:50AM
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