Sugart
New member
A little background first. I am currently visiting my in laws in south Florida and had the opportunity to do some trail riding at Oleta River State Park. Long story short, I had an awesome time and this was on my nephews bike, nieces helmet, and boat shoes. We did some easy, intermediate, and even one hard trail that absolutely killed me. I was gassed and falling more than riding at one point, but i kept thinking that this was something I could def get into once the snow melts.
So after doing some research on whether there are trails near my house(there is), I decided to start looking at bikes. I not looking to break the bank so I would like to limit myself to 500, but I cant seem to figure out whats good in that range. I find something that is listed as a mountain bike (trek 3500), but when I look for reviews, everyone says its not and that its made for gravel. Now I actually want to ride some trails, so I want something that can handle it. Here is where the problem comes in. Is this sport really as elitist as the internet makes it sound? Sorry if that offends anyone, but its really what Im finding. 500 isnt enough go up to 800. That bike wont last you a year. Those are the comments that I am finding all over the place. I guess my point is that there has to be good quality bikes out there that I can ride on trails and be reliable for my price. If the manufacturers only make quality products in the upper price ranges, how is anyone supposed to be introduced. Thats a bad business model, catering only to the people who are already involved. I will be visiting my LBS when I get home(see I already have your lingo down), but I dont want to be talked into a bike that doesnt fit my needs or wants.
Short version. I am looking for a hard tail mtb around 500 that will be dependable and handle everything a beginner can throw at it, plus room to grow. Does it even exist?
So after doing some research on whether there are trails near my house(there is), I decided to start looking at bikes. I not looking to break the bank so I would like to limit myself to 500, but I cant seem to figure out whats good in that range. I find something that is listed as a mountain bike (trek 3500), but when I look for reviews, everyone says its not and that its made for gravel. Now I actually want to ride some trails, so I want something that can handle it. Here is where the problem comes in. Is this sport really as elitist as the internet makes it sound? Sorry if that offends anyone, but its really what Im finding. 500 isnt enough go up to 800. That bike wont last you a year. Those are the comments that I am finding all over the place. I guess my point is that there has to be good quality bikes out there that I can ride on trails and be reliable for my price. If the manufacturers only make quality products in the upper price ranges, how is anyone supposed to be introduced. Thats a bad business model, catering only to the people who are already involved. I will be visiting my LBS when I get home(see I already have your lingo down), but I dont want to be talked into a bike that doesnt fit my needs or wants.
Short version. I am looking for a hard tail mtb around 500 that will be dependable and handle everything a beginner can throw at it, plus room to grow. Does it even exist?