Mountain Bikes on a Budget

[Smossy]

Looking to pick up mountain bikes for both me and the girl. Kinda on a budget, Around 400-500 total for the both.
I need advice on DECENT bikes, Dont gotta be amazing but I dont want them falling apart/breaking in a week of owning them either.
Something for mild offroading, Dirt/Gravel Trails, DNR Roads, etc.

What to stay away from as far as brakes/gears/frames.

[JKEEN33]

Find out what size you need. From there you have tons of options. I've had a trek 8000  for for about 16 years and it's still going strong. The better components you get the more you are going to like the bike. Going to cheap is wasting your time. There are some great deals on used bikes out there.

[washelkhunter]

Got mine for 10 bucks at a garage sale. Hardly used. Cleaned it up, new tires, tubes and some accessories and tools for around $100 and she works just fine on the NF roads open or gated.

[Smossy]

Find out what size you need. From there you have tons of options. I've had a trek 8000  for for about 16 years and it's still going strong. The better components you get the more you are going to like the bike. Going to cheap is wasting your time. There are some great deals on used bikes out there.

Yeah I don't need it to last me a lifetime, I just need something for me and the girl to get started. Get into shape, Scout out a few spots, Explore roads we normally wouldnt walk down.

[JLS]

Start scouring Craigslist.  There are a ton of bikes on there.  I'd get front suspension, don't worry about rear.  If you want to use a trailer with it I'd try to find one with disc brakes.

I'm like JKeen33.  I have a 17 year old GT Avalanche.  One of these years I'll upgrade, probably when I break it to the point it's not worth fixing.

I'd try to stay away from the grip twist shifters and find something with the thumb lever shifters.  With the current craze of 29" rims, you can probably find some 26ers pretty cheap.

[Smossy]

Start scouring Craigslist.  There are a ton of bikes on there.  I'd get front suspension, don't worry about rear.  If you want to use a trailer with it I'd try to find one with disc brakes.

I'm like JKeen33.  I have a 17 year old GT Avalanche.  One of these years I'll upgrade, probably when I break it to the point it's not worth fixing.

I'd try to stay away from the grip twist shifters and find something with the thumb lever shifters.  With the current craze of 29" rims, you can probably find some 26ers pretty cheap.

I think I'm more partial to the 26" rims. I feel like If I stopped with 29" rims Ill fall over. lol

[jackelope]

Another nod for a 17 year old fly green Trek bike. Front suspension. Bombproof.

[Smossy]

Another nod for a 17 year old fly green Trek bike. Front suspension. Bombproof.

26" tires, Front suspension, Thumb gear shifters, and no need for disk brakes really unless excessive off-roading or hauling a trailer...?

[jackelope]

Another nod for a 17 year old fly green Trek bike. Front suspension. Bombproof.

26" tires, Front suspension, Thumb gear shifters, and no need for disk brakes really unless excessive off-roading or hauling a trailer...?

Agreed. Mine has the twister shifters but I could see preferring thumb shifters. It wouldn't be a deal breaker though if the price was right.

[Smossy]

With all that stuff being said, I think this is what were gonna pick up.
26" Genesis V2100
Full suspension, Could be a good thing?
Thumb gear shifters
Disk brakes
http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Genesis-V2100-Mountain-Bike-Dual-Suspension-Men-s-Bike/22899847#Product+Reviews

[Fl0und3rz]

Get sized at a bike store, then shop used.  You can get a lot of bike for $400 by looking for a hard tail with v brakes.  You just have to know what look for in frame size.  Thumb shift would be preferred, as stated.

And by shopping used, you will get much better frame/components for the money, so longevity would be better than a big box store deal with all the bells and whistles.

[JLS]

And by shopping used, you will get much better frame/components for the money, so longevity would be better than a big box store deal with all the bells and whistles.

 

The components are what break, and what cost you the money to replace.  You can abuse the heck out of any frame and it will probably last.  Cheap derailers and cranks will = mucho dinero down the road (or trail).

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/4394313851.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/4360537649.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/4399772852.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/4376270151.html

[pope]

With all that stuff being said, I think this is what were gonna pick up.
26" Genesis V2100
Full suspension, Could be a good thing?
Thumb gear shifters
Disk brakes
http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Genesis-V2100-Mountain-Bike-Dual-Suspension-Men-s-Bike/22899847#Product+Reviews

No no no! That bike is likely to be heavy and equipped with components that will disappoint. Seriously, if you have $400 to spend, take the advice of many here and look for a used bike in that price range. Why? Because a bike that would go for $1200+ new will sell used for half that or less. Look for Shimano XT components (or Sram x-7 or better x-9) as a sign you are getting a high quality bike. If your find one through the web, I'd be happy to review the bike/price before you purchase to let you know if it's a good deal.

[pope]

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/4399890439.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/4399842541.html

[Lunchbox1981]

Highly recommend avoiding a cheap full suspension bike.  To much upkeep.  If you plan on riding quite a bit and want a full suspension you will want decent components.  For that kind of money you can get a used Cannondale, Trek, Kona or GT hardtail decked out in Shimano parts that would last you much longer.