Mountain Bikes on a Budget

[swanny]

Stand over height and your top tube are where the bike fit will come in. Raising a seat or lowering it is not exactly properly fitting the bike.

You want to make sure you have clearance over the top tube (stand over) in the range of 2-3" for a MTB. For the top tube reach, you don't want to be to compact or stretched out.

You will be looking at factors of inseam and torso size when sizing and fitting your bike.

As others have already stated, do your self a favor and don't buy from Walmart or Target. If you are truly just going to ride logging roads, rear suspension is no need for you. Disc brakes are a thing of beauty, especially if you can find a deal that has hydraulics. And if you get lucky in your price range, get a 29" wheels, they roll better than 26" wheels, making you go further on less pedal strokes.

IMO, you are better off saving money longer and getting quality, working bikes than going cheap and wishing you had more. If you do go out and get bikes off Craigslist in your price range, make sure you test ride them well and shift through all the gears. A tune up is going to run you $50 a bike at least, and that's if no parts are needed. Make sure there aren't any loud squeaks and creaks that could cost you more down the line. Bikes are like cars, they need oil and grease to in order to run at their peak. An ungreased chain can make pedaling much more difficult and the chain along will run you $20-30 to replace. Which means it's either taking more money from you budget or putting you closer to new bikes. You can get decent new bikes for what you want in the $400 range each. I know it's more than you want to spend, but it might be worth it in the end.

[Smossy]

Smossy, I have an older Specialized you can have.

Ill take it for sure man.
Basically work 8-5ish Not really a set time just leave when works done, Typically off somewhere around 3-6pm. I work in Seatac but I live in Spanaway/Roy area. Might be able to send my girl out there sometime if need be, She's layed off right now at work so she has free time.

PS. YOUR INBOX IS FULL

[ANDERWAGON]

It's yours buddy...

I cleaned up my mail box. We'll make some thing work this week.

[Smossy]

Thank's for the bike man, Really like it so far. Rode it around and it works great. Feels good. Glad to see people like you still exist, and with this from you. Im going to pay my old BMX forward to someone else that may need a bike.

[ANDERWAGON]

You're welcome... Great meeting you to, sorry I didn't have more time to BS.

Another day Buddy. Enjoy!

[Karl Blanchard]

Glad you found one of the two man!  When you get to the point that you are looking to upgrade to something higher end, test drive something with 29's!  World of difference!  Disc brakes are a big plus as well.  I know some people aren't fans but basically anywhere that you take it to hunt you are gonna be dealing with down hill grades and excess weight from either trailers and gear or meat quarters and trust me when I say there is few things more terrifying than doing 38mph (max speed for the day on the gps ) down a steep logging road grade because your v brakes were smoked!  Somehow I didn't eat it on that one but I thought for sure I was done for.  If you ever make it over this way you are more than welcome to take the specialized out for a spin.

[kentrek]

I seem to grab the 29er more often as we'll...just something about it

My hunting bike is has 26 inch tires but for hunting I'm usually going relatively slow with a low seat so it doesn't matter except on pack ins and outs...then it's a all business grind an I miss my 29er

[Smossy]

You're welcome... Great meeting you to, sorry I didn't have more time to BS.

Another day Buddy. Enjoy!

Not a big deal, Im sure we will meet up again in the future. Its already been the subject of lots of fun between me and the girl She keeps stealing it from me.
I keep hearing giggles and "weeeeee" come together.

[Old Man Yager]

For sure get something with front suspension. I prefer a hardtail, I feel like the full suspension bounce to much. If your going to pack out an animal ON the bike, be prepared to replace cables shifter and brake cables, they don't work to well when they get gummed up with blood.

[Smossy]

Ok guys we think we have found a decent bike for my lady, Anyone want to give me a yay or nay?
Nice Giant Yukon SE
19.5" 50cm 6061 Aluminum Frame fits 5'7 to 5'11
24 speed trigger shifters
Brand new 8 speed shimano shifter and cable
Shimano Acera Derailers
Side pull brakes with brand new pads
Specialized seat
WTB raptor 26 x 2.0 mountain tires on aluminum wheels
SR Suntour front shock

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

That's a nice bike.  Disk brakes would be a safe attribute though.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

The brand I've never heard of.  That's not saying much but the disk break on that one is only on the front tire.  The disk brake will help on the way out.  Downhill usually.  So you'll want it on the back tire.  You may be able to swap brakes though.

[Smossy]

The brand I've never heard of.  That's not saying much but the disk break on that one is only on the front tire.  The disk brake will help on the way out.  Downhill usually.  So you'll want it on the back tire.  You may be able to swap brakes though.

We managed to pick up the GIANT bike for her, It fit her well and rides pretty well. Left front brake and left side gear may need to be replaced is all. Thanks for the advice guys.

[Smossy]

I contacted a local bike shop to see about getting thumb shifters, rear and front disk brakes, and front suspension added to my bike - and disk brakes, new front derailleur and new front suspension to my girls, because there seems to be problems with the shocks Ive read about in the reviews. 

[Fl0und3rz]

I contacted a local bike shop to see about getting thumb shifters, rear and front disk brakes, and front suspension added to my bike - and disk brakes, new front derailleur and new front suspension to my girls, because there seems to be problems with the shocks Ive read about in the reviews. 

Trigger shifters and front suspension should be relatively easy, and they might even have some used take off parts for a decent price. 

Disks will be more difficult as wheels, hubs, frame, and front suspension have to be designed for it, or retrofit-able.  At that age, the frame, suspension, wheels and hubs are likely not disc ready.  And that's where cost of upgrading will easily outpace the cost/value of the older bike.  So in the end, you will likely decide that sticking with what you have (v brake versus disc) and saving for another used with disc is the better option.  I have been down that road. 

If the bike shop tells you otherwise, I'd find another bike shop.