Bike Help? (Maybe a keyboard forum has the answers)

[PixelVandalism]

I am looking at getting a new bike (My old bike is to small, and it has lots of problems), I'm probably just going to be riding it to and from school, and to friends houses and the post office.
I don't know much about bikes, but I want a 29er.

I can probably get a GT karakoram 2.0 for about $550
or an Avanti Montari 29.1 for around the same price.

The GT is second hand, although the guy bought it at the start of may, and hasn't used it much, the Avanti, would be brand new.
The GT has hydraulic brakes, the Avanti does not.
Other than that, I don't see much difference.

I need an XL (22-23") bike, because I'm around 6'5"
I don't want to spend more than $600 on a bike, can anyone help me out?

[SmallFry]

Hydraulic brakes would be nice if you live in an area that, one doesn't get too cold (I don't know the weather in Queensland) and if it is rather hilly... other than that I'm not sure that things would matter too much, but don't quote me.:tongue:

[PixelVandalism]

It's not usually cold here, the wind was bad today though, I don't have a school jumper, so It wasn't that pleasant.
It's rather flat, although I want to take it into the hills sometimes, It would be a waste having the bike and not using it for its intended purpose.

[sth]

Disc brakes are mostly good for trails + wet weather. Otherwise they're not really necessary.

If you're looking at 29ers you might just want to go for a hybrid or a steel road-ish bike. Not a ROAD RACER CARBON SUPER LIGHT flashy bike but something like a Linus. 29er is just the mountain bike industry's marketing gimmick for putting normal size wheels on mountain bikes :wof: I know a few people that really love the simplicity of Linus' internal-gear-equipped bikes and they're pretty easy to find or order in the states. Not so sure about AUS though.

Both of the bikes you linked are just okay. The components are nothing special, and most people don't really need suspension with wheels that big anyway. Your best bet would be to go to a locally-owned shop (the smaller and less flashy the better) and ask about getting fitted for a commuter. If your area has a community shop/co-op that's even better, as you'll usually save some money, get a great bike and support a good cause.

[PixelVandalism]

I went to three shops, one was a chain, the others were two locally owned bike stores.
One of the locally owned shops was trying to sell me a $1000 Cannondale.
The other was trying to sell me a Matts 40D, as was the the shop that was a part of a chain.
They were both saying around $550 for it.

I am looking at riding down a few hills, so I really do want a mountain bike, thanks for the suggestions though

[jonnybastard]

Merida make decent bikes but anything around that budget is going to be.. well, budget.  Best bang for your buck here in Aus is probably going to be a Giant, the Boulder's sell for about $500 usually, or you might be able to get a Talon for ~800ish, they make a 29'er in the Talon too.

You'll get a lot more bike for your money on the used market.

[cactux]

hardtail or full suspension?

[PixelVandalism]

Hardtail.
Is there anything bad about the two bikes I linked in the OP?

[cactux]

^ I am more Canondale and Specializer guy. I do not like the Avanty. What fork comes in both models?

[PixelVandalism]

I could get a Specialized Hardrock 29er for around the same price point, although I don't think its forks are as good?
Specialized Hardrock Disc Int 29er - SR Suntour XCT 80mm Travel (I don't think it has lockout, but I'm not sure)
The Avanti has these - SR Suntour XCT-V3 MLO 80mm Travel (these have lockout and seem to be a higher model number)
The GT has these - Rock Shox XC28 TK Mg w/100mm Travel

[sth]

Hmm, it's been a while since I knew anything about mountain bikes, but my suggestion about the co-op still stands. GL finding a bike and happy trails!

[PixelVandalism]

Are the specs of this bike comparable to

rame: ADT 6061 Formtech Alloy 29" Specific Geometry
Fork: SR Suntour XCT-V3 MLO 80mm Travel Preload Adjust & Lockout
Front Derailleur: Shimano M190
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus M310
Brake Levers: Shimano EF51
Shifters: Shimano EF51 24-Speed
Crankset: Shimano M131 42/ 34/ 24T
Hubs: Joytech QR Front, Shimano M475 Rear
Cassette: Shimano HG30 11-32T 8-Speed
Handlebar: Steel Riser 25.4mm
Grips: Kraton
Handlebar Stem: Alloy Ahead 25.4mm
Pedals: Resin Platform MTB
Rims/Wheel Set: Alex SD-24 Double-Wall Alloy 32H
Spokes: DT Swiss Industry Stainless Steel
Tyres: Kenda Small Black Eight 29 X 2.1"
Saddle: Zero Zekta
Seat Post: Alloy Micro Adjust 31.6mm
Bottom Bracket: Semi Cartridge
Headset: Semi-Integrated Aheadset 1-1/8"
Chain: KMC Z-8

To this bike.

Frame Finish
Black/Grey
Frame   6061 Alloy frame with butted tubing, internal headset
Fork   SUNTOUR XCM V-3 with 100mm travel and lockout
Brakes Front   Shimano BR-M416 mechanical disc brake with 6 bolt 160mm rotor
Brakes Rear
Shimano BR-M416 mechanical disc brake with 6 bolt 160mm rotor
Brakes Levers
Shimano Alloy black
Pedals   Wellgo Alloy sealed bearing silver
Crankset   Shimano FC-M361C Octalink, 42"32"22T, 170mm, black
Bottom Bracket
Shimano ES-25 Octalink
Chain   KMC HG-50
Cassette   Shimano CS-HG50-8L, 11-32T, 8-speed
Hub Rear
Alloy quick release, black, disc compatible
Hub Front
Alloy quick release, black, disc compatible
Rims   Weinman ZAC-2000, alloy double wall, 32H, black
Spokes/Nipples
Stainless 14G black, brass nipples
Tires   CST 26" x 2.1 black
Saddle   Velo steel rail black
Seatpost   Kalloy Alloy black, 31.6mm x 350mm
Stem   Kalloy Alloy black, 31.8mm, 7° rise
Handlebar   Kalloy Alloy black, 31.8mm, 30mm rise, 9° bend, 640mm width
Grips   Velo kraton black
Headset   1 1/8”, Threadless, Alloy
Front Derailleur   Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur   Shimano Deore
Shifters   Shimano ST-EF60-8

My dad bought the second bike for me, I Want to take it back and buy the first bike.
This for entirely aesthetics reasons... and the first bike is a 29er...
I don't know what to do?

[sth]

The second bike is nicer but if you want a 29er get the 29er. You probably won't notice the difference in the components since most of them are fairly low-end (a few steps above box store bikes pretty much) and you don't seem like a bike nerd.

[PixelVandalism]

The second bike is nicer but if you want a 29er get the 29er. You probably won't notice the difference in the components since most of them are fairly low-end (a few steps above box store bikes pretty much) and you don't seem like a bike nerd.

I'm far from a bike nerd.
I guess it all depends on if I can take the other bike back..

[REVENGE]

That GT looks ok, where are you getting it from? Performance? BikesDirect?

On your budget, a 29er single speed might do the trick. I'd stick with hydraulic brakes, much better feel and modulation IMO. Cyclocross bikes are going hydraulic soon, road bikes will follow.

For example: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/outcast29_xii.htm - Has RS Recon for 2012.
EDIT: Meh, sold out for L / XL.

[PixelVandalism]

That GT looks ok, where are you getting it from? Performance? BikesDirect?

On your budget, a 29er single speed might do the trick. I'd stick with hydraulic brakes, much better feel and modulation IMO. Cyclocross bikes are going hydraulic soon, road bikes will follow.

For example: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/outcast29_xii.htm - Has RS Recon for 2012.
EDIT: Meh, sold out for L / XL.

I'm in australia, so those shops aren't a possibilty.
I ended up keeping the Flight Trail 1, I had to ride it today, and I can't wait until the middle of next month to get another bike (Earlist any shops on the coast are getting any 22" bikes in my price range)