Mountain biking

[hurley842002]

Run what you got, if you can.
If you can't, get whatever XC tire is on sale. Nothing too knobby should suffice.

I should have been more specific. The tires currently on the bike will need replaced soon, it has your standard size 26x2.00 mountain bike tires (Bontrager connection trail). I'm thinking about going with something a bit narrower and less aggressive more suited for the road, but aggressive enough to handle some dirt.

[SSChameleon]

Geaux AKA are a good choice. They are inexpensive with tight packed knobs so they roll easy on the pavement.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

Yeah, good call. AKA Pluma is even less aggressive. I have a different set of Geax on my 29er right now, moderately non-aggressive, and they're OK.

I wouldn't go too narrow, depending on your rims, though.
This may fit the budget and task: http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-Pathfind...dp/B002DX1DGW/

[hurley842002]

Thanks for the replies gents, unfortunately after taking the bike for a ride today I think it may be one frame size too small. I knew it was right on the edge of too small at 16", but I thought my short inseem would make up for it. This bike may end up going to the wife, so if anyone has any leads on a reasonably priced similar bike, with 18-19" frame, I'm all ears.

[blacklabel]

I'm likely going to pick up a used 2015 Trek Marlin 5. We'll mainly stick to the paved trails around here with the kid but I'm really looking forward to riding again. I haven't been on a bike in 15 years.

[hurley842002]

So far this is where I'm at with the search, maybe you guys can help me make a choice.

Bike #1- http://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searc....aspx?id=92367

Seller has it listed at $200 and it needs a chain, so unless he's willing to come down quite a bit, i'll likely pass.

Bike #2- http://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searc....aspx?id=11122

This one is at $50 and is the same bike I just bought, just a bigger size.

The only thing I know about as far as specs, is that the Specialized has a larger fork, other than that, I don't know the differences. If I could get the specialized down a bit, I think I'd prefer that one, but what do the experts think?

[SSChameleon]

If bike #2 fits and you like it, go with it. Don't expect much from fork on either one. At those price points the forks are window dressing. Specialized and Trek are both reputable companies. Pay attention to the drive trains. Depending on why the Specialized needs a chain, you may have to replace the drive train as well since a new chain won't shift properly on a worn drive train.

At $50 the trek doesn't have much value to lose if you decide you don't like it. That being said, mountain biking, like all awesome hobbies (hunting, fishing, camping, home brewing, archery) increase in price very quickly. You will soon be wanting something lighter with better brakes and nicer fork and before you know it you are into full suspension (a decent full squish bike starts in the $1,500 range for used) and taking a second mortgage on the house.

Just like with firearms, you want to buy once and cry once. Unlike firearms, bikes do not hold their value over time.

[hurley842002]

If bike #2 fits and you like it, go with it. Don't expect much from fork on either one. At those price points the forks are window dressing. Specialized and Trek are both reputable companies. Pay attention to the drive trains. Depending on why the Specialized needs a chain, you may have to replace the drive train as well since a new chain won't shift properly on a worn drive train.

At $50 the trek doesn't have much value to lose if you decide you don't like it. That being said, mountain biking, like all awesome hobbies (hunting, fishing, camping, home brewing, archery) increase in price very quickly. You will soon be wanting something lighter with better brakes and nicer fork and before you know it you are into full suspension (a decent full squish bike starts in the $1,500 range for used) and taking a second mortgage on the house.

Just like with firearms, you want to buy once and cry once. Unlike firearms, bikes do not hold their value over time.

Thanks for the response, I'd definitely like for the MTB thing to become a "hobby" down the road, at this point however, it's just something fun and healthy for the family to do on the weekend, and there are plenty of good paths and such to ride on. Can't really afford to buy once cry once at this point.

Just found a 99 GT Rebound in really good condition, and the guy only wants a case of beer for it lol. At 1.8" of travel, that fork is definitely only for looks, I wouldn't mind upgrading if I end up liking the bike. Not bad for a classic "post merger" GT.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

You may want to look at Bikes Direct as well.
I have never purchased there, but I know a few folks who have and have had decent luck. For what you are doing, it might be right.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/

[Spdu4ia]

I've bought from them , keeping in mind you'll have minor assembly. I really do hate how the MTB scene has become so expensive. Unfortunate turns off a lot of new riders but there are plenty of deals out there at a reasonable price. Just don't pick up a bike magazine.