WANTED: light weight MTN bike for cheap. (SA)

[needabikeplease]

Hi guys im looking for a MTN bike light weight decent enough gearing, used condition, dont care about brand, something decent enough for me to be able to use as a main ride since i no longer have a car, looking to spend around the $400 mark.

even if anyone can point me in the right direction that would be awesome, thanks.
Chris.

[stryker84]

you should be able to get a new entry to low-mid range MTB at that price.
so unless you definitely want a 2nd hand ibke for some reason, check at bike shops for quotes.

something to think about: if you're looking at using it mainly for commuting, replacing the car, and are not going to bush-bash much, look at the hybrids . a bit lighter, a bit more road-oriented. entry lvl will be about $400 as well.

[needabikeplease]

thanks, forgive me for having no knowledge on the subject but what exactly is a hybrid?

[europa]

A hybrid is a halfway house between mtb and racer. There are a variety of flavours - some are just softer off road bikes, others are flat bar but very fast roadies ... and there's probably everything in between. But if you think about taking your mtb and making it work on the road, you'd have it - upright position but not as upright as the mtb, some have wide wheels but not full on mud wheels, others have skinnies. That's why they're called hybrids and they are very popular among commuters and those to whom speed is not an issue (the upright sitting position catches a lot of wind).

Richard

[stryker84]

what Richard said.
Other option instead of a new bike, you could go a second hand roadie, which you can get anywhere between $50-$500 off ebay, or from some bike shops and bike recycling places.
That is, if you want to try a stretched out possie, and drop bars. Most poeple here would recommend the drops. I personally do about similar riding to what you do, and find flat bars adequate. Up to you.
Most importantly, whether new or second hand, test ride! Sizing, fit, and handling are most important, no matter what bike.