Cheap beginner mtb

[J_L_C]

Hi guys,

I recently built myself a road single speed and its fun to ride but I want to try something new.
I was think about getting a mountain bike for riding in parks and maybe some trails if I can find some.
I dont want to spend a lot so I was thinking about just something cheap from kmart of something. But I found another online which is Reid X126 Mountain Bike for $220 on special. What I want to know is whether the kmart or similar would be so bad, or if the reid would be worth a little extra money. Or any other bikes that anyone knows around this price range.
Thanks Jordan

[bychosis]

Second hand, hardtail, 29er if you can afford it. You've proved you can handle a bit of mechanical work, use your knowledge to fix up something with potential, even something quite old would do. Do not under any circumstance purchase a kmart bike, and a Reid for $220 is a mountain bike shaped bike (it's better than a BSO though) and won't stand up to off road much. Look for something that was marketed around the $1k mark.

[J_L_C]

Thanks, I have been looking on gumtree and there seems to be a lot of mountain bikes for around $50.
I know hardtail is no back suspension, but why are they better?
Not sure what 29er is?
I hope to be able to buy one that wont need too much work, but like you said I can do the work if I need to.
Is there anything to look for when buying a mountain bike?

Jordan

[bychosis]

Hardtail will be better value for money in the budget range, reas suspension adds weight, complexity and at the bottom of the market is not worth it. 29er is wheel size. Old MTB size was 26" then they moved to 29" and now they are flogging 27.5" as the bees kness. The debate will rage for aeons as to which wheel size is best, in the budget 2nd hand market 26" should be plentiful, 29" will probably be unusual, 27.5 just won't be available yet (too new).

On gumtree, eBay etc only look at reputable brand name stuff, $50 mtbso are plentiful. A reasonable bike should pop up for around $200 if you can wait. Do some research while you wait, if you find something with potential, there are plenty of helpful eyes here to assist.

[J_L_C]

Thanks info I needed. Im just gonna keep searching online and wait it out. Im just not too sure about whats good and what should be in a skip.
Will post here if I need anymore info

Thanks Jordan

[J_L_C]

Something like this?
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/east-per ... 1042824535" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bychosis]

If the forks work ok, everything else functions and it's your size I'd say that is good value at $65. With xt spec drivetrain although it's old it's a good starting point. Worst case you'll get you money back if you on sell.

[J_L_C]

Thanks might contact them, I searched it and I see its quite old but that doesnt bother me.

[silentbutdeadly]

Something like this?
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/east-per ... 1042824535" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If that was $65 then it was a bargain for a Rocky Mountain bike...XT or not.

[J_L_C]

Too bad its sold :'(

[J_L_C]

Hey again, just wondering if anyone could tell me some myb brands to look out for,
Im thinking of a second hand under 200.
Any brands for anything I should look for
Thanks

[silentbutdeadly]

Something not sold at Kmart or bigw...