Best Mountain Bikes Reviews

I didn’t want to put a lot of cash into a bicycle right now but I did want to get riding again sooner rather than later. I’m not really concerned with name/brand prestige or snobby looks from mtbr’s on Gary Fishers, but more about a good quality/cost ratio, and no stuff from China.

This bike fits the bill.

Components on this bike were better than those on toy store bikes but below the quality of higher end enthusiast and professional stuff. They’ll wear out quicker than the higher end stuff, so I’ll upgrade as that happens.

So, you’re really buying a frame with the components thrown in for good measure.

odds and ends:
- the rear derailleur is an Altus, not an Acera as advertised (that’s a step down in quality. Crosslake took care of me though.
- decently crisp shifting (I prefer levers to twist)
- I don’t know how the chain rings (the gears next to the pedal) hold the chain. Malformed and bloppy metal, must be factory rejects or something, but no real problems yet except icky shifts now and then. First on the upgrade list.
- you’ll probably need to tune the derailleurs a bit.
- wheels are true and brakes are basic but strong.
- haven’t weighed it but it couldn’t be more than 30-35lbs.
- I’m 6′4″ and the 22″ frame is just right.