Topic: GETTING INTO IT!

[sliceoflife]

Finally decided to start up riding. I don't have a bike yet so that would be the first thing I'd need. Im curious as to what are the universal good starter bikes. I live in pembroke pines so most of my riding will be at markham park and parks in SFL-CFL. I want something thats good for all around until i can find what my riding style is. Coming from riding motocross i would imagine I'm going to love jumps if thats any added help. I'm completely new so any help is appriciated, also any suggestions on good shops around my area would be great!

-Dan

[BeerCan]

Budget?

[Alan]

Good starter bike would be a hardtail of some sort.  New vs used depends on your budget and how comfortable you are with possible repairs, adjustments, etc.  Lots of great used finds on Craigslist but it is easy to get burned if you aren't familiar with bicycles.

[Albe23]

Agree with Beercan, First we need to know budget.  Also, hard tails are definitely a good place to start just like Alan said.  A good starter would probably be a Specialized Stumpjumper or a Rockhopper.  Although I have a friend who is willing to part with a seriously decked out Identi Krysis for $1000.00.

[Sirbikesalot]

I kinda disagree,why spend $1000 bucks on a hardtail when another $500 can get you a full suspension.In my oppinion a hardtail makes newbies fall in love with this sport much slower than a full suspension.I would suggest a specialized epic off ebay or even on here for $1000 or less and then build up the frame as you start getting the fever to ride more.
Also if the budget is very low use the layaway plan most shops have 3 months same as cash and pay a little at a time.

[Alan]

HT makes for a better starter bike in my opinion.  Less moving parts to break and I think it teaches the basics of line choice, clearing obstacles, weight shifting, etc much better than a FS. 

[orion_134]

I agree with Alan, but I think that a HT will help those competitive people who like to be good (and get better) at the things they do.  For a casual rider who just likes to be out putzing around, by all means, get a FS bike and enjoy not picking lines and just ride.  Granted, I don't know the OP's intent, but that's my idea.

[Diesel#311]

$1k can get you a Scott Spark 60 online.

[jnsnbch]

Dan,

In an attempt to figure out what you like I would suggest driving the hour give or take 10 min. to Halpatiokee park in Stuart right off I-95 and Kanner Hwy 10 mile north of the Palm Beach County line. There you will find South River Outfitters. They rent bikes - 29ers, full suspension, and hard tail - to ride on the trail which is very easy for a new rider. It is flowing single track through the woods (approx. 7miles total), very light technical sections. This way you can get an idea of what you like. I was always very pro hard tail until my first ride on a full suspension a month ago, which I then bought. There are still attributes about a HT that I miss and when I have some extra $ will get another one just to have, but Have found the full suspension much easier on this aging body of mine - only 33 but still a really nice ride, like riding on a cloud. If you are at all interested message me and I'll meet up with you and ride. I live in Jensen Beach and take all my new riding friends there while getting there feet wet. Plus SRO sells off there rental fleet every year (all Specialized) which should be coming up. The bikes are all professionally maintained and qaulity rides. Just some food for thought.

[steve]

On your mark bike shop is close to you also nice peeps with a great reputation

[ProEdgeBiker.com]

Finally decided to start up riding. I don't have a bike yet so that would be the first thing I'd need. Im curious as to what are the universal good starter bikes. I live in pembroke pines so most of my riding will be at markham park and parks in SFL-CFL. I want something thats good for all around until i can find what my riding style is. Coming from riding motocross i would imagine I'm going to love jumps if thats any added help. I'm completely new so any help is appriciated, also any suggestions on good shops around my area would be great!

-Dan

I have a couple buddies selling real nice starter bikes, what's your budget & what size frame do you need?