Mt. Bike suggestions

[Airspeed]

My doctor wants me to get more exercise and get my heart rate up once in awhile. I cant jog or run because of a very bad spine injury so I am thinking of getting a Mt. bike, I want one with full suspension to ease the pain and further damage to my back from hitting bumps.
I used to ride YEARS ago but haven't kept up on bikes and whats good these days. I would like to spend $500 or less and like I said I would like something with front and rear suspension. Anyone here ride?
If so, what would you suggest? Thanks! Aaron

[packerz4]

ask ELMO, he's into bikes...

tk

[mandy]

If you have bad back problems you might want to look into getting a recumbent (sp?) bike. I have heard it is easyer on the back.

Mandy

[mikeschn]

I've started riding bikes again this year also.

We are fortunate to have a rails to trails bike path which starts in Lake Orion, so my main plan was to ride the bike path.

I bought the Specialized Sirrus which is extremely light weight but found it to be too jarring.

So I then when looking for something with a full suspension, with a lockout front suspension fork because some of my riding is on the road.

I ended up buying a Gary Fisher Utopia. It has an adjustable front shock that lets me go from full jounce and rebound to no jounce and rebound, and everything in between. I'm still waiting for my suspension seat post to come in.

BTW, I've been riding for 3 or 4 weeks now, and I notice that the Sirrus is no longer as jarring as it used to be. I guess I've gotten used to it.

I have a weak back, but neither bike hurts it. I'm supposed to exercise my back, but bike riding really doesn't give it much exercise. But it sure helps my legs and my cardiovascular system.

Check out the Utopia here:
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/utopia

Mike...

P.S. I take the Sirrus to work every day and ride it during lunch when the weather is nice. It fits perfectly into the Fusion with the back seat folded down. I ride the Utopia evenings and weekends on the bike trail.

P.P.S. If you need any close up pictures of either bike, let me know...

[Dean_A]

I used to ride a lot, but then I got married had kids, so I spend my free time doing family stuff. You can see my bike hanging up behind the trailer.

My first advice is to go with a quality brand. Skip the Huffys and other junk you find at Costco. Specialized is great. So is Gary fisher, Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Marin, Kona and others.

My next advise is to visit some good local bike shops and talk to some folks there. It used to be a simple as road bike vs. mountain bike, but it's gotten a lot more complex with all kinds of new hybrid categories. Your local bike shop should be able to steer you toward the right balance of features and costs.

BTW, if anyone's looking to buy a nice used Specialized FSR Elite, let me know.

[Airspeed]

I used to ride a lot, but then I got married had kids, so I spend my free time doing family stuff. You can see my bike hanging up behind the trailer.

My first advice is to go with a quality brand. Skip the Huffys and other junk you find at Costco. Specialized is great. So is Gary fisher, Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Marin, Kona and others.

My next advise is to visit some good local bike shops and talk to some folks there. It used to be a simple as road bike vs. mountain bike, but it's gotten a lot more complex with all kinds of new hybrid categories. Your local bike shop should be able to steer you toward the right balance of features and costs.

BTW, if anyone's looking to buy a nice used Specialized FSR Elite, let me know.

What size, how much and will you ship? Thanks! Aaron

[Airspeed]

I rode a bike the other day to see how it felt, it had front shocks only and it was a little rough on my back. I have a LOT of damage in my lower back and neck so I really want the smoothest ride I can get.
Aaron

[elmo]

A good full suspension will be a couple more $$ than the $500...used maybe a good way to go.

If the bike Dean_A is selling fits it maybe the route to go and a nice bike that will last you for a lot of years.

You can also get front shocks and a suspension seat post...not as much travel but will take some of the jarring out of it.

Like Mandy said a recumbent would probally best for someone with a bad back.

I'll see if Sheep Boy has another idea for ya!! I just mainly work on them now...I think he is a little more up to date on what is currently out there!!

[Nitetimes]

Of course there's also Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Can Am.......
They'll get yer blood pumpin'!!!!

[Gary and Cheri]

Like elmo said, you are going to need to spend more than $500 if you are buying new. Buy the lightest bike you can afford. The advantage of the mountain bike is the ability to go off a paved path. If you have back problems where you are concerned about jarring, you might want to consider staying with a road bike.

Longer wheel bases track better. Shorter wheel bases turn better but can get twitchy. Pay attention to fork rake. Forks that have more of an angle increase the wheel base and are softer to ride. Straight up and and down steers better but is a harsh ride.

Recumbents are the way to go on the flat. Can be interesting going up steep hills. A recumbent will be double the cost of a traditional bike. On a flat road you will wave good-bye to all the bent over traditional bikers as you blow by them. Bikes are expensive. Spend alittle more than you want to and you won't regret it.

Tandems are really cool. If you ride in back she will never know your not pedalling.

Gary J.

[Dean_A]

What size, how much and will you ship? Thanks! Aaron

Aaron,
It's a large frame. I'm 6' 1" and it fits me fine. Unfortunately, I don't really think this frame has the right geometry for someone with a bad back. It's more of a serious off-road downhill bike. You'd probably be more comfortable with a bike that has a more upright riding position.
--Dean

[Airspeed]

Of course there's also Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Can Am.......
They'll get yer blood pumpin'!!!!

I used to have a Can Am about 100 years ago, along with a couple Yamaha's. My last bike was a TT500, it was a big 4 stroke endouro. I think those days are far behind me now!
I used to want to be like Evil or Gary Wells when I was a kid.
I would go of any jump I could find. I dont know how I survived!
Aaron

[emiller]

How about Ellsworth's bikes. http://www.wrenchscience.com/Ellsworth/ ... agodWBZ0DQ
Or Scotts carbon scale baikes are some of the best.
http://www.scottusa.com/gb_en/product/182/605/scale_ltd

[Airspeed]

I have been looking around and came across this one, it's under $500, I dont know of the quality. Anyone familiar with these?
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/400ds.htm
Or maybe this one,
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/700ds.htm

[Airspeed]

What size, how much and will you ship? Thanks! Aaron

Aaron,
It's a large frame. I'm 6' 1" and it fits me fine. Unfortunately, I don't really think this frame has the right geometry for someone with a bad back. It's more of a serious off-road downhill bike. You'd probably be more comfortable with a bike that has a more upright riding position.
--Dean

Thanks Dean, I think yours is well out of my price range anyway! I looked at the website and it looks like it is worth three times what I want to spend. Thanks, Aaron