[Nighthiker]

One of the benefits of the closing of the forests this past summer, I took up bike riding again and now incorporate bike riding with my outdoor activities. I street ride on a daily basis and off-pavement rides once a week and my ride type would be called mountain rec and bike type for this activity would be a hardtail. I have borrowed several bikes and rode them around the rim the past couple of months and still undecided for a bike selection though I favor the Giant Rincon, Yukon and the Trek 4500, 4900. Any comments or suggetions would be appreciated.

[scottmackey]

I'd go with either of the Trek bikes, just because I have rode a Fisher (made by Trek) for a few years and the company is a quality one.

That's about all the info I can offer, but your choices are all good bikes. Test ride each one and go with whichever feels most natural.

[ck_1]

Nighthiker - I own a Trek 1000 road bike and 99 Gary Fisher Aquilla Mountain Bike...both are excellent entry level bikes. A bike purchase is a huge one, and the more info you have, the better. I'd suggest that you stop by Landis Cycle, the one at Southern and Price. I can't say enough about those guys...back in Illinois, I had a great bike shop/mechanic, and finding one out here was tough, as there are bike shops all over...well I walked into Landis Cycle and it smelled right, like a bike shop should...kind of a combination of bike tire, lube and chicken fried steak...anyway, the guys there can help you make the right purchase....there's my two cents....oh, and avoid at all costs buying a bike from a place like Sams or Costco or Walmart...it's just not worth it...

[Greg Jackson]

Nighthiker, I agree wholeheartedly with ck 1.

Avoid the discount wholesale stores!

I raced a few seasons on the California NORBA circuit (a long time ago) and was sponsored by a local shop. The knowledge, and the hands on information, that you’ll receive from the local bike store mechanic should hopefully help you form a quality decision on your new bike purchase.

For cutting edge bikes and parts I’d recommend Rage Bicycles. (602) 968-8116. Tempe.

The shops mentioned in prior replies are also very quality shops and well worth their importance.

Personally, I still ride an old GT Zaskar. It is a light frame with a lot of give. Very comfortable. The whole bike weighs under eighteen pounds. Not bad for a ’95. You might give this brand a try.

Just remember to buy from a dealer, not from a wholesaler.

Greg

[nealz]

Nighthiker-

I'd also recommend a LBS, Local Bike Shop, over a discounter anytime. They've got the knowledge and expertise that'll fit you with a better bike and the back-up service too. My favorite shop is Bike Chalet at:

5761 E. Brown Road
Suite 102
Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone (480) 807-2944

Talk to Mike Wetzler, shop manager, he's a friend and a good rider and knows his stuff. I still ride my Fisher hardtail but I've also added a 'duelly' full suspension, Dean Z-Link, and as I'm in my dotage, the extra comfort and added rock clearing capabilities sure is nice. Good luck and take care.

-Nealz

[Nighthiker]

Thanks for all the info. I have visited The Bike Chalet and Landis and Manzanita in Payson, very knowledgeable staff. I had my old Chicago Schwinn restored to riding conditon by Ehrhardt's in Tempe and I frequent a bike shop in East Mesa called Junction Bikes, they have an excellent staff and are a Giant Dealer which is the bike that I am very pleased with.

[David Garcia]

Has anyone tried Bob's Bike shop. The owner has been in Scottsdale as long as I can remember. He as a nice selection of bikes for sale, however, his main business is bike repair. I do most of my own repair work, however, I have had a lot of success with them on stuff I can't do the work and Bob's is a great source for new parts.

[sean82]

Bicycle Showcase! They rock! I bought my Klein there a couple years ago... gave me a discounted Bell helmet AND FREE Sidi shoes!!! Don't let the price tag fool you, they'll work a deal if you loiter there too many times The owner, Dave, is an awesome guy. He still races a bit, but has YEARS of experience with MTN bikes and Road. They have stores in SNOTTsdale and Phoenix. Landis wasn't so cool to me, just a personal exp. probably - little snooty.

As far as bikes go: I have a Klein-Attitude Race (HARDTAIL, of course) - nothing has ever felt (or looked) better.
I have owned Trek and Specialized (both steel bikes), and think they are both high quality manufacturers - prefer Specialized just slightly over Trek.