Any Mountain Bike Enthusiasts?

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Benjamin28

#1
I've recently been looking online for a decent cycle shop, something that's a step up from Dicks Sporting Goods chain stores, but still offers affordable quality products. Mainly I'm shopping for a decent seat, new peddles, cleats, helmet, and possibly a second bike for my girlfriend.

I haven't found many stores that offer decent reviews though, so I figured I'd ask here to see if anyone has any brand suggestions or stores they shop from? I'm looking for quality gear with most focus on comfort/performance at reasonable pricing, no focus on racing, just as leisure activity.
 
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BradM

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#2
Interesting thread. I have a couple of local bike shops that I use.

NOTE: I am not that good of a biker. I just enjoy doing it. What I have learned is that it's worth it to find a good supplier of a bike, with the proper gear.

My bike shop will give free Prev. Maintenance work on my bike as long as I have it.

I have a good friend that has several good magazines he purchases from.
 
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Benjamin28

#3
Yeah, the bike I had purchased, just an entry level Giant was from a local shop that has since gone out of business, oddly enough they were the only local one, the closest other is about 30 miles out so I was looking online, but there is so much online that I wanted to possibly narrow things down. Maybe a magazine would be the best place to look at for reviews, thanks, I hadn't even considered that idea lol.
 
#4
MTB enthusiast? Definitely. Apart from making the woods unsafe, I also use a Scott voltage MTB to transport my bottom to work... all year round. Just my kind of everyday excercise...:D

Fortunately we have a really decent bike shop in town (There is also a number of totally clueless ones), so I have not really been paying much attention to web shops...

/Claes
 

Manix

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#5
Being in the UK, I probably can't recommend a decent Bike shop in the US! However, I do recommend the bike I have recently purchased:

Claud Butler - Stone River, the latest model.

It is such value for money, it's not top of the range by any stretch, but man it's a really nice bike!



It is an absolute snip, but I am unsure of it's availability in the US?

Details here: http://www.falconcycles.co.uk/CORP/MTB/stoneriver.html#

I highly recommend it!
 

ScottK

Not out of the crisis
Staff member
Super Moderator
#6
I used to be a die hard cyclist... until I had kids.

I know where Enfield is ut don't know much about the area other than LEGO has (had?) a facility there. A guy I grew up with runs a cycle shop in Cos Cob, but that probably won't help you...

Try this for parts: http://www.performancebike.com/
I bought a lot from them: brake sets, derailleurs, gear, pedals, shoes, cycling shorts, etc.

Otherwise just try a local bike shop. Stay away from the chain stores. They guys in the bike shops generally know their stuff.

as far as brand - it's like buying a car. Everyone has reasons for liking different things. I'm partial to Canondale but I haven't bought a new bike since 1999.

For your girlfriend - again, go to a bike shop. They'll know how to fit a bike better than any chain store employee. Even if you want to get her a low end bike, get it fitted at a bike shop and them look for a better price elsewhere.
 
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Kwilson

#7
I lived in Southington, CT for a year, and I highly recommend Newington Bike, in Newington CT, just south of Hartford. It's shouldn't be too much of a drive for you, great guys. (plus they sponsored my racing for a while).

Ride safe.

KW
 
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Pazuzu - 2009

#8
Being in the UK, I probably can't recommend a decent Bike shop in the US! However, I do recommend the bike I have recently purchased:

Claud Butler - Stone River, the latest model.

It is such value for money, it's not top of the range by any stretch, but man it's a really nice bike!

It is an absolute snip, but I am unsure of it's availability in the US?

I highly recommend it!
That is one hell of a nice looking bike! Not too flashy...very tight. Never heard of that name personally.

I tend to be a fan of Cannondale and Specialized. I had a GT All Terra until it was stolen!! :mad: Now I'm in the market again looking at the Iron Horse line.
 
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Benjamin28

#9
Indeed a nice looking ride for the $400 range which is about where I'm looking. Found a decent Giant Boulder SE women's at a bike shop relatively close by for $300 which seems quite suitable for her riding style. At the same time I had my eyes on a Giant Anthem, nice bike...until I asked the sales associate the price. :lmao: Ah if only money weren't an issue.
 

Randy

Super Moderator
#10
Biking would be great, but finding one that will support 1/8th of a ton and get me 1000+ miles in a couple of hours is kinda hard.:lol:
 
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