To kinda hijack, is there anybody who makes a mid level bike for us big boys?
I'm 6'4 with long legs, and haven't found a bike I would like to ride for more than a few blocks.

My kids are just now getting big enough that we could ride a few miles, and I hate telling them no........

 

If you're in Streator, you're not more than about one hour from Russell's cycle in Washington. He has at this time three or four used bikes with 60 - 64 cm frames, I know there's a Fuji with a 64 cm frame there for less than $200. They will take the time to fit a bike to you, correctly, and give you lots of time to ride them and try them out. Most of thier larger units will be in their used bike area - and they don't sell shoddy bikes at all. Give them a call and see what they have.

 

I got a Haro mountain bike with front suspension (I dont like the full suspension as you lose alot of energy everytime you push the pedal down). Lasted longer than my previous Murray, Huffy, Royce Union put together. All I do is keep it clean and hit it with some wd-40 every now and then. It is less than half the weight and a ton more rigid, the cheaper bikes have flex and are less responsive. If you are riding paved trails and roads the wally world bike should do you fine but if you have to carry the bike a little on a tough trail or want to get some speed down a dirt trail, I would look for a little more quality.

Pat, I'm 6'3'' and actual bike shops have different size frames for shorter and taller people. There is one bigger than mine but mine is a good size for me.

 

Well I set my max price at $400 and went to the LBS. Ended up with a Trek 3500 with front susupension. Rides much much better the Wally World bike in every aspect. Out the door it was $396 and I get a free tune up after 30 days.

 

Cool, thanks!

Didn't know they made different sized frames.

 

Good job! Nice way to keep it reasonable on the price point. Enjoy riding it!

Also, you will find (as someone else mentioned) that a rear shock isn't nesscicary. I find that unless I'm doing heavy down hill riding (off road) that I prefer a "hardtail" overall. That said, my moutain bike it chrome-moly, not as still as aluminum, and there is no front shock at all. It's forgiving enough, and I get more feedback through my hands & forearms as to what I'm riding over. Plus the complete bike weights under 26 lbs.

 

No problem. They size frames (for some odd reason) in inches for mountain bikes, and Centimeters for road bikes.

These charts may come in handy for you:

http://www.ebicycles.com/article/bic...ze-charts.html

 

I live in Yuma, Az and there are plenty of downhill oportunities. Problem is its all rock so if you eat it, you eat it hard. I prefer to ride on dirt trails vice gravel just for the stability. I dont need to be doing anything crazy, Ill just end up hurting myself.

 

Just bought a Trek Mountain bike 28 speeds on sale for 400.00! Love it!