Looking for a bike again. Looking for something can do road and off road. Not expensive (less than 150).

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/1526383411.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/1493240452.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/1522759596.html

Which is best?

Im 5'10. All I need is a decent bike that I will ride out of my neighborhood and to work. I work less than a mile from my house. most of the travel will be on road, some will be up a grassy hill. No rock jumping, no highspeed, etc......

12/29/2009 9:06:26 AM

All 3 would be equally fine for what you're wanting to do with them.

If you ever intend to do any actual trail riding, I'd go with either the Gary Fisher or the Trek.

I used to have a Trek 3500 and it was a decent bike for the money. If it's in good shape, it's definitely worth $150.

The Gary Fisher will have very similar components in this price range.

I'd honestly just pick the one that fits you the best. I'm wondering if the Trek is too large...I'm 5'10" and I believe my Trek 3500 was a 19.5" frame. The one you listed is 21.5".

12/29/2009 9:32:20 AM

I'd go for the Trek 3500 or the gary fisher. The Giant looks much older, and are sold at wal-mart.

The frame on the trek may be a bit large for you, but you should be able to adjust the seat and handlebar positioning to make it work.

Gary fisher is owned by Trek, so the lower end Treks and Gary Fishers will generally be the same.

[Edited on December 29, 2009 at 9:37 AM. Reason : a]

12/29/2009 9:35:28 AM

^agreed

12/29/2009 9:36:13 AM

I have no clue on what is what when it comes to bikes. I always had a huffy when growing up. My friend recommended these three brands. I do remember liking my bikes a littler larger than what was recommended.

12/29/2009 9:41:18 AM

iirc, or at least when i bought my bike when i was in college, the gary fisher (mtn bikes) seats are set further back from the handlebars. i really liked that and don't like sitting as upright as a lot of other mtn bikes do. i'm not tall, i'm 5'5" and female, but i imagine it'd be preferred by taller people also.

well, mine is a marlin, so the models are prob different. but there ya go

[Edited on December 29, 2009 at 9:50 AM. Reason : ]

12/29/2009 9:46:25 AM

Quote :

"The Giant looks much older, and are sold at wal-mart. "

Are you sure Giant sells bikes at Wal-Mart? I've never noticed them there, but I can't say I pay much attention to bikes in department stores.
Regardless, I don't think that model is one of the Wal-Mart models even if they do make a line for the retail giants.

The Gary Fisher says it's a 21.5" frame, but it really doesn't look that big in the pic so he may have just copied it off a website. If it is 21.5" it would be way too big for a 5'10" person. I'd rule that one out if it is actually that large.

The Trek looks pretty small to me. Better check the size...The guy says it's made for a 5'8" person. I bet it's a 15" or something.

12/29/2009 9:56:15 AM

OP knows that Trek owns Gary Fisher, right?

12/29/2009 10:28:05 AM

Just because they own them doesn't mean the bikes will be alike.

I like the Fishers because the frames are longer front to back. That's more comfortable.

12/29/2009 11:24:17 AM

did you know nestle owns purina and tidy cats?

12/29/2009 11:35:40 AM

i think Im going to go with the Trek, then fisher, then giant

12/30/2009 7:40:00 AM

Quote :

" Are you sure Giant sells bikes at Wal-Mart"

I stand corrected. I was in wal-mart buying some grass seed this fall, and I remember seeing some brand of bike that was good back in the day and was like "wow, how far they've fallen off" when I saw it at wal-mart.

but looking at their site now, it was mongoose, not giant. don't ask me how I got the two confused.

12/30/2009 8:50:55 PM

all three will do what you want. the only thing that trek, gf, and giant make are the frames. everything else (wheels included) are made by others and can be replaced if it breaks.

giants are just as legit as trek and GF

12/30/2009 9:14:09 PM

I agree with what everyone else has said about brands as far as quality....just make sure it fits you. You may prefer one over the other because of the different fit. I would also be concerned over the condition of the components and the bike itself- if they're worn down and things need fixing up, remember this for the overall price of the bike. Check for hubs, bottom bracket, and headset to need re-packed, gears and brakes functioning, and wheels generally in true.

12/31/2009 12:15:56 AM

check it all. I still ride my Gary Fisher and love it. If it fits, buy it. If not, move on. There are tons of great bikes out there and they can last for years. Happy trails.

12/31/2009 1:21:33 AM