HSLD

Anyone know of a good brand of bicycle for around $700?

dittidano

I bought a 28 speed mountain bike last summer. The bike is made by Marin; it has front suspension and is a great all around bike. I think that I paid around $625 USD for it. It was a great buy, I absolutley love everything about it( i.e. suspension,components,ergonomics,ect) You should look into the Marin's, I have never heard anything bad about them.

Dittidano

dckozak

I could tell you, but it will start an argument

HSLD

Ouch! Check your PM

Pilotpip

HSLD, I used to work in a shop. What it comes down to at that price point is what fits you best. Pretty much every bike in that price range is going to have the same frame material, and the same componentry. They'll likely be made in the same thai factory (likely by Giant).

I'd consider how the frame fits, as they often use different geometries. You can tweak the seat postition, stem length, etc to a point but it's moot if you don't start with a properly fitting frame.

Another important consideration is the shop. Most offer some kind of service warranty, that's a nice thing that could save you a few bucks per year on adjustments. If you're riding a bunch, you'll need the bike serviced every once in a while. Another important consideration with the shop is how much time they spend with you on the purchase. Are they willing to swap parts? Did they take time to fit you on the bike? etc.

Having said all that, Giant makes some of the best bikes I have seen in that price range.

Typhoonpilot

Is there an REI in your area?, if so go there and check out their selection. Not sure if you are asking for Mountain or Road bike. I've had an REI road bike for over ten years and it works for me. If I was back in the States riding more I would probably go for something at a higher price, but for under $700 the REI is good value for money.

TP

Tanker-driver

Assuming you want a mtn bike, there should be wide range of decent bikes available in your price range. Trek, Giant, Cannondale, and Schwinn all make decent bikes at this price. You should be able to get a good mid-level front shock, along with decent Shimano componentry (acera, st, stx). Stick with a hardtail and stay away from full suspension bikes at this price point. The full suspension bikes may seem tempting, but you really have to spend twice as much as what you're looking at to get a decent one. You'll get much better value for your money if you stick with a hardtail. Pilotpip's advice is golden....fit is very important. Don't waste your time with a shop that doesn't take the time to explain how the bike should fit as well as find the right frame size for you. Also, REI has great selection and generally knowledgable salse people, but shop around for price once you decide on a bike. Big stores like REI often won't give you the most competitive price. Plus its always nice to support your local mom and pop shop.

SWAcapt

Buy American! HARO...made in America (California I think). I've had my HARO Extreme for 13 years now.

OldAg84

It also depends on the amount and style of riding. Aluminum frames, while heavier, tend to have a little more flex than carbon. So; if your riding long distances at a moderate pace, aluminum might be more comfortable. If you want to ride against yourself for time or just speed in general, carbon might be the way to go.

Remember, components make up a lot of the bikes performance- I know that's a little like Master of the Obvious, but a great frame with a substandard gear set/derailleur is no bargain.

TREK makes a halfway decent bike for $699, Litespeed has some good products- although not cheap.

Local shops CAN be good, but REI seems to have the most knowledgable and consistent advice.

FedEx1

I got the Giant OCR2. Nice road bike. Bought a new seat for it though, got the clip in pedals.