Newbie needs input on Raleigh M60

[biomajor]

Hello, hello. I'm new to mountain biking in Austin, although I did a little back in San Antonio about 5 years ago. I'm 25 now and I want to get out and enjoy this beautiful city more.

I'm looking at the Raleigh M60 at Sun and Ski. New it's going for $399. A little more than I want to spend, but I understand that it'll do for the kind of thrills I can handle. Anybody got any experience with this bike/shop?

Something out there with more bang for my buck?

Thanks for any help!

Rob:confused:

[J]

http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2002_Hardtail/product_85460.shtml <-- this years review of the bike. There are older models reviewed at this site, as well. Hope this helps you in your decision.

Oh, another thing I wanted to add is that the most important thing is to make sure the bike fits you well. But I'm sure you already knew that!

[Big Worm]

Hey biomajor,

I have dealt with sun & ski for the past 6 years or so and have nothing but good things to say about them! While they are a little pricier than there competitors, they have a great service department and are usually pretty quik about getting things done. Not to mention the free lifetime tuneups you get when you purchase a bike through them.

On the other hand, they are not a locally owned bike shop, which means you will have to deal with alot of coperate bullshit. I like to deal with local guys who have been in austin for awhile and who like to ride bikes also. My recommendation would be to shop around a bit and get some more opinions. Go to some of the local shops, ie; cycle 360, bike sport shop, discovery, freewheelin', etc. and see what there best bike is at that price range and compare it too the raleigh and the service at sun and ski.

Also, check out gary fishers for a good quality, affordable bike!

Good Luck
BW

[biomajor]

Thanks for the advice! I live up north and I'm really looking forward to riding around Walnut. Too few scars on my body.:D

[Bikin'chick]

Hello Bio!! I recently bought a bike from S&S. I'm not familiar w/ raleigh- when I shopped around, Giant had the best value and is easily upgradable. You may want to check them out too!!

[dac]

Bio, if you're in the sun and ski area, make sure you check out Discovery bike shop just down the street. Small but very friendly and helpful. My brother bought a Sugar at Discovery after checking out the tent sale at sun and ski last year. Great service at Discovery.

[jramzey]

Hey, I bought an M60 from S&S last year, it was like $359. I later went back and had them adjust the price to $330, because it was lower during their tent sale. (you have like 30 days). I think its the perfect bike for the newbie. I've been riding with it for about a year, and just completed my first race on it last weekend. I can see myself riding it for max 12 more months. So, it is a great entry bike for a couple years worth, to see if you'll enjoy the sport enough to step up into the $$.

I know they made some needed changes for 2002. They removed the suspension seat post, which has been a problem on mine. They also added normal handlebars, instead of the build in risers. I think you'll be happy with the purchase....

-JR

[biomajor]

:p
Super happy cuz I just bought my first mountain bike. Switched brands (on Bikin'Chiks suggestion sorta) and got a Giant Yukon from Cycle 360. Was helped by a really great sales dude named David. List was $399 but they're having 10% off (I think through April) and I was very happy with the equip and price. The shocks are 2.5" which was my only hesitation, but hell, I ain't that good yet so I wasn't too worried.

I opted away from Sun and Ski only because they didn't have my size in stock on the model, but I'm kinda happy I did, knowing that I'm buying from a locally owned company. Cheers to University Cycles on Lamar who agreed to match Cycle 360's price, but in the end, I went to the folks who had helped me out the most.

Anyways, if ya see a bloodied newbie bashed to hell and laying in Walnut Creek soon, stop by, say 'hi,' and make sure I'm not drowning, ok?

Thanks for all the input.

Rob

[Bikin'chick]

Bio, good for you!!! (it's hard to type in the dark) I've ridden several bikes over the past year, trek, cannondale, kona, fishers and giant. It was the best choice. Coupla months go by, just change out that fork. I got the new NRS, it rocks!!! Have fun riding.....:D ;)

[the Inbred]

Originally posted by biomajor
:p
Super happy cuz I just bought my first mountain bike. Switched brands (on Bikin'Chiks suggestion sorta) and got a Giant Yukon from Cycle 360. Was helped by a really great sales dude named David. List was $399 but they're having 10% off (I think through April) and I was very happy with the equip and price.

man, the guys who work the floor at Cycle360 are awesome. i talked to one guy for like an hour about building up a road bike. we discussed everything from Record to Steelman...too bad i didn't get the same from the mechanics. oh well, at least the floor people are cool.

congrats on the bike, man.