HawthorneVillager.com

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I are looking to purchase Mountain Bikes. We would be beginnners We would eventually hope to use these bikes on the trails.

I expect such a bike would cost approximatley $1000 each. Is this correct.

Any advise on what to look for and what to avoid or where to shop?

Any help be greatly appreciated.

Rhonda

$1000 is a decent budget. Go to GEARS on Lakeshore Rd & Mississauga Road in Mississauga. They will ensure you buy exactly what you need for your body/riding style etc. but in an upgradable bike that will last you many many years.

DON'T get one at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek etc. Go to an actual bike shop. Gears will also give you lifetime free tuneups. I usually bring my bike in every spring for a free tune.

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I'm not familiar with the shops in Milton (I know there are 2, maybe more), but Cyclepath in Mississauga has always been an excellent choice.

http://cyclepathmississauga.com/

BTW If you are a beginner, you can definitely get a bike for well under $1000. My advice would be to buy something mid-grade or used (~$500), and see how you like it out on the trails. There are far too many people with expensive bikes hanging up in their garage, that never see the light of day.

Here's a great resource for cycling and they have a classified section as well:

http://www.cyclingforums.com/forum/

Good luck!

I bought my mountain bike at Spokes and Slopes here in Milton. (Main and Ontario) http://www.spokesnslopes.com/

The store looks as if it could be on TLC "hoarders".

But they have some good bikes in there. Not a huge selection but it is local and the father/son team in there know what they are talking about.

I have brought my bike in there twice now for tune ups and they haven't charged me a thing.

Its expensive up front but you will get years of fun out of it.

I have a trail pass for Halton Hills and ride my around them often.

You could also look on Kijiji

Good Luck

I bought my mountain bike at Spokes and Slopes here in Milton. (Main and Ontario) http://www.spokesnslopes.com/

The store looks as if it could be on TLC "hoarders".

But they have some good bikes in there. Not a huge selection but it is local and the father/son team in there know what they are talking about.

I have brought my bike in there twice now for tune ups and they haven't charged me a thing.

Its expensive up front but you will get years of fun out of it.

I have a trail pass for Halton Hills and ride my around them often.

You could also look on Kijiji

Good Luck

There are 3 right here in town. No one has yet mentioned Up Your Bike on Main right across from Troy's.

I don't understand why anyone would still go back to Mississauga. Lakeshore and Miss road is like 45 minutes away. Why do that when there are 3 in town and you can support your community. I assume if you are living here you want your kids to be able to get a summer job here, so why not support our community.

Sorry but I hate when people come on here asking for a referral and people tell them to go back to Miss. Support Main street. THese people are your neighbors.

http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=ch ... bike+shops

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What's the 3rd shop? I know about Up your Bike on Main but haven't been in the shop. I bought my Norco at Spokes and Slopes and always go in there for supplies and maintenance. Yes, the shop's a bit of a mess but the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The shop's actually neater than is was 4 years ago .

There used to be Gearheads at the Up your Bike location but it shut down, or did it just move to another location? They were nice folks too.

So I should just not have an opinion unless it's a local store?? I mentioned in my response that there are 2 or 3 shops local, but I was not familiar with them. I've had great experiences with Cyclepath in Mississauga, and thought the suggestion would be helpful.

And for the record, just because a place is local (and they are my neighbours), does not mean it's the best choice to shop at. If I can get better prices, and service elsewhere, I will. Local is only good, as long as the local product is good as well.

Try http://trektoronto.ca/, they currently have a clearance sale on 2011 mountain bikes. I found they have good deals and bought my bikes from that location.

You should get away with less than $1k for a beginner mountain bike, go for a hardtail before messing with full suspension..

Go to Via Ciclante in Streetsville - use to be ReMy Sports. Great family owned store that takes a lot of pride in what they do. Ask for JP or Jason they will take care of you.

Good luck and enjoy the trails.

++1 I purchased my first bike from there many many years... Well there old location... and I have purchased many other since from there.... the guys there are great. they will treat you right.

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Pain is Temporary Pride is forever

One more vote for "Spokes and Slopes" some of our family ski gear is from this store and one bicycle as well.
I like how they are not pushing and give very professional advise.
They are very good supporters of local community and charities.
One of the owner's sons was running bicycle marathon across Canada this year for charity with one young kid who is recovering from the illness.

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^^^ +1

They give professional advise, they know what they are talking about and they are not pushy, plus they are local.

I researched Mtn bikes during the spring and probably visited every bike shop within about 45 minutes. I tried to keep it local at Spikes and Slopes after buying my first bike there but Via Ciclante (specifically Jay) was great to deal with. Most of my rides are at Kelso, Hilton Falls and various adventure races so I wanted something fairly light and good front suspension (dual would have been nice but that will have to wait). Because of my tall height I ended up buying the Trek X-Cal 29er and absolutely love it but every person is different. My suggestion would be to try as many as you can and shop around. Trek, Giant, Specialized, etc are just a few i'd start with.

Good luck and enjoy!